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Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia e-News
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Commentary
The Politics of Fear
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
Fear can be a powerful influence in our lives. A healthy fear of something that is harmful may keep us safe. Fear of the unknown can cause helpful caution or limit our perspective. Too often fear can be misused to manipulate the actions of others. In Richmond as elsewhere, fear is evident and at work in many aspects of the legislative process.
When local government officials in Fauquier County shut down the operation of a roadside vegetable stand because it violated local zoning regulations, a firestorm of protests followed, fueled by a fear that somehow local government was interfering with residents' "right to farm." A bill that in its original form would have seriously limited the ability of local governments to regulate land use was introduced, modified in committee, and passed by the House of Delegates. Clearly the fears of the bus load of proponents of the bill who came to Richmond to testify in favor of it were a powerful force. Legislators who themselves feared repercussions if they opposed the bill, watered it down to limit its harmful effects but chose to play it safe and passed it.
The fear of "big government" seems to have intensified in recent years. More than three hundred people showed up on "Second Amendment Freedom Day" to make the case against government taking their guns-something no one has proposed to do. Many were armed; it is legal to "open carry" your gun in Virginia. One demonstrator was on Capitol grounds with an assault rifle; hopefully it was not loaded. Presumably many other demonstrators had concealed weapons which they can carry with a permit. Encouraged by the NRA, Gun Owners of America, and the Virginia Civil Defense League to fear government, these demonstrators are not interested in dialogue about sensible gun laws. Even bills requiring criminal background checks at gun shows are viewed by the zealous as a first step in the government confiscating weapons. Retailers report record sales of guns and ammunition any time gun control is mentioned. Many legislators fear the "scorecards" published by the gun organizations and distributed to voters in their districts.
The ultimate expression of fear of government takeover this year came in the form of two bills (HB2081 and HB2223) and a resolution (HJ654) that purport to expose a conspiracy on the part of the United Nations to take private property through its Agenda 21. Adopted by 182 nations with a stated purpose of combating poverty and pollution, conserving natural resources and encouraging sustainable development, Agenda 21 is seen by some Virginians as a UN plot to take their land. Hopefully the General Assembly that has made the late-night comedy shows once already this session because of its actions will not pass these bills that would make the legislature look foolish to outside observers.
Too many times politicians and organizations with a specific focus take advantage of people's fears for their own gain. Certainly all points of view need to be taken into account in the legislative process, but unreasonable fears are best dealt with through education and development of understanding and trust. It is a responsibility of elected officials to build trust and understanding, not play on the politics of fear.
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Virginia Report on Comcast Channel 28
While Delegate Plum is in Richmond, look for a special edition of Virginia Report aired on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. on Reston Comcast Channel 28 for public service programming.
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Conversations with Delegate Plum
Saturday, February 9
Delegate Plum has scheduled two sessions for constituents to share with him their thoughts and concerns about issues being proposed and voted on at the General Assembly in Richmond. Both conversation sessions will be held on Saturday, February 9.
McNair Elementary School in Herndon
from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Jo Ann Rose Gallery in the
Reston Community Center
at Lake Anne from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
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General Assembly Information
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The Lifetime Leadership Program (LLP) is for those who have a lifetime of accumulated skills and leadership and would like to share them with the community. The program is seeking retirees who want to help people recognize their potential in the second half of their lives and offers opportunities for civic awareness, community action, and volunteer connections. LLP is a partnership between Leadership Fairfax and Volunteer Fairfax, supported by the Positive Aging Coalition, George Mason University, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. This 2-1/2 month program offers 6 bi-weekly program days, providing an overview of ways to transition into your next life chapter and insight into the Fairfax County community and its needs. The spring classes begin Wednesday, March 20, 2013. There will be an information session onThursday, February 7, at 11 a.m., at Leadership Fairfax, 8230 Old Courthouse Rd., Suite 350, Vienna. For more information or to register, contact Moniek at Moniek@leadershipfairfax.org or call 703-752-7504. Additional information is available at Lifetime Leaders Program.
Free income tax filing assistance from AARP tax aide vounteers is available February 1-April 15 at Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Walk in for service during these hours:
Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Thursday, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Older adults and people with disabilities may be eligible to receive real estate tax relief from Fairfax County. To qualify, the following requirements must be met:
--The applicant must be at least 65 years of age, or permanently and totally disabled.
--Applicants who turn 65 or become permanently and totally disabled during the year of application also may qualify for tax relief on a prorated (a portion of the year) basis.
--If the dwelling is jointly owned by an applicant and spouse, either the applicant or the spouse must be at least 65 years of age or older, or permanently and totally disabled.
--The gross income from all sources of the owners of the dwelling and any relatives of the owners who reside in the dwelling may not exceed $72,000.
Applications are available online at tax relief, at the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 223, Fairfax; or by calling 703-222-8234 (English and Spanish), Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Calendar of Events
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will hold six public meetings and one Ask Fairfax! online chat to discuss a Fairfax Connector proposed bus service plan that will coincide with the start of service on Dulles Rail, Phase 1, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) new Silver Line. The plan includes the creation of 12 new routes, the restructuring of 20 existing routes and the elimination of six routes. The complete bus service plan will be discussed at each meeting, with special emphasis placed on area service changes for the general vicinity of each meeting location. Among the meetings scheduled are:
-- Tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 6: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., (Herndon Service Discussion), Town Council Center, 765 Lynn Street, Herndon Transit: Fairfax Connector RIBS 5-- Thursday, Feb. 7: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., (Reston Service Discussion) Reston Community Center at Lake Anne, JoAnn Rose Library 1609A Washington Plaza, Reston. Transit: Fairfax Connector routes 552, 574, RIBS 1 and RIBS 3-- Monday, Feb. 11: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., (Reston Service Discussion) Lake Anne Elementary School, 11510 North Shore Drive, Reston. Transit: Fairfax Connector routes 552, RIBS 1 and RIBS 3
A community drive to collect used clothing and other items for Syrian children and women in refugee camps will be held Feburary 8-10 at the United Christian Parish, 11508 North Shore Drive, Reston. Besides used and new clothing, items needed are boots and shoes, blankets, towels, sleeping bags, tents and cooking pots. It would be helpful if items are wrapped in large plastic bags. Financial donations for shipping costs are also needed. Checks may be made out to UCP and marked "For Syrian Relief." Hours of the drive will be from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8; Saturday, Feb. 9; and Sunday, Feb. 10. Donations will be received at an exterior door off the back parking lot.
When Your Belly Hurts but "Nothing is Wrong" will be held February 11, 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m., at RCC Lake Anne,1609 Washington Plaza N # A, Reston; Free, but registration required (505405-3C Mon). Many people have mysterious aches and pains in their belly but everything checks out fine at the doctor. After a brief overview of gastrointestinal anatomy, this seminar will explore common causes of abdominal pain such as food allergies, food sensitivities and the "mysterious gray areas" of science. Dr. Peter Jo, a Reston area chiropractor who emphasizes nutritional health, will discuss why a healthy gut is absolutely essential for a healthy body and how diet and lifestyle practices can lead to better health.
Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine will be shown at United Christian Parish on Friday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m. Discussion following the film; refreshments will be served. Location information is at map and directions.
Washington Monuments Behind the Scenes, February 23, 6:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m.; Cost: $15 Reston/$30 Non-Reston. Celebrate Black History Month by joining family, friends and neighbors of all ages on this behind the scenes guided tour of the city. A guide will explain the inside secrets of our nation's capital, allowing time to get off the bus and visit famous monuments and memorials. All participants must register. Trip fee includes transportation and tour guide. Visit Reston Community Center to register.
Electric Sunday TV & Computer Recycling, Sunday, February 24, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the I-66 Transfer Station, 4618 West Ox Rd., Fairfax. For updates, cancellations, and notifications of events, call 703-324-5052.
2013 Signature Conference The American Civil War at Home, Saturday, April 20, 2013, at the College of William and Mary.
This Signature Conference--the fifth in an annual series--brings together noted Civil War historians to consider how the Civil War changed Virginia and the nation 150 years ago in the year of the war's turning point, 1863. For more information on the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission, visit
www.VirginiaCivilWar.org.
Save the date for the 10th Annual Nature House 5K Fund Run/Walk on Saturday, April 20. Pre-register or register the morning of beginning at 7:00 a.m.! Enjoy the amazing Nature House facility, and the place for environmental education in and around Reston! For more information, visit 10th Annual 5K Run.
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