Happy Valentine’s Day.
I remember that my school disallowed us bringing in Valentine’s Day cards for our classmates. No, it wasn’t an economic issue- it was the purported connection of the holiday with Saint Valentine.
Continue reading Happy Valentine’s!
The history of the Commonwealth of Virginia is not going away. It’s racist past has now become the topic of manifold conversations, like the way the #MeToo moments became the most discussed issue a few months ago.
Did you know that today is a holiday?
OK. Certainly NOT in the Commonwealth of Virginia. (Can you imagine folks who think it’s acceptable to don Blackface would consider honoring the 16th President of the United States? The one who made it possible to terminate the concept of a split in the country?)
The world as many of my generation knows it is changing.
Continue reading G-g-g-generations
I was surprised that no one really reported about this man’s death. He died last year- 2 days before Thanksgiving. But, I didn’t hear about it at all until last month.
Continue reading Another Pioneer Bites the Dust
I have always loved railroads.
Back when I was really little, my grandparents would post my high chair by the rear window of their co-op. And, I would watch one of the busiest rail yards in America for hours. (No, folks. The Pennsylvania Railroad is long gone.)
Continue reading I’ve been working on the railroad
So, this was supposed to be the second of contiguous posts. Instead, because of events transpiring (ok, transpired) in Virginia, this is the third in the miniseries. Friday, I ranted about Harry Byrd, the segregationist that molded Virginia opinions for nearly four decades. Yesterday, we debated whether Ralph Northam should resign because he thought it proper to either pose in Black face or as a KKK aficionado on his medical school yearbook page. Today, I’ll talk about the other side of the coin.
Continue reading Julius Campbell, Jr.
First, before I even begin this blog, I need to apologize. Last week, I published Part 1 of a 2 part series on segregation and integration. They were supposed to appear over two consecutive days (Tuesday and Wednesday of last week.) However, because of world events, I interrupted my queue. And, promised that Part 2 would appear today. It isn’t. It will appear tomorrow- as Part 3. Today, this new interruption actually (unfortunately) becomes the new Part 2.
Continue reading Your permanent record
Today is Thank-a-Letter-Carrier-Day.
Geez. I can’t stand these politically correct terms. Why not just thank my postman or my postlady? (When I grew up it was only men; thankfully, the government has grown up and lets any gender bring us our mail.)
Continue reading Going Postal?
When I moved to Virginia more than four decades ago (a very scary undertaking for a New York liberal!!!!!), I was shocked at the blatant anti-Black, anti-Jewish sentiments that pervaded the so-called liberal hamlet of Charlottesville. (Yes, when I ventured out to the surrounding areas, it got much worse!)
Continue reading From Byrd to Sanity
