Richmond speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Feb. 28, 2025
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Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
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The recent decision to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is not just a blow to international aid — it is a direct assault on Virginia’s economy.
Agriculture stands as Virginia’s largest private industry, contributing an impressive $82.3 billion annually and providing over 381,800 jobs across the commonwealth. Our farmers, producing commodities like poultry, beef, dairy, corn, wheat and soybeans, have long benefited from USAID’s initiatives that open and sustain international markets. By fostering global trade relationships, USAID ensures that Virginia’s agricultural products reach consumers worldwide, bolstering farm incomes and supporting rural communities.
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Thank you for covering the decision by Sens. Scott Surovell, Mamie Locke and the Democratic caucus in the Virginia Senate to strip Sen. Jennifer Boysko of her chairmanship of the Senate Transportation Committee and seat on the Rules Committee just for standing up for her constituents ("Boysko removed from committee posts after anti-casino testimony," Feb. 13). As Anna Bryson reported, Sen. Boysko spoke out very briefly at the Virginia House Subcommittee hearing against Sen. Surovell’s bill to authorize a casino in Tysons Corner.
Is this how Senate Democrats reward a fellow senator who stands up for her constituents when another, albeit powerful, senator tries to push through a private bill that will only benefit one private company in an area of Fairfax that he does not represent? If so, it’s sad.
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Michael Shank’s Feb. 7 column ("Despite assault on clean energy, the future remains bright for solar") notes that location choices for solar power are critical. The recently passed bill promoting solar canopies over large parking lots (House Bill 2037, sponsored by Del. David Bulova, D-Fairfax) is an excellent step to address this issue.
As Mr. Shank notes, solar fields on farmland can be controversial. Rural Virginians can reasonably argue that urban areas create most of the demand for increasing power, and should therefore bear more responsibility to help create that power.
- Updated
President Donald Trump has achieved some major impacts with his imposition of a 90-day hold on foreign assistance. He is sparking anger and hostility toward the United States in place of the goodwill that has been generated by USAID services and assistance programs.
Trump has stopped emergency assistance that has helped people affected by war — including the feeding centers that serve nearly a million people in Sudan. He is also threatening the lives of millions of people who depended on U.S.-funded health services for survival. This administration ended the vast number of economic development programs helping people to improve their lives, stopped education programs enabling children and young people to go to school and work for a better life.
- Updated
This week, President Donald Trump, the self-proclaimed master of "the art of the deal," revealed his secret to success; bully, demean and coerce the weak while siding with the strong. This, while claiming he's a peacemaker. This poses the question: peace at whose expense? Insofar as the Russia/Ukraine conflict, Team Trump expects the victim to bow to the aggressor so that Trump can be credited with "peacemaking."
It is blatantly obvious that Trump is out of his league when dealing with an ex-KGB agent and master manipulator like Vladimir Putin. Only a narcissistic and naive leader of the free world, where so much is at stake, could be so foolish. This comes as no surprise, however, as Putin knows Trump’s vulnerabilities. Putin can hardly hide his delight, knowing that he essentially had a forward-deployed agent for Russia in the White House.
- Updated
After our recent federal election, which was overwhelmed by big bucks from deep-pocketed special interests, Virginians were gratified that our state legislators introduced nearly two dozen campaign finance bills during this year's General Assembly session.
Some bills passed, including a bill that has been introduced 11 years in a row, which restricts the personal use of campaign funds. However, shenanigans were at play on the Senate floor two days before crossover, which dismayed citizens. Dave Ress’ Feb. 4 article, “Virginia bill to bar corporate donations to campaign funds dies,” highlighted the role played by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell in killing bills without a vote or debate.
- Updated
During my 43 years in public education, it was exciting to watch the tremendous expansion in academic, leadership and extracurricular opportunities for girls and women.
During this period, females were able to take advantage of increased access to advanced classes, expanded opportunities in sports, and wider admission into highly selective educational programs, military training programs and postsecondary institutions.
- Updated
Of all the ridiculous things the Trump administration has done so far, the one that concerns me the most is the creation of a White House Faith Office.
I’m a Christian who strives to demonstrate God’s love through words and actions. Though not perfect, I live out my faith the way I choose. That’s one of the beautiful things about the separation of church and state enshrined in the First Amendment.
- Updated
Government exists to serve the public, and fairness should be at the core of its operations. However, favoritism, cronyism and nepotism frequently interfere — elevating individuals based on personal connections rather than merit while sidelining qualified professionals.
The current push to shrink government, often framed as an effort to improve efficiency, risks opening the door to these unethical practices. In theory, reducing bureaucracy should enhance productivity, but in practice, it can create a power vacuum that rewards the well-connected rather than the competent. Historically, high-level government roles tend to be filled with experienced professionals, but as you move down the ranks, politically motivated hiring becomes more common. Without proper oversight, unqualified individuals can replace seasoned experts, compromising effectiveness and public trust.
More like this...
The recent decision to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is not just a blow to international aid — it is a direct assault on Virginia’s economy.
Agriculture stands as Virginia’s largest private industry, contributing an impressive $82.3 billion annually and providing over 381,800 jobs across the commonwealth. Our farmers, producing commodities like poultry, beef, dairy, corn, wheat and soybeans, have long benefited from USAID’s initiatives that open and sustain international markets. By fostering global trade relationships, USAID ensures that Virginia’s agricultural products reach consumers worldwide, bolstering farm incomes and supporting rural communities.
Thank you for covering the decision by Sens. Scott Surovell, Mamie Locke and the Democratic caucus in the Virginia Senate to strip Sen. Jennifer Boysko of her chairmanship of the Senate Transportation Committee and seat on the Rules Committee just for standing up for her constituents ("Boysko removed from committee posts after anti-casino testimony," Feb. 13). As Anna Bryson reported, Sen. Boysko spoke out very briefly at the Virginia House Subcommittee hearing against Sen. Surovell’s bill to authorize a casino in Tysons Corner.
Is this how Senate Democrats reward a fellow senator who stands up for her constituents when another, albeit powerful, senator tries to push through a private bill that will only benefit one private company in an area of Fairfax that he does not represent? If so, it’s sad.
Michael Shank’s Feb. 7 column ("Despite assault on clean energy, the future remains bright for solar") notes that location choices for solar power are critical. The recently passed bill promoting solar canopies over large parking lots (House Bill 2037, sponsored by Del. David Bulova, D-Fairfax) is an excellent step to address this issue.
As Mr. Shank notes, solar fields on farmland can be controversial. Rural Virginians can reasonably argue that urban areas create most of the demand for increasing power, and should therefore bear more responsibility to help create that power.
President Donald Trump has achieved some major impacts with his imposition of a 90-day hold on foreign assistance. He is sparking anger and hostility toward the United States in place of the goodwill that has been generated by USAID services and assistance programs.
Trump has stopped emergency assistance that has helped people affected by war — including the feeding centers that serve nearly a million people in Sudan. He is also threatening the lives of millions of people who depended on U.S.-funded health services for survival. This administration ended the vast number of economic development programs helping people to improve their lives, stopped education programs enabling children and young people to go to school and work for a better life.
This week, President Donald Trump, the self-proclaimed master of "the art of the deal," revealed his secret to success; bully, demean and coerce the weak while siding with the strong. This, while claiming he's a peacemaker. This poses the question: peace at whose expense? Insofar as the Russia/Ukraine conflict, Team Trump expects the victim to bow to the aggressor so that Trump can be credited with "peacemaking."
It is blatantly obvious that Trump is out of his league when dealing with an ex-KGB agent and master manipulator like Vladimir Putin. Only a narcissistic and naive leader of the free world, where so much is at stake, could be so foolish. This comes as no surprise, however, as Putin knows Trump’s vulnerabilities. Putin can hardly hide his delight, knowing that he essentially had a forward-deployed agent for Russia in the White House.
After our recent federal election, which was overwhelmed by big bucks from deep-pocketed special interests, Virginians were gratified that our state legislators introduced nearly two dozen campaign finance bills during this year's General Assembly session.
Some bills passed, including a bill that has been introduced 11 years in a row, which restricts the personal use of campaign funds. However, shenanigans were at play on the Senate floor two days before crossover, which dismayed citizens. Dave Ress’ Feb. 4 article, “Virginia bill to bar corporate donations to campaign funds dies,” highlighted the role played by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell in killing bills without a vote or debate.
During my 43 years in public education, it was exciting to watch the tremendous expansion in academic, leadership and extracurricular opportunities for girls and women.
During this period, females were able to take advantage of increased access to advanced classes, expanded opportunities in sports, and wider admission into highly selective educational programs, military training programs and postsecondary institutions.
Of all the ridiculous things the Trump administration has done so far, the one that concerns me the most is the creation of a White House Faith Office.
I’m a Christian who strives to demonstrate God’s love through words and actions. Though not perfect, I live out my faith the way I choose. That’s one of the beautiful things about the separation of church and state enshrined in the First Amendment.
Government exists to serve the public, and fairness should be at the core of its operations. However, favoritism, cronyism and nepotism frequently interfere — elevating individuals based on personal connections rather than merit while sidelining qualified professionals.
The current push to shrink government, often framed as an effort to improve efficiency, risks opening the door to these unethical practices. In theory, reducing bureaucracy should enhance productivity, but in practice, it can create a power vacuum that rewards the well-connected rather than the competent. Historically, high-level government roles tend to be filled with experienced professionals, but as you move down the ranks, politically motivated hiring becomes more common. Without proper oversight, unqualified individuals can replace seasoned experts, compromising effectiveness and public trust.
More like this...
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In early February, Susan Swecker announced her resignation as chair of the Virginia Democratic Party — bookending an impressive career in local and state political organization.
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