The AFP Blog – Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009
- Citizens meeting on county reassessments still on, Tuesday, 1:02 p.m.
- Remarks by President Obama and Sen. Gregg on the announcement of new Commerce secretary, Tuesday, 1:02 p.m.
- Poll shows Americans support stimulus, Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.
- North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran top persecutor watch list, Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.
- Valley native debuts artisan work in Harrisonburg, Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.
- ShenanArts presenting Children’s Letters to God, Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.
- Songwriter pushing community partnerships, Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.
- New restaurant coming to Downtown Harrisonburg, Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.
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News: Citizens meeting on county reassessments still on, Tuesday, 1:02 p.m.
A meeting of Augusta Citizens Against Unjust Assessments will be held Tuesday night, February 3, at 7:00 pm at Verona United Methodist Church.
Augusta County citizens who are unhappy over what they consider to be unreasonably increased real estate assessments will meet with Churchville attorney Francis Chester who has vowed to bring a class action lawsuit against the Augusta County Board of Supervisors if they refuse to roll back assessements to the 2004 values.
Pastures Supervisor Tracy Pyles (D) has been invited to address the group. He is returning from out of state today and plans to be there.
Hundreds of petitions have been disseminated into the community with over 600 signatures collected in the first 48 hours. Petitions will be available Tuesday for citizens to sign and circulate for additional signatures.
News: Remarks by President Obama and Sen. Gregg on the announcement of new Commerce secretary, Tuesday, 1:02 p.m.
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, everybody. By now, our economic crisis is well-known. Our economy is shrinking. Unemployment rolls are growing. Businesses and families can’t get credit, and small businesses can’t secure the loans they need to create jobs and get their products to market.
Now is the time for Washington to act with the same sense of urgency that Americans all across the country feel every single day. With the stakes this high, we cannot afford to get trapped in the same old partisan gridlock. That’s why I’ve worked closely with leaders of both parties on a recovery and reinvestment plan that saves or creates more than three million jobs over the next two years, cuts taxes for 95 percent of American workers, and makes critical investments in our future — in energy and education; health care and a 21st century infrastructure.
We will act swiftly and we will act wisely. The vast majority of the investments in the plan will be made within the next 18 months — immediately creating jobs and helping states avoid painful tax hikes and cuts to essential services. And every dime of the spending will be made available to the public on Recovery.gov — so every American can see where their tax dollars are going.
But as we act boldly and swiftly to shore up our financial system and revitalize our economy, we must also make sure that the underpinnings of that economy are sound; that our economic infrastructure is rebuilt to handle the traffic of the global economy; that our cutting-edge science and technology remain the envy of the world; that our policies promote the innovative and competitive nature of this economy, and facilitate the incubation and commercialization of our startups and small businesses — the very engine of our job creation.
These are the tasks of the Commerce Department. And I believe that Judd Gregg is the right person to help guide the department towards these goals.
Judd discovered the family business at an early age. His father, Hugh Gregg, was elected the youngest governor of New Hampshire when Judd was a boy. At a time when the mills in Nashua closed down and folks were laid off, he watched his dad work tirelessly to attract new industry, the kind that created jobs that carried with them a sense of dignity and self-worth. Judd’s father even found the time to publish a book titled, “All I Learned About Politics” — and in keeping with his legendary sense of humor, all of its pages were blank.
When the book is written about Judd Gregg, it will tell the story of a man with his own proud record of service on behalf of the American people. As a businessman, attorney, state executive councilor, congressman, governor in his own right, and now as a senator, he’s seen from all angles what makes our economy work for communities, businesses, and families — and what keeps it from working better. As former chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Judd has been involved in nearly every facet of public policy. And as Commerce Subcommittee chair on the Senate Appropriations Committee, he’s already quite familiar with the department I’ve chosen him to lead.
Judd is famous — or infamous, depending on your perspective — on Capitol Hill for his strict fiscal discipline. It’s not that he enjoys saying “no” — although if it’s directed at your bill you might feel that way — it’s that he shares my deep-seated commitment to guaranteeing that our children inherit a future they can afford.
Clearly, Judd and I don’t agree on every issue — most notably who should have won the election. (Laughter.) But we agree on the urgent need to get American businesses and families back on their feet. We see eye to eye on conducting the nation’s business in a responsible, transparent, and accountable manner. And we know the only way to solve the great challenges of our time is to put aside stale ideology and petty partisanship, and embrace what works.
As one of the Republican Party’s most respected voices and skillful negotiators, Judd is a master of reaching across the aisle to get things done. He’ll be an outstanding addition to the depth and experience of my economic team, a trusted voice in my Cabinet, and an able and persuasive ambassador for industry who makes it known to the world that America is open for business.
“Commerce defies every wind, overrides every tempest, and invades every zone.” These are the words carved into the walls of the department that I’m so pleased Judd Gregg has agreed to lead. And as we act boldly to defy the winds of this crisis and outride the tempest of this painful moment, I can think of no finer steward for our nation’s commerce. I expect the Senate’s quick confirmation of their esteemed colleague, and I look forward to working with Judd in the years ahead.
And I’d like Judd to say just a few words.
SENATOR GREGG: Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, and thank you for taking this rather extraordinary step of asking me to join your administration as Commerce Secretary.
We are, as you noted, in the middle of a very difficult economic time. People are worried about their jobs. They’re worried about how they’re going to pay their bills. They’re worried about how they’re going to send their kids to college. And you’ve outlined an extraordinarily bold and aggressive, effective and comprehensive plan for how we can get this country moving.
This is not a time for partisanship. This is not a time when we should stand in our ideological corners and shout at each other. This is a time to govern and govern well. And therefore, when the President asked me to join his administration and participate in trying to address the issues of this time, I believed it was my obligation to say yes, and I look forward to it with enthusiasm.
The Commerce Department is a — has a broad and interesting portfolio, as the President outlined, but its primary goal must be to create jobs by promoting industry, promoting economic activity, and promoting excellence in science. And I intend to pursue those avenues aggressively.
I want to especially thank my wife, Kathy, and my family for encouraging me to do this and being willing to stand by me as I take on another effort in my career. And I also want to thank the Governor of New Hampshire for his courtesy and courage in being willing to make this possible through the agreement that we have relative to my successor in the Senate.
Again, Mr. President, I thank you for choosing me to participate in this effort. Let’s go out there and get this country moving. Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT: All right. Thank you, guys.
News: Poll shows Americans support stimulus, Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.
A strong majority of Americans (75%) want Congress to pass some version of President Obama’s economic stimulus plan, but this group is split down the middle on whether it should be passed as is or with major changes, according to a new Gallup poll.
Support for the plan is highly partisan. Although few Republicans favor passing the plan as it is, more than 4 out of 10 say it should be passed with major changes, leaving only a minority of 35% of Republicans who say the plan should be rejected altogether. A majority of Democrats, on the other hand, say Obama’s plan should be passed as is. Independents mirror the attitudes of the nation as a whole, split down the middle about passing it as is or with major changes.
Thirty-one percent of Americans are following news about the stimulus plan very closely, with another 46% saying they are following it somewhat closely. Those who are most closely following news about the plan differ little from the overall national average in terms of their attitudes about the plan.
News: North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran top persecutor watch list, Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.
The oppressive, isolated country of North Korea headed by dictator Kim Jong Il retains its grip as the worst persecutor of Christians in the world.
According to Open Doors’ 2008 World Watch List released today, North Korea is ranked No. 1 for the seventh year in a row. Christians are persecuted constantly under the communist government, which denies human rights to its citizens.
The Wahhabi kingdom of Saudi Arabia is No. 2 and Iran No. 3. Both countries are ruled by Shariah law.
Afghanistan, Somalia and the Maldives take the fourth, fifth and sixth positions, respectively. Afghanistan moved up three spots on the list this year as a result of increased pressure from the Taliban movement during 2008. Yemen is No. 7, Laos No. 8, Eritrea No. 9 and Uzbekistan No. 10.
Somalia and Eritrea are new countries to the top 10 list. In Somalia, the number of incidents against Christians increased dramatically in 2008, explaining its rise to No. 5 from No. 12 in 2007. For Eritrea, there was no major change in the lack of religious freedom for Christians. Around 3,000 Christians are being held in Eritrean prisons.
China and Bhutan dropped out of the top 10 with China now No. 12 and Bhutan No. 11. Last year China was No. 10 and Bhutan No. 5.
Islam is the majority religion in seven of the top 10 countries: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia, Maldives, Yemen and Uzbekistan. Two countries have communist governments: North Korea and Laos. Eritrea is the only dictatorial country in the 10 highest countries on the list.
The World Watch List is compiled from a specially-designed questionnaire of 50 questions covering various aspects of religious freedom. A point value is assigned depending on how each question is answered. The total number of points per country determines its position on the World Watch List of countries that are the worst persecutors of Christians.
“It is certainly not a shock that North Korea is No. 1 on the list of countries where Christians face the worst persecution,” says Carl Moeller, President/CEO of Open Doors USA. “There is no other country in the world where Christians are persecuted in such a horrible and systematic manner.
“I encourage you to join our on-going prayer campaign for North Korea and to plug in to the many opportunities Open Doors offers to advocate for the oppressed believers there during North Korea Freedom Week April 25-May 2.”
The status of religious freedom for Christians deteriorated in 2008 in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia, Pakistan (No. 13), Iraq (No. 16), Mauritania (No. 18), Algeria (No. 19), India (No. 22), Northern Nigeria (26), Indonesia (No. 41), Bangladesh (No. 43) and Kazakhstan (No. 50 and new on the top 50 list).
Persecution continues unabated in Saudi Arabia. Five months after the daughter of a member of Saudi Arabia’s religious police was killed for writing online about her faith in Christ, Saudi authorities reportedly arrested a 28-year-old Christian man for describing his conversion and criticizing the kingdom’s judiciary on his Website, according to Compass Direct News. Saudi police arrested Hamoud Bin Saleh on Jan. 13 “because of his opinions and his testimony that he had converted from Islam to Christianity,” according to the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information.
In Iran, a major crackdown on house churches occurred and a large number of Christians were arrested, marking 2008 as one of the toughest years regarding Christian persecution since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. In Afghanistan, a Western Christian aid worker was killed because, according to the Taliban, she was spreading Christianity in Afghanistan which is prohibited by law in the country. In Somalia, Open Doors received reports of at least 10 Christians killed for their faith in 2008 and several others kidnapped and raped. Pressure on the Christian minority in Pakistan continued unabated.
Iraq’s Christian minority faced a year full of violence in 2008. Churches were attacked or damaged by bombs, Christians received death threats and several Christians were murdered, abused and/or kidnapped.
For years India has ranked No. 30 on Open Doors’ persecution index. This year it moved to No. 22 primarily because in the third quarter of 2008 there was the worst outbreak of religious violence on record for Christians in India, especially in the state of Orissa. The number of incidents regarding arrests, physical harassment, abductions and church attacks remained high all over India.
“The escalation of violence against Christians in India in 2008 is very troubling,” says Moeller. “Please pray for believers there.”
In a major positive development, fewer believers were harassed in Vietnam this year. As a result it fell to No. 23. Last year it was ranked No. 17 and in 2006 it was No. 8. Open Doors recorded fewer reports of persecution of Christians in Colombia this year. As a result, this long-time World Watch List country fell off the list.
An estimated 100 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with millions more facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors supports and strengthens believers in the world’s most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free 888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535) or go to our Website at www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.
For a complete World Watch List of the top 50 persecutors and additional information go to www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.
News: Valley native debuts artisan work in Harrisonburg, Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.
The 2009 Visiting Artisans continue to create opportunity to get reconnected to the arts at the Hardesty-Higgins House. Mary Rouse Walters, a native of the Shenandoah Valley, creates unique silver and polymer clay jewelry, including her popular heart pins. Mary will set up and show off her skill on Friday and Saturday, February 6 & 7 from 11:00am-3:00pm. For more information about Mary’s work, please visit www.jewelrybyrouse.com.
Join us On Sunday, February 8, from 1:00-3:00pm, while the blues pull your heart strings when Tommy Branch performs live at the Hardesty-Higgins House. Tommie Branch first began performing at festivals in Elkton, VA. A little bit of bluegrass, a little bit of country – Tommie mixes it up with down-to-earth storytelling and honest lyrics. Speaking out against adversity, Tommie hopes to inspire every- one who listens to his music. So come out and hear what he has to say!
Every weekend in January and February the Visiting Artisans will rock the Hardesty-Higgins House to meet and greet while they create a variety artistic works. From furniture makers to potters, from gunsmiths to photography, let the arts inspire you. For a full schedule visit or visit our website at www.HarrisonburgTourism.com.
News: ShenanArts presenting Children’s Letters to God, Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.
“Take your child, whether a real child or your inner child, to see Children’s Letters to God. is just one of the many accolades that members of the press have bestowed on the off-Broadway smash hit that will be staged by the talented young people of ShenanArts this month.
Playing for one week only, February 18-22 at Stage4 Theatre in Verona, Children’s Letters to God is a delight. The new musical is inspired by the best selling book, Children’s Letters to God.
These letters are recited by over 30 talented young actors (ranging from 5 -15 yrs.) and are both amusing and heartfelt. They address the unavoidable issues of, the death of a pet, parents divorcing, friends moving away, sibling rivalry, self-esteem, and childhood crushes. They ask questions like “God, how did you know you were God?” and “God, why do my feet stink?
This family-friendly, feel-good show is a reflection of all the questions that kids have for the Big Guy and society as a whole. Youngsters will relate to these amazing and often funny questions, while adults will remember themselves as inquisitive kids with perhaps a tear in their eye and definitely a smile to their face.
Before the show every young person, under the age 18, will have the opportunity to write a question to God or just to society! Just before show time, the production team will read the questions and select one to be read live on stage by one of the actors! Here is your chance to become a playwright and ask that question you always wanted an answer to! All entries will be displayed in our lobby for the run of the show!
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday evenings and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15 for all reserved seats, $12 adult general admission, $8 student general admission. Group rates are available. This show runs for one week only, so get your tickets early! Tickets can be purchased by calling 540.248.1868.
News: Songwriter pushing community partnerships, Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.
Staunton singer/songwriter Nathan Moore is teaming up with a number of community organizations and businesses in 2009 to help keep the cultural and performing arts alive and well in the Shenandoah Valley during these tough economic times. Moore believes there is not only a deep appreciation for the arts in the Valley, but also a rich pool of talented and dedicated performers that deserve to be nurtured. His long-term goal is to promote Staunton as a destination for established touring musicians and to cultivate an environment where aspiring and accomplished local musicians of all ages can mingle, develop and showcase their talents among a regular infusion of successful professionals.
A series of events are on tap over the next few months. On Feb. 7, Moore will continue his The Road Home Concert Series, which is focused on bringing talented touring musicians he meets on the road home to Staunton. This installment features gypsy-folk-bluegrass-jazz quartet Taarka at King Theater, Stuart Hall School at 8pm. The event is in continuing partnership with Stuart Hall School, where Moore conducts free educational assemblies and workshops for students interested in music and writing. A portion of the proceeds from this particular concert will go to the Stuart Hall Student Fund.
In April, Moore joins with Charlottesville musician Devon Sproule to do a special show at The Blackfriars Playhouse to benefit the American Shakespeare Center’s cultural and educational programs. “Virginia’s Award-Winning Songwriters at The Blackfriars” is scheduled for April 5 at 7:30 pm and features Moore and Sproule, both winners of major songwriting competitions in 2008, performing in one of the Valley’s most unique and intimate venues. $5 of each ticket sold will go to ASC. Ticket sales begin in March and more community participants are expected to be announced soon.
And in May, Moore has invited songwriters of all types from around the country to a primitive camping and invitation-only mini-festival event at his home in Swoope. The focus of the weekend will be creative brainstorming and collaboration, as well as to bring national and local musicians together in an informal setting. This event will be accompanied by a free workshop for young musicians and writers at Stuart Hall School, as well as several free community events, including a children’s concert at Pufferbellies Toys & Books.
News: New restaurant coming to Downtown Harrisonburg, Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.
Downtown Harrisonburg has developed a reputation for having a “restaurant row.” Within a one-mile radius, the dining district boasts Greek, Indian, Ethiopian, Italian and Latin American fare, a wine and gourmet shop, coffee and martini bars as well as good old fashioned American cuisine. The owners who have made Taste of Thai (located at 919 South High Street) the success that it is have decided to bring a second business to this downtown restaurant row.
The restaurant, moving into the old Spanky’s building at 50 West Water Street has decided to create an international menu for lunch and dinner crowds. In addition to some of their Thai favorites, the menu will offer international items from sushi to sandwiches to steaks and globally-inspired salads. The owners realized that their restaurant name would have to communicate the vast variety of their menu’s international cuisine, which is why restaurant owners, Cy Khochareun and Prasert Saesaw dubbed the establishment, Beyond.
The Beyond building will receive a complete interior facelift, with structural features being preserved in order to qualify for historic tax credits. Harman Construction will revamp the floor plan to include various bars including a sushi bar, two levels of dining, and a deck overlooking Blacks Run creek. The outdoor seating area, complete with an awning, fans and sound system, will be open during warm months. The second floor of the restaurant, with a capacity for over 100 seated guests, will be available for private parties and functions.
Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance looks forward to welcoming this new business to the downtown dining district. “We’ve seen great collaboration among the downtown restaurant, and much of the success can be attributed to that cooperative spirit”, says Eddie Bumbaugh, Executive Director of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance. Plans for the grand opening of Beyond are slated to take place early August of this year.
