David Reynolds: Looking back and beyond

David Reynolds

Column by David Reynolds First, a look back at last week. I argued that a cause of the current economic turmoil was a clash between a social policy, racial affirmative action, and economic reality, the current housing market. The column was based on several sources, including quotes from Washington officials and leading newspaper accounts. As…

Carly at the Movies: This is Coen Brothers Country

Carl Larsen

Column by Carl Larsen Lucky for us film fans, the Coen Brothers march to the beat of their own bizarre drum. Their latest offbeat effort, “Burn After Reading,” is currently playing at the Colonial Mall Cinemas and will soon move to the Dixie in Downtown Staunton. The Coen Brothers, Ethan and Joel, write and direct…

The Valley Blue Dog: Do as I say, not as I do?

Steven Sisson

Column by Steven Sisson It’s becoming clear as mud after last night’s debate that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is worst running mate since Thomas Eagleton in 1972. McCain’s political strategy ensuring women will vote for the Republican ticket because Palin’s sexuality is condescending to say the least. To quote Charlie Chan, the “mud of bewilderment…

Staunton: Vets speak out for Obama

Chris Graham

Story by Chris Graham [email protected] Seth Lovell and his twin brother, Eli, thought they had a creative way to pay for college. They signed up for the Virginia National Guard as high-school seniors, the idea being that the tuition assistance would take a load off their mother, who had just been diagnosed with cancer. A…

Harrisonburg: Republicans for Warner

Chris Graham

Story by Chris Graham [email protected] The press release billed the event as being the launch of something to be called Virginians for Warner, and let us know that former Republican state senator John Chichester was going to be tagging along with his friend from across the aisle. It didn’t say anything about the gaggle of…

David Reynolds: Why it happened

David Reynolds

Column by David Reynolds Greed. That’s OK for a one-word answer. But the editor allots me 800 words each week, so I should say a little more. I could say that before their sudden death, the investment banks were not subject to the same regulatory controls we place on commercial banks. But that is still…

David Cox: Personality clash

David Cox

Column by David Cox “Which candidate do you trust?” When former governor Jim Gilmore asked that question in Buena Vista on Labor Day, roars arose from both sides: Republicans supporting him for Senate, and Democrats supporting his opponent, former governor Mark Warner. In that instant, Gilmore personalized this year’s Senate race. Gone were issues that…