Free Republic

A man suspected of taking hostages in a post office in the US state of Virginia has been arrested after a stand-off lasting several hours, police say. Authorities in Wytheville persuaded Warren Taylor to give himself up and release three people he was holding. Mr Taylor was reported to have entered the post office pushing a wheelchair and claiming to be carrying explosives. He initially fired shots from the building but no-one was reported to have been injured.

<p>The man entered the Wytheville, Virginia, post office about 2:30 p.m. and fired a shot, Mayor Trent Crewe said. No one has been hurt, but three postal workers and two customers are being held hostage, he said.</p> <p>There also are reports that the man has a "device" and it appears the man's car, parked outside the office, is equipped with some type of device, Crewe said. He did not elaborate on what the device could be.</p>

J.P. Hale usually stands behind a pulpit, but this week he was standing in front of a police camera as they snapped mug shots. The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office says this week the 73-year-old pastor was arrested and charged with one count of indecent liberties with a child. It’s a class six felony. Thursday afternoon we showed up at Hale’s house to talk to the accused religious leader, but he had been advised by his attorney not to talk. The Pulaski County Sheriff won’t give any details on the alleged crime or when it happened, but Sheriff Jim Davis did...

Dear Friend, We thought you might be interested in the following column by Senator Webb published in today's Winchester Star. http://www.winchesterstar.com/pages/view/still.html Webb cites concerns, amendments, votes on health care Sen. Jim Webb Like all of my colleagues in the Democratic Party, I voted in favor of proceeding to debate the proposed health-care reform legislation. I have yet to decide whether I will support final passage of the bill. I have stated on several occasions my concerns that the Obama administration should have begun the health-care process with a clear, detailed proposal, from which legislation could then be put into place....

Dear Friend, You know me. I am not a “Born Fundraiser.” In fact, this is the first such letter I have sent out in my entire three years as a United States Senator. But the time has come for me to begin thinking seriously about what it will take if I decide to run for re-election in 2012. And it is important for me to know the extent to which you and others are willing to help. I began my 2006 campaign on February 8th of that very year, only nine months before Election Day. On that day I had...

Dear xxxx, On Tuesday, we wrote to you about the vote the U.S. Senate was taking on the Nelson-Hatch amendment to the health care reform bill. As you will remember, this amendment was virtually identical to Stuapk-Pitts ban and would have prevented women from using their own money to purchase private health insurance that provides comprehensive reproductive health care. The good news is that the amendment was defeated by a vote of 54-45. The great news is that both Senators Warner (D-VA) and Webb (D-VA) voted against this egregious assault on women's reproductive health care. While we still have a...

God was missing for six days. On the seventh day, Michael, the archangel, found him - resting. He inquired, "Where have you been?" God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds. "Look, Michael. Look what I've made." Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, "What is it?" "It's a planet" replied God, and I've put life on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a place to test Balance." "Balance?" inquired Michael, "I'm confused." God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth. "For example, he said, northern Europe will be a place of great...

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia is pleased to announce that Virginia's pro-choice license plate will soon be available for pre-order. The proceeds from the sale of these plates will go to Planned Parenthood affiliates in Virginia to provide comprehensive, reproductive health care, like annual gynecological exams and sexually transmitted infection testing. In order to move forward with the license plates, we must pre-sell 350 plates. We hope that you will be one of the many proud Virginians displaying the plate. To see a preview of the license plate, please click here. When the plate goes on sale, it can be...

email from Equality VA, a pro-homosexual group in VA: Exciting news! The Kaine administration has started the rulemaking process that could result in state employees being able to choose either to include either a spouse or an “otherwise qualified adult” on their state health insurance plan. Equality Virginia has been working to achieve this goal for the past year. These efforts finally have resulted in publication of aNotice of Intended Regulatory Action that is the first step in a long process that will not conclude until months after Governor-elect McDonnell takes office in January. To move this proposal from suggestion...

Senator Ralph K. Smith (R - Roanoke) Virginia State Senator Ralph K. Smith (R - Roanoke) has pre-filed Senate Bill 3 ahead of the 2010 Virginia General Assembly session. SB 3 would require Clerks of Virginia's Circuit Courts to accept renewal applications for concealed handgun permits by mail and to mail the permit to the applicant once it approved by the court. Senator Smith's mail order gun permit proposal is likely the first of an avalanche of mainly pro but also some anti-gun rights bills to be considered by the 2010 Virginia General Assembly. Virginia Citizens Defense League President Philip...

Recently Jim Robinson posted two threads declaring Free Republic’s determination to see Conservatives elected and ousting Rino's from government. Jim and a great many Freepers believe that we need to take back control. But the RNC is not hearing us. Activism is called for NOW. 2010 is nearing and we need Conservative candidates to run. The time is ripe and people are ready for another 1994 type election. But we need to make the RNC hear us loud and clear. This is the Rino Free America Project. Get involved. Make them listen. Write a letter and MAIL it. Republican...

Steve Hunt WINS the GOP nod and will now face Dave Marsden!!! Final results: Steve Hunt – 51% Marianne Horinko – 25% Will Nance – 24% The special election is Tues Jan 12, 2010....let's support Steve with donations and volunteers for this important race to beat Democrat Marsden, who "got a room" in the district so he could run for this seat.

GOP Firehouse Primary for 37th Senate Dist. Posted on November 30, 2009 by Riley The firehouse primary to determine the Republican nominee in the special election to fill the 37th State Senate Dist. being vacated by AG-elect Ken Cuccinelli will be held TONIGHT! Here’s the details – Dec 1, 2009 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Centreville High School 6001 Union Mill Rd Clifton, VA 20124-1131 Identification will be required in order to vote All voters will be required to sign a pledge stating that they intend to support the nominees of the Republican Party in the future. Electronic voting machines...

Rep. Tom Periello is holding a town hall via telephone next Monday, November 30, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. You can call in by dialing 1-877-269-7289. You will need to enter the PIN number “14581″ Feel free to let Tom know your opinion about his support of the 2 worst bills in United States legislative history: Cap and Trade and the so called Health Care Reform bill.

is listening to Tom Perriello on a Town Hall conference call. Please call in and ask him your questions about the health care plan. 877-269-7289...passcode: 14581 press 3 to ask a question.

Virginia - -(AmmoLand.com)- Yesterday 24 VCDL members showed up at the Portsmouth City Hall to support VCDL urging the Mayor to drop his membership in the disgraceful Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) – a front for generic gun control run by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The first problem we had was a requirement that you sign in and show photo ID. Board member John Fenter is working to get that fixed. Under the Freedom of Information Act they cannot turn someone away from a public meeting because they didn’t bring any ID. John and I went up to the...

t - 3 hrs and counting down..

This is a big week for the Virginia Tech chapter of Students for Concealed Carry on Campus. It's Defense Education Week, and the student group, which has 100 to 200 members, has organized a week's worth of seminars and gatherings in support of concealed carry on Virginia college campuses. Monday night's featured speaker was Philip Van Cleave, president of the pro-gun Virginia Citizens Defense League. Earlier Monday, I spoke to Ken Stanton, 32, a serious-sounding engineering graduate student and the vice president of the Virginia Tech chapter of the concealed carry group. Here's his argument in favor of guns on...

During the Clinton reign, posters and bumper showed up stating 'America...the only place where a veteran sleeps in a box and a draft dodger is in the White House.' This was meant as a statement against the way that returning heroes are treated. We notice them in every large city and encounter them in every town. But, in this fast paced society, we don't see them. We cross the street.....

Say No To Government Health Care rally on Saturday NOVEMBER 7, 2009 OK fellow patriots… here we go again. We will assemble this Saturday (11/07) from 2:00-4:00 p.m. to drive home the message of this week’s election – we don’t want no stinkin’ government health care! We will meet at the intersection of Hershberger Road and I-581, near Valley View. Our meeting place is the site of the old Celebration Station on Hershberger, and we’ll line Hershberger as far as our numbers allow. The weather should be glorious – a wonderful day to be outside and celebrate your liberty. If...

Dear xxxx xxxxxx, The elections held Tuesday should open all of our eyes. Please meet the new Governor of Virginia: [The] " dynamic new trend of working women and feminists ... is ultimately detrimental to the family." You read that right -- the new Governor of Virginia thinks working women are "detrimental" to the family. If you're scared that it might get worse in 2010 -- and you should be -- well, I have a way you can help fight these right-wing extremists who'd like to take over our government. NOW is committed to making sure women's voices are heard...

Shannon Valentine has conceded the election for the 23rd house district to Dr. Scott Garrett. Chair of the Lynchburg Democrat party, John Lawrence, said Wednesday afternoon that Valentine will not seek a recount. Stay with ABC 13 for the latest on this.

UPDATED: It's been confirmed that "voter intimidation" claim in #NY23 is a #fail. http://bit.ly/2fFg1L 13 minutes ago from TweetDeck Turnout in Virginia said to be about 45%. #vagov #73wire about 1 hour ago from TweetDeck 73Wire Update: Voter intimidation in NY23? http://bit.ly/OJzYn #73wire about 1 hour ago from twitterfeed 73Wire Update: EXCLUSIVE: Hoffman Plattsburgh Precinct Worker’s Tires Slashed http://bit.ly/2QBrRP #73wire about 1 hour ago from twitterfeed

President Barack Obama's political clout was on the line Tuesday as Virginia and New Jersey chose governors in contests that could serve as warning signs for Democrats about the public's mood heading into an important midterm election year.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - It's Election Day and polling places across Hampton Roads and all over Virginia are busy with the hustle and bustle of people checking in to vote. This morning, some voters in Suffolk hit a registration snag when they appeared in the electronic poll log as absentee voters. Voting officials said a few voters had to visit the registrar's office to confirm they were not registered as absentee voters. Voting officials then started cross-checking the electronic log against the paper poll log, which had correct voter information according to voting officials. It seems if voters registered to...

Pundits have thoughts what today’s elections really mean. But I think the following is the best take. The election results in NJ and VA mean that if Corzine gets defeated, the Republicans win a Governor’s seat. If McDonald in VA wins, the Republicans have another seat. And regardless who wins in NY-23, the outlay in the House of Representatives won’t change much one way or the other. Pelosi will still be in full control of that house. The elections also mean that Republicans can be joyful for a day or two, thinking that things will change in their lives due...

Polls can measure many things, but one thing they have a hard time getting at is intensity: Yes, people will tell a pollster whom they prefer in a campaign, but do they feel so strongly about their choice that they'll actually go out to vote? Only elections can answer the intensity question, which is the most important factor in Tuesday's off-year governor's elections in New Jersey and Virginia and, increasingly, a special election in a New York congressional district. Intensity, as much as outcomes, may provide the best insight into national trends heading into the much more meaningful election in...

One or more wins would give the Republicans a jolt and a reason to rally in the coming months. Victories certainly would help with grass-roots fundraising and candidate recruiting. And they might just be enough to reinvigorate a party that controlled the White House and Congress through much of this decade, only to lose power in back-to-back national elections. Viewed from the other side, a GOP sweep would be a setback for Democrats. It could be viewed as a negative measure of President Obama's standing and could signal trouble ahead as he seeks to get moderate Democratic lawmakers behind his...

A Republican Liberty Caucus-endorsed candidate for House of Delegates in Virginia was endorsed by The Washington Post last week. Eric Brescia, who is running in a longtime Democrat stronghold in Arlington, Virginia, impressed The Post. Brescia, who is young, articulate, and has strong libertarian leanings, has run a campaign that may well fit his far-left district during an economic crisis due in part to overspending: his campaign emphasized policies that are socially tolerant and fiscally conservative. The Post said, “[Brescia] is exactly what the Republicans need in Northern Virginia: an independent-minded thinker who has fresh and specific ideas for how...

Our Say No To Government Health Care rally is scheduled for this Friday (10/30) from 4:00-6:00 p.m. We will meet at Cave Spring Corner, at the intersection of Rt. 419 and Brambleton Avenue in SW Roanoke County, and start by occupying the grassy area in the northwestern quadrant of the intersection (just near Walgreens). As more people arrive, we will spread along the right of ways of 419 and Brambleton. If this area is completely filled when you arrive, please move down to another intersection such as 419 and Chapparall, 419 and Ogden Road (Republican Headquarters), or the Oak Grove...

The Family Foundation Action, a prolife, pro-family group in Virginia has released their voter guides for the 2009 elections. Sized to fit in a church bulletin, these guides show the positions of the candidates on various issues of interest to the family. They do NOT endorse candidates or parties, so are PERFECTLY LEGAL for use in churches. There is a version for the 3 statewide candidates, a Spanish version of the same, and several versions for selected House of Delegates races. Please visit the website for more information.... http://www.tffaction.org/

On Tuesday, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell appeared on the Laura Ingraham Radio Show and, to the delight of many pro-lifers, took a definitive stand on banning taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood. For many, such as Virginians For Life, such a public stand from McDonnell was essential and urged him for some time to make a public pledge. Remember

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Monday that troops injured in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to face too many bureaucratic hurdles. Paperwork alone for them can be "frustrating, adversarial, and unnecessarily complex," Gates said. Gates spoke at a mental health summit with Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. By appearing publicly together, they sought to reinforce their commitment to tackling veterans' health issues and the stigma associated with seeking mental health care. Earlier this year, they pledged with President Barack Obama to create a system that would make it easier for the Pentagon and VA to exchange information so there...

It is estimated that more than 170,000 veterans, a number equal to the total troop strength of our military in both Iraq and Afghanistan, now find themselves unable to obtain meaningful employment in the civilian world. Theirs should be a place at the very front of the employment line, not bringing up the rear. There are between 135,000 and 200,000 veterans homeless in America on any given night. These veterans make up 26% of the total homeless population, but less than 10% of Americans ever step forward to wear the uniform. There is no accurate total of veterans who have...

Check this out....Want a free banner for your facebook picture? You can pick from one here.....right click, save the .jpg file on your computer, upload picture to your facebook then choose that pic as your profile picture...it is easy!

(Arlington, VA) Equality Virginia PAC announced at a press conference in Arlington today its endorsement of Jody Wagner for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. "In every respect, Jody Wagner has demonstrated that she will walk with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Virginians on the path to full equality," said Equality Virginia PAC CEO, Jon Blair, at a joint press conference with Wagner. Delegate Adam P. Ebbin (D-Alexandria) said, "Jody Wagner has what it takes to make a great lieutenant governor. Not only does she know Virginia's finances, but she also knows what it takes to run a small business. Jody puts...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCfA5gj796M

xxxx -- Virginia, it's time to get fired up. I've just announced that I'll be visiting next Tuesday to rally you and your neighbors in support of Creigh Deeds and our movement for change. Creigh Deeds has offered real solutions to address Virginia's challenges in transportation and the economy, and it's up to us now to build the support that will make those solutions a reality. We made history here in Virginia last year. Together with your neighbors, you built a movement in order to move this commonwealth and our country forward. But from day one, we knew we were...

With just 12 days to election day 2009, Republican candidate for Governor in Virginia's Gubernatorial election, Bob McDonnell, has little to fear from his Democratic rival, Creigh Deeds, as his campaign is running on fumes, and recent polling data has Deeds trailing McDonnell in some polls by more then 10% percentage points. According to SurveyUSA, if the Gubernatorial election we're held today in Virginia, Republican Bob McDonnell would win the Governor's house by near 20% of the vote.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2009 – The Defense Department will implement a new program this week to compensate former and current servicemembers for each month they involuntarily served from Sept. 11, 2001 to Sept. 30, 2009, a defense official said. Congress approved an appropriation bill last summer, giving the department $534 million over the next year for an estimated 185,000 servicemembers affected by the “Stop Loss” authority since 9/11, said Sam Retherford, director for the department’s officer and enlisted personnel management office. In an interview with the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service, Retherford explained that qualified servicemembers will receive...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqfKu1ZfEE4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlgvNld_Go8&feature=player_embedded

Steve Shannon, the Democrat candidate for Attorney General, is conducting a very deceptive campaign. He is trying to convince voters he is a conservative. He is also strongly implying the job of the Attorney General is to prosecute criminals. The truth is very different. Shannon’s record reveals he is definitely not a conservative. He voted to put the Marriage Amendment on the ballot, then actively campaigned against it. This constitutional amendment, approved by Virginia voters, requires marriage only to be between one man and one woman – not between two men or two women. Shannon’s opponent in the Attorney General...

SPRINGFIELD, Va. A Virginia man said he is fighting the indecent exposure charge brought against him after he was spotted making coffee naked in his kitchen. Eric Williamson, 29, of Springfield, said he was home alone Monday when he walked into the kitchen naked to make coffee at about 5:30 a.m., WTTG-TV, Washington, D.C., reported Tuesday. "Yes, I wasn't wearing any clothes but I was alone, in my own home and just got out of bed. It was dark and I had no idea anyone was outside looking in at me," Williamson said. Police said an unidentified woman who was...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyHqArAAZhI&feature=player_embedded#

Taxes: A Love Story Brittany Fortier, October 19, 2009 What impact do taxes have on the budgetary process? A conference hosted by the Center for American Progress (CAP) on September 30, 2009 featured panelists who discussed this question and other issues regarding the national debt. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) discussed how some of the budget reforms he made while he was Governor of Virginia could be a “model for how we take on this issue at the national level.” Warner claimed that his “predecessor had set” a budget shortfall of $3.8 billion, which eventually “grew” to $6 billion. Jim Gilmore,...

With just over two weeks left until Virginia’s gubernatorial election, Democrat Creigh Deeds is left with a narrow path to victory, one that hinges on energizing key demographic groups and the durability of the Old Dominion’s new politics. Even as Deeds trails Republican Bob McDonnell by eight and nine points in two of the most recent polls, his campaign and other analysts can still envision a comeback made possible in no small part because of the state’s political turn leftward. Virginia’s Washington, D.C. suburbs, where one-third of voters reside, have gone from being a battleground region to a Democratic bulwark...

Lynchburg, VA - Supporters of the Second Amendment gathered Friday afternoon at the Liberty University (web) School of Law for a gun rights symposium. The discussion of current legal cases turned into a cry for help from students at Virginia Tech. Some Virginia Tech students even skipped class to do it. Alyson Boyce with VT Students for Concealed Carry President said, "Two and a half years ago, if you would have asked me anything about gun rights, I would not have been able to tell you a thing. Now, Boyce is the president of the Hokie Chapter of Students for...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: OCTOBER 15, 2009 JON BLAIR, 804-643-4816 Equality Virginia PAC Endorses Deeds for Governor RICHMOND - Equality Virginia PAC announced today its support for Creigh Deeds for Governor. “There is no question that for the GLBT community and Virginians who believe in equality for all, there is only one sensible choice for Governor, and that choice is Creigh Deeds,” stated Jon Blair, Equality Virginia PAC’s CEO. “While no candidate is perfect, including Senator Deeds, Virginians must support the one candidate who truly understands that discrimination hurts our economy and our families.” Blair drew the following contrasts in...

Werewolves aren't the only things to be wary of during a full moon. After a month of little crime, the Goochland Sheriff's Office received a call from a Whitehall Rd. resident during the early hours of Oct. 3. According the Sheriff Jim Agnew, the woman was home alone and reported to deputies that someone had attempted to break into her house by entering through the front door. The woman called a second time, telling deputies that there was another attempt to enter her home, upon which the woman exercised her Second Amendment rights and drew a pistol on the man....