The end of 2020, that is! And what a year it’s been. Virginians have been subjected to a crash course in civics and science, with questionable results. Who knew that most state constitutions—including ours in Virginia—are insufficient to limit the power of gubernatorial Executive Orders? (Less surprising was the Virginia Democrat majority’s refusal to impose reasonable restrictions on our own governor.) Or that representative government would be rendered largely irrelevant by the varied whims of state governors?
Scientific guidance has also tested the credulity of Virginians. We learned the hard way that COVID-19 is most dangerous to the elderly and to those with preexisting conditions…yet we’ve shuttered elementary schools despite little evidence of virus spread in classrooms. Our governor has also advised us that Virginians can protect themselves from the virus by remaining in their homes between midnight and 5:00 a.m. That is, of course, unless we are in North Carolina, where the COVID danger emerges at 10:00 p.m. We have also learned that the virus spreads in communal settings. Accordingly, in Virginia, groups larger than ten are prohibited from gathering. If, however, you *coincidentally* arrive in a restaurant at the same time as a dozen acquaintances…well, you’ll likely be able to sit at adjacent tables. While it’s unhealthy to be in a store with too many people, it’s fine to stand outside in line in a freezing cold rain (as recently seen in Williamsburg). Curious which state regulations (or lack thereof) are most effective at containing the spread? Good luck discerning the answer. The outcomes are as varied as the regulations and seemingly lack correlation. View the map HERE.
Spring and summer brought civil unrest. Calls to defund the police failed the logic test. After all, if we’re to believe that higher pay, better training, and more resources are essential to recruiting and retaining good teachers, why wouldn’t we apply that strategy to law enforcement?
Yes, 2020 has been eye opening indeed. While many were able to work from home, others lost their jobs—especially here in the Historic Triangle, where the tourism industry was decimated. We have extreme challenges facing us in 2021. Local and state budgets are strained. Families are in need. Small businesses are struggling.
While the realities of December 31, 2020, will (unfortunately) still be with us when we waken tomorrow, there is always cause for hope. Though I cannot promise to solve all the problems facing our community and state, I will continue working to provide constituent service that helps resolve issues with state agencies. The General Assembly will reconvene on January 13, and I will be carrying legislation based on requests from constituents (my 2021 session survey may now be completed online by clicking HERE). As always, I look forward to receiving ideas and input during the upcoming months.
In a year where nearly every aspect of life has seemed beyond our comprehension or control, we are left with the realization that the only thing we can fully influence is our own perspective. Philippians 4:8 offers sound wisdom: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
With best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year,
