South of the James

Welcome to the new blog site built on WordPress. When I started South of the James back in August 2005, I had no idea where it would take me. At that time, I was mainly motivated by a desire to stop yelling at the TV or screaming at the newspaper (print and online) about all of the stuff (I’m thinking of a much stronger word) that I saw in the media and political world. In particular, my wife instructed me to find a vehicle to express my point-of-view, which I felt (how presumptuous) was rather unique. Somehow, I stumbled upon the world of blogging - mostly the free program offered by Blogger - and decided to dip my foot in the deep-end.

On August 9, 2005, I launched my opening salvo, saying: “Welcome to South Of The James. This site is dedicated to providing both an insightful and irreverent look at life in Central Virginia and beyond. Whether it affects the Richmond Metro, Southside, or TriCities communities, we will have an opinion on it or find one for you. From time to time, we will also chime in about the goings-on in the world around us, meaning Virginia, the US, and the World. Our decidedly different perspective demonstrates that there is intelligent life south of the James River, and that it is, in fact, thriving despite the stereotypes to the contrary. Be it politics, culture, sports, money, or art, SOTJ will cover a variety of subjects from a number of viewpoints. Our goal is to wide the rising wave of citizen journalism - i.e. the blogosphere - and give you news and opinion that is relevant and useful. We plan to take the best of the traditional media (yes there are some elements worth saving) and blend it with the freedom and flexibility of the Internet age. So, come on in and sit a spell, and let’s see what we can dig up together.”

That was rather ambitious, but over time, I think that I actually managed to pull it off. Along the way, I’ve had the good fortune to have great people plug my work, and the end result has been quite a ride. With this new site, I hope to continue that ride, but to raise the bar for myself a bit more in terms of presentation. I’m doing quite a bit of team-blogging these days, over at Bacon’s Rebellion, ThinkSouth, and Open Forum. I’m also getting back into sportswriting on occasion, and I’m inching toward “mainstream” work with other outlets.

Although I have been and will continue to cover subjects far beyond the banks of the “Rivah,” there is no getting around the influence that geography has on my world. Thus, the South of the James moniker still fits rather comfortably. After all, my roots are here, my family’s here, and hell, I still live and work here. No matter how far I go in life, it is my eternal reference point, and there is no need in fighting it, unless I make an unplanned move North, at which time I will come up with something else! Ask anyone who knows, living on the other side of the river does indeed give you an interesting outlook on life - not better, not worse, just different.

For awhile now, this blog has explored the state of mainstream media business models, particularly the impact of technological advances and the decentralization of news-gathering and op-ed functions to alternative media modes such as blogging. In particular, there has been debate about the effect of shifting media market dynamics on the coverage of local issues. Though normally concerned with the national and large regional outlets, this issue is one that also involves smaller papers that serve local markets. Case in point: Just two months removed from its shift from twice-monthly to weekly publication, the Chesterfield Observer is announcing that access to the online addition will no longer be free to readers. READ MORE…

By Conaway HaskinsIn the latest issue of the Village News, Rick Gray offers two different solutions – one for governance and one for politics – for addressing the growth management issues that the county faces. Although his yearning for the “good old days” may not appeal to some, if his proposals come to fruition, they may just produce “better new days” for current and future residents. Rick thinks that the county should seek charter changes more compatible with similarly-sized localities in the Commonwealth, and he also suggests a advocacy mechanism to generate citizen action to make such changes a reality – a Political Action Committee.

Regardless of initial reactions to his viewpoints, Rick’s thoughts on this matter are intriguing. Other citizen activists, such as Bob Herndon, have advocated similar proposals, which have mostly fallen on deaf ears. But, with the increasing citizen sentiment against the current way of doing business in Chesterfield, these efforts just might gain currency after all.

What do you think?

by Shelly ShuetzToday’s Richmond Times-Dispatch is reporting that the ACLU is representing a Chesterfield resident in a case involving the display of messages critical of the county’s leadership on his property. Do Chesterfield residents think this violation of county sign ordinance is about the size of the sign or the content of the material on the sign? Should a resident have a right to post such a sign on his personal property? If so, should there be a limitation to the time period in which he/she can exercise this right. Is this a form of freedom of speech?

Tell us what you think.

By Shelly SchuetzWhat are Chesterfield County citizens’ thoughts about this column written in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on our growth? Do our supervisors fully understand the issues that face them in dealing with this reality? How do they plan to address the needs of the current citizens as well as the ever-growing population of Chesterfield? Do we have a plan?

by Conaway HaskinsThis week, both the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Washington Post trumpeted the rapid rise in the growth of African-American owned businesses over the past few years. Citing data from the Census Bureau, the media outlets noted that there are, “1.2 million black-owned businesses in the U.S., a figure that rose 45 percent from 1997 to 2002, according to a report released yesterday by the Census Bureau. There are roughly 23 million U.S. companies.” Thus, black-owned firms account for around 5% of total firms nationwide. The picture in Virginia and in Metro Washington is even brighter, where “about 8 percent of Virginia’s roughly 530,000 businesses are run by a black entrepreneur.” In Metro Washington, “the increases included huge jumps in the previously small number of black-owned firms in Prince William County, which increased 103 percent, to 2,010, and Howard County, where black businesses grew by 87 percent, to 3,293.”

This amazing growth is both a sign of social progress, as well as, an indicator that the economic fortunes of black Americans are continuing to look upward. Entrepreneurship is the bedrock of the American economy, and only through full participation in what Alexander Hamilton deemed, “the commercial republic” can some of the more pressing issues that the African-American community faces be adequately addressed.

This rise in black entrepreneurship also has political ramifications. As blacks gain greater access to the upper-echelons of the economy, it can be expected that they will take on similar voting behaviors as their socioeconomic cohort. Inevitably, their individual economic circumstances will influence their outlook on government, for reasons as simple as keeping more of their hard-earned paychecks or as complex as advocating business-friendly regulatory schemes. As the Post article noted, “black-owned businesses appear to be going the way of the…black population, which for the past decade has been increasingly lured into the suburbs.” This increased suburbanization, coupled with higher income-earning opportunities brought on by increased “boot-strapping” entrepreneurship, stands to redefine the relationship of both the Democratic and Republican Party to the African Americans.

In the end, this latest economic good news is not about honing in on race as much as it is about acknowledging the steady march of progress that has been powered by the American marketplace. In the words of one Richmond area businessman, “What I’m seeing now is more and more people are realizing there are more quality businesses out there that are minority-owned.” Black business owners are managing to overcome negative perceptions and prove their ability to compete. As such, their continued growth will pay dividends for all Americans.

Admittedly, the last few weeks have been really busy for me. As such, I partially neglected my blog editing duties for the Open Forum blog of the RGAC. We are still working out the kinks of it - maintaining an organizational blog with relevant information is harder than it looks - but going forward readers can expect to see regular blog updates multiple times per week. For those who were accustomed to reading South of the James, Open Forum is a bit, well, different.For one, it is not about me and does not simply feature my opinions; it is about news and views by and for those with an interest in the future of Chesterfield County, especially those who want to keep the big boys honest. Granted, I will have an occasional bit of perspective on things in and around Virginia’s 4th largest locality, but not nearly as much as with my other blogging projects. So, head on over to Open Forum and chime in!

Don’t forget that the next RGAC meeting is on Thursday, April 20 at 7pm.

By Conaway Haskins

The most recent edition of the Richmond Free Press (no link available) features an article with the headline of “NAACP cool to Cannaday.” Apparently, the Virginia branch of the historic civil rights organization is lukewarm about Gov. Kaine’s selection of respected African-American educator, Dr. Billy Cannaday, as Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Commonwealth. Cannaday, who will finish out the school year as head of Chesterfield’s school system, initially drew the ire of the NAACP three years ago for refusing to close county schools in honor of the Martin Luther King holiday. After a career in the Hampton School system, Dr. Cannaday made history as the first African-American superintendent in the history of majority-white Chesterfield County, and with this appointment he will become the first African American to hold the statewide position. He is widely-regarded as an effective leader and top-notch educator.

Apparently, this is not enough to assuage the doubts of King Salim Khalfani, head of the Virginia NAACP. He told Free Press reporters that “normally when a person of African descent is appointed to a high-ranking position, I would be enthusiastic or even celebratory. Not this time,” though he acknowledged that the county NAACP chapter “had nothing negative to report” about Dr. Cannaday’s performance. Thus, some three years after the King Day snafu – when Cannaday decided to keep Chesterfield kids in school to ensure that the system met its instructional time requirements – time has not yet healed the wounds that Mr. Khalfani feels were caused by this move.

The Free Press article ran during the same week as a Washington Post report which explored how black students in Fairfax County - the wealthiest community in Virginia - lagged woefully behind their counterparts in other districts, even those from lesser-regarded schools in poorer communities such as those found in Metro Richmond. Ironically, under Cannaday’s watch, black students in Chesterfield performed at or above the level of black students statewide. Though Chesterfield’s black students were outperformed by the county’s white students, on balance, those black students (who comprise over 20% of the school system’s population) met the relevant state and federal targets for student testing performance.

Additionally, Cannaday has been lauded by the Chesterfield School Board for his 6-year tenure there, where he oversaw increased enrollments, curricular changes, and new construction. His work in that county culminated in him being named “Superintendent of the Year” for the entire Commonwealth in 2005 by his peers. These accomplishments - which should be attributed more to the content of Cannaday’s character than the color of his skin - were not noted by the Free Press article or in the comments of the Virginia NAACP official.

The bottom line is that while the leader of the Virginia NAACP was busy nursing a grudge against him, Dr. Cannaday simply did his job well, which resulted in better outcomes for black students under his watch. He can be expected to bring those same talents to bear on the entire Commonwealth, ensuring that all Virginia students get a chance to excel. After such a lukewarm reception, it remains to be seen whether the Virginia NAACP chooses to work with Cannaday or against him. One has to wonder just what Dr. King would think about that.

This was received moments ago from the office of Del. A. Donald McEachin. Earlier, the Harris Miller for Senate campaign claimed the support of McEachin in the race against Jim Webb. However, the information below contradicts those statements. With McEachin in a neutral corner, along with other notable black legislators who have yet to come out for or aganist either man, Miller now has the support of less than half of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.

—-

For Immediate Release
April 17, 2006
Contact: Tim Grimes, 288.3381
Abbi Easter 320.0842McEachin Reiterates Neutrality on Democratic Senate Primary:
Priority to Defeat George Allen

Richmond: Delegate A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) today announced his position on the Virginia Democratic primary for the Senate race this year. “Contrary to published reports, I have not at this time endorsed either candidate. I have been fortunate to have spoken with both Mr. Harris Miller and Secretary James Webb, the candidates for the Democratic Senate nomination. Both are fine gentlemen, good Democrats, and I have faith that either of them would represent the Democratic Party with distinction.

“From my conversations with Secretary Webb, I am confident and reassured that he does not oppose affirmative action.

“I believe the most important goal must be to defeat George Allen. His national ambitions and blind support of President Bush’s failed policies do not serve the Commonwealth and its citizens well.

“I will continue to be active in the Senate campaign supporting the eventual Democratic nominee and I will continue to talk with both potential candidates. I reserve the right, as the campaign progresses, to possibly endorse one candidate or the other.”

By Conaway Haskinspublished on April 17, 2006 by Bacon’s Rebellion

Jim Webb supports affirmative action for African- Americans to counteract historical injustices of slavery and segregation. But poverty, he notes, does not discriminate on the basis of skin color.

On Saturday, April 8, after attending a Richmond Webb-for-Senate event, I had the pleasure of meeting with Jim Webb for about a half-hour. We talked about a range of issues including foreign policy, the Iraq War, health care policy, Katrina recovery, and even about our families and their histories. The Senatorial hopeful, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to run against U.S. Sen. George Allen, was warm, engaging, and funny, and he never asked for my vote. He is the genuine article and sticks to his principles.

Among other topics, we discussed the recent controversy regarding Webb’s not-so-recent writings on affirmative action and diversity programs. Webb was not surprised by Harris Miller’s attacks, but he was disappointed. Last week the Webb campaign responded this way:

“Jim Webb’s primary opponent seriously distorted his views about race relations in this country, and about affirmative action. Jim fully supports affirmative action for African Americans…The point is, Jim believes strongly that Americans have more in common than they have differences. For example, poverty does not discriminate based on skin color. And in the modern era we are divided more and more along class lines than by race. There are 37 million Americans of all races living in poverty. Nearly one-quarter of all African Americans still live in poverty. To create a program that gives assistance to some poor Americans while excluding millions of other people in poverty can only further exacerbate racial tension in America. This is an issue of fairness, and these programs must be fair across society.”

Race is the eternal bugaboo in American society. From the African slavery that predated the Pilgrims to the destruction of the native peoples of this land to the scourge of Jim Crow that plagued Dixie (and manifested itself socially in the Northern states), the stain of racism has never been washed out of the American fabric. It has touched the lives of most Americans in some form, and Virginia, the incubator of American slavery, has had its fair share of racial strife.

My parents, grandparents and most of my in-laws were forced into segregated grade schools and higher education institutions because of the color of their skin. I have had friends and relatives who suffered from racial profiling, were refused mortgage loans for houses in white neighborhoods, suffered through the indignity of school closings during Massive Resistance, and had job opportunities impeded because of race. As a lifelong resident of Virginia (save 2 years in North Carolina), I have also had my share of run-ins with unsavory racism. Thus, I know the issue from both the emotional and intellectual perspectives.

As Webb noted at his Richmond appearance and reiterated to me later, affirmative action programs were directly intended to remedy the effects of slavery and follow-on segregation on black people, people like my own family members. As a governmental policy, it was designed to provide targeted and effective measures for helping African Americans overcome the legacy of institutionalized bigotry that denied to them opportunities simply on the color of their skin. However, over time, the implementation of affirmative action grew to include any nonwhite minorities, regardless of the degree of legalized oppression that they faced. The most recent incarnations of affirmative action have come under the diversity rubric.

On the face of it, extending opportunities to nonwhite Americans seems like a good idea, and on balance, it remains such. However, the status quo of affirmative action created two problems.

First, by expanding the programs to non-black ethnic groups, the impacts of affirmative action policies were essentially diluted for African Americans, particularly the persistent black underclass. Giving affirmative action a general “minority” focus shrunk the pie available specifically to blacks for their advancement and for redressing wrongs they suffered explicitly.

Second, some diversity programs were construed in such a manner that any nonwhite person, regardless of economic or class status, received opportunities over poor and disadvantaged whites, many of whom are part of the Scots-Irish culture that Webb eloquently chronicles. Admittedly, poor whites do benefit socially by having white skin, but they still face a significant amount of economic distress.

The message that I got from Jim Webb was that, if affirmative action programs are to exist, they should be for their original purposes – to overcome the negative effects of targeted, sustained institutionalized racism sanctioned by government against African Americans. Furthermore, if anti-poverty programs are to be truly diverse and reach all who need them, they must also be open to people based on class and economic status, not simply race and ethnicity. Essentially, focusing on poverty reduction and social advancement for persons of color and for disadvantaged whites (who in fact make up the majority of public welfare rolls) is the best way to remedy deep-seated social (racial) divisions and to open up opportunities to even greater numbers of Americans who have been left behind. Regardless of the red-meat rhetoric used in his writings, Webb does indeed have a very strong argument.

Jim Webb once wrote that “the greatest realignment in modern politics would take place rather quickly if the right national leader found a way to bring the Scots-Irish and African Americans to the same table, and so to redefine a formula that has consciously set them apart for the past two centuries.” As the birthplace of American greatest political leaders and its most tragic “peculiar” institution, it would be fitting for Virginia to be the testing ground for such a grand experiment. In 2006, Jim Webb believes that he may be just such a leader for the Commonwealth. Quite frankly, I believe that in June, Democrats ought to give him a shot at proving it.