In the wake of the Nazi, KKK riot in Charlottesville, VA, the Southern Poverty Law Center has updated their publication Ten Ways to Fight Hate.

Download the guide here: com_ten_ways_to_fight_hate_2017_web

A presidential candidate wins election after denigrating Muslims, Latinos, women and people with disabilities. A young white man opens fire and kills nine African Americans who welcomed him into Bible study at a church in Charleston, South Carolina, telling his victims, “I have to do it.” A Muslim woman is seated on a bench in front of a coffee shop in Washington, D.C., when a woman begins screaming anti-Muslim epithets. A swastika and other anti-Semitic graffiti appear at an elementary school in Stapleton, Colorado. A lone gunman carrying an assault rifle and a handgun storms a well-known gay club in Orlando, Florida, killing 49 people and wounding 53 others.

​Bias is a human condition, and American history is rife with prejudice against groups and individuals because of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. As a nation, we’ve made a lot of progress, but stereotyping and unequal treatment persist.

When bias motivates an unlawful act, it is considered a hate crime. Most hate crimes are inspired by race and religion, but hate today wears many faces. Bias incidents (eruptions of hate where no crime is committed) also tear communities apart and can escalate into actual crimes.

Since 2010, law enforcement agencies have reported an average of about 6,000 hate crime incidents per year to the FBI. But government studies show that the real number is far higher — an estimated 260,000 per year. Many hate crimes never get reported, in large part because the victims are reluctant to go to the police. In addition, many law enforcement agencies are not fully trained to recognize or investigate hate crimes, and many simply do not collect or report hate crime data to the FBI.

The good news is, all over the country people are fighting hate, standing up to promote tolerance and inclusion. More often than not, when hate flares up, good people rise up against it — often in greater numbers and with stronger voices.

This guide sets out 10 principles for fighting hate in your community.

Northumberland County Democrats next meeting:

• Thursday, August 17, 2017
• 7 PM
• Northumberland Public Library, 7204 Northumberland Hwy, Heathsville
• Featured speaker: Tom Hicks, Democratic Candidate for Congress, Virginia’s First Congressional District.
• Also, lawn signs for Francis Edwards for Delegate, 99^th Virginia District will be disseminated.

The next meeting of the Northumberland County Democratic Party will be:

• Thursday, August 17

• 7:00 PM

• Bring a snack at 6:30 to share during “Chat ‘n Chew”

• Northumberland Public Library, 7204 Northumberland Hwy (Hwy 360) Heathsville

Chairman Frank Kober will discuss voter registration.

Back in March,  we discussed  three Democrats — former Marine Edwin Santana; “author, professional genealogist, historian, and professional speaker” Vangie Williams; and,  Prince William County School Board Chair Ryan Sawyers — running to take on absymal Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA01) next year.  Now, another Democrat — self described “pragmatic and progressive” Tom Hicks, (see his statement below) — has thrown his hat into the ring. It’s a tough district, but hopefully we’re talking about a big “wave” election next year for Democrats and we can pick off a few of these “red” district seats. Certainly, with Trump’s approval numbers in the 30s, and also based on the number – and quality – of Democrats announcing for Congress across Virginia and the country, there’s a sense that we’ve got a great chance to take back the House of Representatives next year. Our job, if we choose to accept it, is to turn that potential into reality.

Tom Hicks:  Why I am Running for Congress

I am running for this office because I believe that the political process at the national level is broken and ineffectual and is in need of leaders that will pursue progressive and pragmatic policies, and confront the politics of fear and division.   The Republican House of Representatives is taking this country in the wrong direction and Democrats have the opportunity in 2018 to win control of the House and redirect that course. I can help redirect that course by winning in Virginia’s 1st congressional district.

I am U.S. Naval Academy graduate, former Navy nuclear submarine officer, engineering consultant, small business owner, husband and father.  I believe in and want to serve my country again. Winning in the 1st district is going to be an uphill fight but it can be done with a candidate that has the leadership, experience and ideas to go toe-to-toe with the incumbent, Rob Wittman. I believe that I am that candidate.

I believe that this nation’s success depends on its commitment and capacity to develop and nurture the capabilities of its citizens.   This requires us to embrace diversity, recognize the realities of a changing marketplace, appreciate the value of hard work, and commit to something greater than ourselves.  At the same time, I believe that, in the words of Ghandi, “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.”  It is time that we demonstrate America’s greatness.

I believe that as citizens, we have an obligation to be informed about the issues that affect our community and our nation.  Toward that end, I will communicate with you openly and honestly about important issues and necessary actions.   I believe that we must listen respectfully to one another.  As your congressman, I will seek first to listen and understand, and promote involvement by each member of our community.  I believe that we all benefit when every citizen participates in the development and safekeeping of our communities.

Our Nation, our Commonwealth, and our District face a decision in 2018 to either continue with the current policies of a Republican-led House of Representatives that favor the interests of the wealthy over the middle class and poor, discrimination over equality, partisanship over bipartisanship, and isolationism over leadership, or to choose a new path that is founded on pragmatic solutions to our country’s most serious issues, while protecting the environment and the interests of the young, the poor and the disadvantaged.

I bring the strengths and abilities necessary to be effective in Congress, including leadership, integrity, stamina, willingness to collaborate and the ability to define and resolve issues.  My military experience, business experience, compassion, respect for others, patriotism and love of country will serve as my foundation and my rudder as I pursue this endeavor.

In the words of John F. Kennedy, “I look forward to a great future for America – a future in which our country will match its military strength with our moral restraint, its wealth with our wisdom, its power with our purpose.”

– Tom Hicks

Democratic Candidate for Congress

Virginia’s First Congressional District

Website is https://tomhicks4congress.org

Training for volunteers to support Francis Edwards for Delegate

• Saturday, July 22
• 10:00 AM
• Mallard Bay Clubhouse.  From Knight’s Run Rd., turn into Mallard Bay subdivision, stay on main road to the clubhouse at the end of the road.

Support Northern Neck Free Health Clinic

• Thursday, August 10
• 7:00 pm
• New courthouse, Heathsville
• Sign up to speak at the Public Comment period, Northumberland County Board of Supervisors
• The Supervisors approved a donation to the Free Health Clinic that was $8,000 less than the Clinic requested.  We need folks to speak on behkalf of the Free Clinic.

Northumberland County Democratic Committee Community Yard Sale

• Saturday, August 12
• 8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
• Community Center, located on Brown’s Store Road

NAACP Candidate Forums

The Northumberland County NAACP is planning two candidate forums.

• Statewide candidates:  Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, House of Delegates
• September 12
• Time to be announced
• Community Center, located on Brown’s Store Road

• Local candidates:  School Board, Board of Supervisors
• September 26
• Time to be announced
• Community Center, located on Brown’s Store Road

The next meeting of the Northumberland County Democratic Committee is:

• Thursday, July 20
• 7:00 PM
• Northumberland Public Library, 7204 Northumberland Hwy, Heathsville, VA
• Join us at 6:30 for snacks if you like

In the June 13 primary election, Francis Edwards won the Democratic nomination for the 99th District Virginia House of Delegates seat.  Edwards will face incumbent Republican Margaret Ransone in November.

Edwards received 1,827 votes to fellow Democrat Vivian Messner’s 1,551.

Edwards released the following statement on election night:

Thanks to your votes and hard work, I am now honored and humbled to be your Democratic nominee for the House of Delegates in the 99th District!

I am fired up and ready for the task ahead.  In her last election, only 3.3 out of 10 people voted for the incumbent. Yes, you read that correctly only 3.3 out of 10! Today 6 out of 10 want a change in representation, and Tuesday’s turnout was a sure indication that the Northern Neck is ready for a new delegate in Richmond! I am confident that we have a campaign strategy that will bring us victory.

 I will show up, stand up and work for you, but I can’t do it alone.  I need your help and am asking for your volunteer efforts as we work for a win in November.  Part of the reason for our success last night was due to Primary Day efforts by a number of volunteers working at the polls.  In the days ahead we will be asking for your help in phone banking and going door to door in your neighborhood to help turn out the vote for a November victory.

Francis

Edwards for Delegate Campaign

 PS:  Please check out our website to find out about our Campaign.

Please share it with like-minded friends.

www.edwards4delegate.com

In the statewide races for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, current Democratic Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam defeated Tom Perriello for the Democratic nomination as governor.

Justin Fairfax received the Democratic Party nomination for Lieutenant Governor.

Northam and Fairfax will face Republicans Ed Gillespie and Jill Vogel in the November general election.

For full election results, visit the Virginia Department of Elections website.

On June 13, 2017, Virginia will hold a statewide dual-party primary election in which Democrats and Republicans will select their candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General.  In Northumberland County, Democrats will select a candidate to oppose Republican Margaret Ransone  for the 99th House of Delegates seat.

Polls open at 6:00 AM and close at 7:00 PM.

The polling place for Precinct 3A has been moved from the Northumberland Public Library to the Light of Christ Anglican Church, 9500 Northumberland Highway.

This is a DUAL-PARTY primary election.  When you check in to vote, you will be asked if you want a REPUBLICAN BALLOT or a DEMOCRATIC BALLOT.  You can vote on only one ballot.

You must show a valid photo ID to vote.  Absentee voting is available weekdays, 9 to 5, at the General Registrar’s office in the old courthouse, Heathsville.  The office also will be open for absentee voting Saturday, June 10, 9 to 5.

Republican Primary Candidates are:

For Governor

• Edward W. “Ed” Gillespie
• Corey A. Stewart
• Frank W. Wagner

For Lieutenant Governor

• Bryce E. Reeves
• Glen R. Davis, Jr.
• Jill H. Vogel

For Attorney General

• Race is not contested

Democratic Primary Candidates are:

For Governor

• Ralph S. Northam
• Tom S. Perriello

For Lieutenant Governor

• Justin E. Fairfax
• Gene J. Rossi
• Susan S. Platt

For Attorney General

• Race is not contested

For House of Delegates, 99th District

• Vivian L. “Viv” Messner
• Francis Nicholas Edwards