Should Aluminum Bats Be Banned?

I’m a big baseball fan and, like a large portion of kids, played little league baseball through middle school. I was never a star, but was a decent catcher and first baseman. As I got older, I looked forward to when I made it to what Fairfax County referred to 7th grade when we moved up to the big league sized baselines and being able to use bats with a slightly bigger barrel.

The change of bats was really neat because it supposedly made it slightly easier to hit the ball (at the time I didn’t really consider that the pitchers would also be throwing the ball faster). The discussion about the bats, however, also included some people who questioned whether we should be using metal bats. This was being debated because the aluminum allows the ball to be hit harder and it’s been suggested that this has resulted in some unnecessary injuries. According to an article published on the LA Times website, it appears as though that debate is still taking place.

Some people say a ball comes off an aluminum bat with more force than off a wooden bat, making aluminum bats unsafe for kids. The issue has gained traction in some city councils and state legislatures. New York City last year banned metal bats from use in high school baseball games. And a bill is before the Illinois state legislature that would make it illegal for any adult to knowingly allow the use of an aluminum bat during a recreational baseball or softball game in which a person under age 13 is a participant. 

Despite these allegations, USA baseball has stated that not only are aluminum bats not more dangerous than wooden bats but they don’t hit the ball any harder or faster. Now it could perhaps be the fact that I have grown up with the assumption that metal bats hit the ball harder and seemed to experience this while playing baseball, but I don’t believe that wooden bats hit the ball just as hard as aluminum ones do.

At the same time, I don’t think aluminum bats should be banned among the younger leagues. When kids are learning to play baseball, they aren’t as strong and could use the extra boost in batting power. It’s once the players begin to really develop their strength (in middle school and high school) that I believe the powers that be should consider banning the use of metal bats. Those are just my thoughts, though. What does everyone else think?

Why The Media Might Help Obama

There has been a lot of discussion recently about how the length of the primary race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton could potentially harm the Democratic nominee. If negative campaign tactics continue to be used despite the fact that it is very likely Obama will be the nominee, then I believe these concerns might turnout to be true. That being said, there is a good chance that the extended primary will actually benefit the Democratic nominee.

Due to the fact that the Republican nominee was evident quite awhile ago, the media has been paying more attention to the primary on the Democratic side. This ultimately means that the media has also uncovered some potential scandals involving Obama. After his numbers taking a slight dip after the media began focusing on issues such as Rev. Jeremiah Wright, however, Obama’s campaign has rebounded and continues to have electoral success. With this scandals in the past, he’s now able to begin building his organization for the general election is has a better understanding of how the public might react to some of the attacks the Republicans will launch at him.

While the media attention has been focused on the Democrats, many people have rightfully pointed out how the media has yet to fully dive into many of the skeletons that could be hiding in the closet. Now that it appears as though the general election field is set, the media will likely begin paying closer attention to John McCain’s candidacy. As Obama pointed out at a campaign stop in Oregon today, this will result in McCain also facing a heap of scrutiny.

“I would expect that the press will submit him to the same scrutiny that they are submitting me — and if they don’t, I’ll have them talk to you because I can tell you would object,” he said. “I think people will lift the hood and kick the tires with John McCain, just like they do with me and just like they’ve done with Sen. Clinton. I think you’re applying for the presidency of the United States of America, then by definition you have given up your privacy and basically I think people are gonna want to know what you’ve done in your life and what you stand for.”

With the mainstream media beginning to apply scrutiny to McCain’s candidacy at this point in the race could prove to be extremely beneficial for the Democratic nominee. Not only will McCain not be able to see how the public reacted to the scandal during a tough primary, but these revelations will also come much closer to the general election. Not only does this mean McCain won’t have as much time to spin the scandals away, but it is also more likely that voters will be thinking about these scandals than scandals involving Obama that came out months ago.

So while negative campaigning might create some troubles for the Democratic nominee in the general election, the way the media has covered this race will likely result in the extended primary actually helping Obama. Of course it probably doesn’t hurt that Obama has already had the backing of grassroots and netroots activists for quite some time now.

Bruce Roemmelt for National Convention Delegate

As many of you may already know, Democrats will be selecting their delegates to the national convention tomorrow, Saturday the 17th, in the 10th Congressional District. I believe this is an important part of the nominating process because it illustrates just how important it is to have Democrats who are active throughout the country. Furthermore, it is yet another opportunity to examine the progress the Democratic Party has made on a local basis.

This concentration on local politics in order to have success at the national level really gets to the heart of Howard Dean’s 50 State Strategy, which suggests that we should be building up the Democratic Party even in places that are traditionally Republican strongholds. One candidate for National Delegate who I believe illustrates this sentiment is Bruce Roemmelt. In a letter to all of the identified Obama delegates to the 10th District’s convention, Bruce highlighted all the work that he accomplished with his campaign while running for the House of Delegates.

I felt then as now that we must fight in every District to turn Virginia blue. There are some that say in the heavily Republican 13th it was a lost cause, but look at what we did. We fought a fight where no Democrats had run essentially since redistricting in 2001. We knocked on over 20,000 doors in four years. Not only did we ID voters in 2005 and 2007, but we worked tirelessly for Judy Feder and Jim Webb in 2006, and Senators Herring and COlgan, Loundoun County BOCS Member Stevens Miller and candidates Karen Schultz, Mike George, Corey Reiley, and Kevin Turner in 2007

We raised money but more importantly we spoke to and about the core values that not only are held by us Democrats, but so many of the voters we reached.

It appears as though a large number of Democrats believe that Bruce’s record clearly make him a excellent choice to serve as a Delegate to the National Convention.

I’ve been endorsed by multiple candidates and Democratic activists across the 10th CD like Jedy Feder, Marty Martinez, Jay Donohue, Bill Day, Stevens Miller, Pete Frisbie, David Roos, Glenn Lintelman, and Bob Moses. I’m also (to my knowledge) the only active union member running, and endorsed by the NOVA Central Labor Council Leader, Dan Duncan.

The hard work of traveling across the district and talking with the general public in this traditional Republican stronghold not only embraces Howard Dean’s strategy, but it also is very similar to what Barack Obama has been advocating. It is for that reason that I believe Bruce Roemmelt should be elected as a Delegate to the National Convention for Obama from Virginia’s 10th Congressional District.

Glenn Nye on National Police Week

This seems to be the be the time of year that we celebrate many of our public servants. As some of you may know, last week was Teachers Appreciation Week. Although this is primarily celebrated in elementary schools, I know educators at all levels to appreciate the extra recognition they receive during the week. This week, the attention now turns to the men and women who serve as police officers as it is National Police Week.

I’m glad to see that Glenn Nye, the Democratic Nominee for Congress in Virginia’s Second District, has taken the time to honor those who have given their lives in order to protect the public. In a statement he made earlier today, Glenn spoke about some ceremonies he attended on Monday.

“Yesterday, I attended dignified ceremonies in Norfolk and Virginia Beach commemorating fallen law enforcement officers. These ceremonies provided a moment of reflection on the sacrifices the men and women of our police forces make for us every day. They put their lives on the line to keep us safe in our neighborhoods. Having served overseas in many countries that do not have functioning first responder systems, I realized how easy it can be to take for granted the vital service our officers provide. When we call for help, they respond.

Yesterday was the start of national police week. I hope you will take a moment this week to remember our fallen police officers, and when you see officers of the peace please remember to thank them for their service.”

While we sometimes get wrapped up in the latest developments in political events, I believe we often overlook the honorable public servants who risk their lives day in and day out. During National Police Week, I think it’s important for everyone to take at least a few moments to honor these outstanding citizens. I’m pleased to see that Glenn is doing his part towards accomplishing that goal.

Judy Feder Live Blog Here Today

I am honored to announce that Judy Feder will be live blogging here today from 3 - 4 pm. Please feel free to leave your questions/comments for Judy in the comment section of this post.

As you may know, Judy is running for Congress from Virginia’s 10th District and has been receiving national attention because she has a very good chance of unseating the incumbent Frank Wolf. Judy’s been running a campaign that is worthy of all that attention and she’s received a great deal of support from the grassroots. During a time when there has been a significant amount of debate over our health care system, it is most definitely worth noting that Judy is a well known expert on health care policy. On her website she explains her background as such:

Judy Feder’s three decades of health policy experience will make her an invaluable leader in transforming how Washington does business. She began her career researching ways to make health care more affordable. A widely published scholar, Judy worked at the Brookings Institution and Urban Institute before joining the faculty of Georgetown University in 1984.

In 1988 she served as Staff Director of the Congressional Pepper Commission, the bipartisan commission on comprehensive health care. In 1993, she was appointed to the Department of Health and Human Services, where she worked to expand health insurance coverage, manage Medicare and Medicaid effectively, and assure the safety of food and drugs.

Judy is a professor and, from 1999 through 2007, was Dean of Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute. Her combination of scholarship and government experience have made the institute one of the nation’s most respected training grounds for public policy leaders. Her graduates are tackling the nation’s most complicated policy challenges- from health reform in the Congress to military intelligence in the Pentagon.

Of course you can stop by Judy’s website for some more info on her candidacy, but don’t forget to leave your questions. She’ll be here at 3 to start answering questions.

Video Of Mark Warner Campaign Kickoff

Judy Feder Office Opening

On Sunday afternoon, I attended an event in McLean to celebrate the opening of Judy Feder’s new campaign office. You couldn’t have asked for better weather, which made the event even more enjoyable for the large number of people who showed up to show their support for Judy. Prior to becoming Judy’s campaign office the building was originally a single family home and was later used as a doctor’s office. This essentially was important because the weather therefore helped to illustrate how the office has a decent sized yard which can be used for future campaign barbeques, ice cream socials, etc. Of course, it also means there a lot of room inside (8 good sized rooms on the first floor, a few more upstairs, and a basement that can be used for storing road signs and other campaign supplies).

As the crowd continued to grow it included supporters from all across NOVA including Delegates Jim Scott (53), Bob Brink (48), and Margi Vanderhye (34); former candidate for the House of Delegates Bruce Roemmelt; and Chairman of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee Scott Surovell.

After getting an opportunity to tour the building, the hot topic of discussion was how Judy’s candidacy really presented an opportunity for Democrats to pick up a seat in the House of Representatives. That was of course combined with discussion about how many people believe our strong candidates at the House and Senate level could result in Virginia playing an important role in the presidential election. Once we all had settled in, it was time for the speeches.

Del. Jim Scott welcomed us to the 53rd House of Delegates district, which he represents. He then proceeded to talk about how Frank Wolf doesn’t represent the interests of the 10th District, it is a great time for us to elect an expert on health care policy, and how Judy is an all around great candidate. He also mentioned how talked the area has produced several great members of the House of Delegates and that the Democrats lead 14 to 3 in representing Fairfax in the House of Delegates.

Del. Bob Brink mentioned how Frank Wolf said he would embrace term limits when he was first elected, but that he now seems to have forgotten that promise. He focused on how we need to all go out and knock on doors and make phone calls to help turn out support for Judy.

Del. Margi Vanderhye really gave a passionate speech that pumped up the crowd. After mentioning all the progress we’ve seen in the General Assembly, she began to focus on how Frank Wolf and other Members of Congress who have blindly followed the Bush Administration truly are out of touch with Virginians. She received a great deal of applause, for instance, after saying that “this has been a reckless, arrogant, really malevolent administration when it comes to what’s best for the American people.”

After Margi then proceeded to talk about what type of values she believes the Democrats need to stand up for, Judy Feder built upon the energy Margi built up by saying “We need to take these Virginia values across the Potomac to Washington.” Among the different points that she drove home was the fact that she’s “running to give the 10th District the leadership that we all want. The leadership that comes from years of training our future civilian and military leaders, some of who are here today, what it takes to deliver results and bring change.” Judy also mentioned that:

• “We need universal coverage, affordable quality health care coverage for everybody and we need it now.”
• “We need to protect home ownership and to crack down on fraudulent mortage lending and we need to do it now.”
• “We need to bring [the troops] home, get them the health care they need, and enact Jim Webb’s 21st Century GI Bill and we need to do it now.”

This event was very representative of how Judy’s campaign is being run. As Judy and the other speakers pointed out, there were many Democrats in the audience who truly believe in grassroots activism. Throughout the last few years, I have knocked on doors and phone banked with a large number of people who were at the event. I bring this up because I think it shows how the crowd was made up of people who will not only show up to events such as this office opening, but will also being doing the volunteer work that’s a critical element to any successful campaign. If the energy shown at this event continues, I am confident the 10th District will soon have a newly elected Representative in the next Congress.

Region Recognized As A National Heritage Area

I’m the first to admit that part of the reason I enjoy living in Northern Virginia is because I enjoy the fact that the region is filled with history. I find it fascinating that I can drive a literally just a few minutes in one direction and I’m at the site of the first major land battle in the American Civil War and few minutes in another and I’m in our nation’s capital. Slightly longer trips will of course bring me to other historical sites.

Although many of these sites were already recognized in one form or another, the Federal government is now recognizing the entire region for its heritage. President Bush “signed the measure sponsored by Virginia’s Senators Jim Webb and John Warner to designate a 175-mile corridor along U.S. Route 15 in Northern and Central Virginia as a National Heritage Area into law.” Although most of the sites recognized in the Act are from Virginia, there are also some sites from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia included in what is now one of 38 regions to receive such a designation by Congress.

The region designated by the “Journey through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area Act” is home to some of the nation’s most notable and historic landmarks, including Monticello, Montpelier, Manassas and Gettysburg. The area also encompasses eight presidential homes or sites, 15 National Historic Landmarks, 47 historic districts and the largest collection of Revolutionary War sites and Civil War battlefields in America.

“I am pleased that this area of Virginia—so rich in culture and history—has earned this federal designation,” said Senator Webb. “This designation will help preserve this historic region for future generations of Americans to enjoy and will promote heritage tourism throughout Virginia.”

“The Journey through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area represents the combined efforts of numerous Virginia communities, businesses and citizens to honor our nation’s heritage,” continued Webb. “I would like to especially thank my colleague, Senator Warner, whose leadership helped to champion this legislation through Congress and to the President’s desk.”

I think that having the region recognized as a national heritage area serves as a reminder to everyone that our nation’s capital is not the only historical site that the region has to offer. This recognition ensures that people living in this area for generations to come will also be able to learn from all the history that surrounds them. I know being surrounded by so many historical sites has allowed me to further understand our country’s history, and I’m confident that it will help future generations as well.

UPDATE: This builds upon a post I wrote about a year ago.

Over 60 miles of U.S. Route 15 in Virginia have been declared “an official Virginia Byway by the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB)” and are part of a four state route called “Journey Through Hollowed Ground.”

This just goes to show how local, state, and federal agencies are coming together in order to make the “Journey through Hollowed Ground” project truly successful. 

 

Harlon Reece for Mayor of Herndon

Since Virginia elects it’s state officials in odd number years, it sometimes feels as though we always have some sort of election going on in our great Commonwealth. That feeling is perhaps even furthered now that we have some local races coming up. That is the case in Herndon, VA as voters go to the polls tomorrow to select its mayor and town council.

This is a crucial election because Herndon also has been the site of a some controversy over the immigration issue. Through electing moderate voices to the mayor’s office and town council, the voters get elected officials who are truly dedicated to making Herndon an even more attractive place to live. Tomorrow also presents Herndon residents with an opportunity to illustrate how most Virginians disagree with the extremists who have tried to dominate the discussion on the issue of immigration in some parts of Northern Virginia.

Harlon Reece is the candidate for mayor who will truly bring about that moderate voice of reason to the political discussion. It is for that reason that I believe voters should cast their ballot for him in tomorrow’s election. If you live in Herndon and are still undecided, check out the video below and visit Harlon’s website and you’ll see why he is the candidate you can trust to stand up for the best interests of the community.

Another Great Mailer From Leslie Byrne

I have received a number of mailers from Leslie Byrne’s campaign recently and I really like the approach that she has been taking. Essentially, the mailers have focused on the fact that she has a strong record of serving Virginia and wants to return to Congress in order to continuing standing up for what’s right. Her most recent mailer points out how she is the only candidate running for Congress in the 11th “who spoke out against this war before the invasion.” (You can see the flyer by following this link)

The mailer truly draws attention to the fact that Leslie was willing to stand up and publicly denounce the war even though it could have created some political problems for her at the time. This is noteworthy because it illustrates how she is willing to put the best interests of the country before her own political future. That is the sign of a truly honorable public official and I believe it is definitely something the voters should consider when they go to the polls on June 10.