THYME Magazine

Citizen Journalism with a Better Flavor


Volume III, Issue XVII

THYME's Guide to the Most Influential

If, as Jefferson states, "the most important level of politics is local," then it follows that the most important political figures are those who represent your own community.

While the 'other' weekly news magazine looks for its 100 most influential people, THYME went looking for the heroes of hometown politics. We didn't have far to go.

Augusta County, Virginia is situated at the junction of two major US interstates but is still a fine mix of rural and urban elements. Manufacturing, Agriculture and Transportation exist in a balance that makes the area desirable as home or as a potential business location.

The mix that makes Augusta rich in potential also creates unique challenges for local government. Old paradigms are not adequate for addressing these challenges.

Fortunately Augusta is seeing a renaissance in citizen involvement in the process that should inspire people across the fruited plain.

Every Election Matters Now

Typically 'off-year' elections were uninspiring events with low turnout and predictable outcomes. That was before Augusta's current board of supervisors rubber stamped a fatally flawed assessment and set in motion a citizen protest directed at their lack of having a voice in Verona [the seat of the Government Center].

The unrealistic assessment numbers resulted in reduced distribution of state revenues. Public safety and education resources were understandably stretched. Pastures supervisor Tracy Pyles is already in the fight, having previously introduced a motion to discard the new assessment. This election cycle sees some new candidates stepping forward to seek seats in other districts. David Karaffa is running for the position in the Beverley Manor District and Dr. Kurt Michael in adjoining Wayne.

Here are candidates who are stepping up to create solutions in such areas as fire protection. They are putting together real proposals for real problems. They deserve a hearing and your vote on November 8th.

Look for another important hat being thrown into the ring on April 30th. Augusta County will become a model for other localities to follow. Jason Bibeau invites all concerned citizens to come out to the Government Center at 9:00am this coming Saturday. THYME will have more on this important story as it unfolds.

THYME Magazine

Citizen Journalism with a Better Flavor


Volume III, Issue I

VA AG: Defeating the Tentacles of Tyranny

Ezra Klein [click to read] may not understand the Constitution but Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli does. When Judge Hudson ruled that the Commerce Clause does NOT give the government the power to require citizens to purchase insurence, Cuccinelli's understanding of the Constitution was vindicated. ht/Phil

Judge Henry Hudson ruled that the individual mandate "exceeds the Commerce Clause powers vested in Congress under Article I" of the Constitution.

Judge Hudson also wrote, "The unchecked expansion of congressional power to the limits suggested by [the individual mandate provision in ObamaCare] would invite unbridled exercise of federal police powers."

Mark J. Fitzgibbons writes in American Thinker [click to read] that Cuccinelli has done us another favor as well, by reaffirming the protections of the Foourth Amendment! It stands to reason that government mandates would be followed by some sort of invasive 'compliance monitoring.' Do you dislike the oversight powers of the IRS? You'll really dislike Federal oversight when they can mandate your insurance purchases and demand a 1099 for most every transaction for some businesses.

"Judge Hudson ruled against ObamaCare as exceeding Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause. He also ruled that the penalty for not obtaining health insurance is not a tax, which would have saved the law. Regardless of whether ObamaCare exacts a tax or a penalty, the power of the government to investigate violations would be virtually the same.

Unlawful investigations are the equivalent of trespass and coercion of private property rights. Cuccinelli's not only litigating the constitutionality of Obamacare; he's also defeating the tentacles of tyranny and Marxism. This is why liberals are breaking out their smear machines against him."

Ken Kuccinelli Update [click to read]. The Virginia Attorney General's own statements about the ruling.

Another Fighter Worth Recognition

The 'other' Weekly News Magazine [click to read] is featuring another fighter: Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma. Burma's First Lady of Freedom [click to read] fights for the rights of the Burmese people.