If perfection is the new standard for service, then we are all in trouble. In 1984, Ralph Northam was the product of his environment, the eastern shore of Virginia, one of the most racist areas in Virginia; the birthplace of the institution of slavery in America.
In Richmond, Virginia, the Capitol of the Confederacy, we still have an avenue adorned with statues to racist confederate generals whose sole purpose was to keep black people enslaved. This confederate worship evidenced by the monuments on display continue to offend more than half the population. Today, in 2019.
Contrast that to a man who has made past mistakes, admitted his mistakes and apologized for them. A product of his upbringing in an insulated society, and all that entailed, the 25-year-old VMI graduate was a very different man than the Army Captain who was transformed by his the military experience.
He has, and continues to, wear his compassion and empathy on his sleeve; a man who has grown and evolved. I’m glad Ralph Northam did NOT resign.
I don't take this position lightly either. When my mother was 9-years-old growing up in Ware Shoals, South Carolina she was called into her home after playing, to learn that her father had just been lynched.
My mother did not live the rest of her life angry or blaming America for what happened to her father. She was the kindest most forgiving person I have ever known. I have tried to emulate my mother and father and the sacrifices they made for me and my brothers.
If Nelson Mandela had never birthed the Truth & Reconciliation Movement, then South Africa would have imploded. We all have made mistakes. If we cannot acknowledge these mistakes, talk about them, and move forward, then we will continue to live in the past, and the great chasm in American society will never be healed.
I am Herb Jones, a candidate for Virginia’s 3rd Senatorial District. I'm a retired colonel and combat veteran. I'm not completely new to politics. I was elected to serve three terms as the treasurer of New Kent County, Virginia.
Currently, I am an entrepreneur, small business owner, and CEO of an IT project management consulting firm. To learn more about my campaign, please visit my website.
Governor Northam has demonstrated on numerous occasions who he is today. He appointed me to his Military Advisory Council. Republican State Senate leader Tommy Norment and his caucus blocked my appointment to this Governors advisory board on veterans affairs without cause.
Why did the Republicans do this? My opponent in this election is Tommy Norment, could that have something to do with it?
This is all background noise, and Governor Northam will work his way through the current situation. I am, however, glad that he has decided to continue to serve. I'm proud to call him a fellow military veteran; a brother in arms. The arms to change Virginia.
Which leads to my campaign for the 3rd Senate District in the Commonwealth of Virginia Senate. This seat is currently held by Tommy Norment. Norment has been in the Virginia General Assembly for almost 30 years. He has more than $1.1 million in his campaign fund. He has been funded by big industry fossil fuel companies like Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power, and several health care insurance companies. Tommy doesn’t represent working families and hourly workers who are struggling to make ends meet.
Another brother in arms is running in a special election next month in Tennessee. Navy Chief (ret.) Eric Coleman. The democratic leadership in Tennessee have tried to ignore Eric. But that was quashed when Malcolm Nance tweeted on Eric’s behalf. I am asking everyone who reads this to send some support to Eric. His special election is next month on March 12, 2019.
Tennessee 2019 - Eric Coleman