Misleading
The VoteVets Political Action Committee released an ad called “The Cost” featuring Republican gubernatorial candidate and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears saying, “I understand tariffs can hurt. And I think that’s good.” What? Such a statement would amount to political suicide.
VoteVets selectively edited Earle-Sears’ comments from a March 13 Peninsula Grassroots meet-and-greet to try and mislead voters.
The ad asserts, “A sales tax on groceries? She voted to keep it,” citing legislation from more than 23 years ago. Are you kidding me? Earle-Sears supported legislation that eliminated the state portion of the grocery tax and promoted its passage in 2022.
A significant plank of Earle-Sears’ campaign for lieutenant governor was veterans’ issues, including a push to eliminate state taxes on the first $40,000 of military retirement pay, according to the Marine Corps Association. HB1128 was signed into law in 2022, and now allows up to a $40,000 state income tax deduction for military retirement income for veterans age 55 and older.
As a military retiree, I can’t believe VoteVets would basically lie about a fellow veteran, Earle-Sears (a Marine), and endorse non-veteran and former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, with the largest single monetary donation in its 20-year history. One would expect better from an organization purporting to support veterans running for public office.
Joe Naneville, Windsor
Charlie Kirk
Below is a snippet of my note to my four grandsons after the tragic death of Charlie Kirk:
I have been thinking about the killing of Charlie Kirk and how it might be affecting you and your thinking. I had not heard his name or listened to him speak until after he was gone. When I learned about him and what we did with his life, I realized he had a gift to engage young people in America’s political discussion.
As a citizen of this great country, he was exercising his First Amendment right and did not deserve to be killed. He was a young man of faith; he was a husband and father of two. He was self-made and successful by many measures.
Yet I do not agree with his inflammatory language. My generation heard stories from our parents and witnessed others struggle for their rights as Americans. I believe everyone has the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” We are a country of immigrants. We should welcome newcomers who burn to become a part of the American community. Their desire renews who we become as America.
What I know is that Kirk did not deserve to lose his life for showing up and challenging all of us to “prove me wrong.” He was your contemporary and his killer was also your contemporary. How sad that they did not have a chance to exchange ideas.
Put down your cellphones the next time you get together to share a meal. Talk about it and let your elected representatives hear from you.
Gloria Christensen, Virginia Beach
Affordable housing
I’ve lived in the Trant Berkshire neighborhood of Virginia Beach for 24 years and have watched our community change — especially the soaring cost of housing. Today, rents for modest apartments often run $1,800 to $2,500 a month. With a median income around $4,100 before taxes, many families are spending nearly half their pay just to keep a roof over their heads.
I inherited a condo from my late son and have had to raise the rent to cover expenses, yet I still lose money — and I see how those increases strain my tenants. Seniors deserve to age in place, families deserve stability, and working people such as teachers, nurses and first responders should be able to live near their jobs.
Del. Anne Ferrell Tata has failed to address this crisis for Virginia’s 99th House District. Cat Porterfield will make housing a priority. We need her leadership.
Rick Paradiso, Virginia Beach
