Dishonor
As a retired Air Force major with 23 years of service, I am outraged at the decision of the Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier to grant military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt.
Military honors are not participation trophies. They are reserved for those who served honorably and upheld their oath. Babbitt died, not in defense of the Constitution, but while attacking it. She joined a mob attempting to overturn a lawful election and breached the Capitol. That is the very definition of betraying her service and her country.
To drape a flag and play “Taps” for someone who turned against the republic is an insult to every veteran who kept faith with their oath — especially those who died defending it. If this decision stands, it cheapens the meaning of military honors, dishonors the fallen and exposes Lohmeier as a traitor to those who served honorably as well.
Maj. Theodore B. Purvis III, U.S. Air Force (retired), Toano
Amanda Batten
Honorable, honest and helpful summarize Del. Amanda Batten’s credo as she represents the 71st District in the Virginia House of Delegates. She walks the district, talks to the voters and listens to them. Then she goes to Richmond and represents her district with this information neatly tucked into her memory.
Honorably, she then advocates for the needs of her district, from knowing who and why someone is hurting, what students and parents want, what taxes are too much of a burden, and, of course, what her district needs in support from the House. This is the first reason I will vote for Batten.
Batten is honest. She works very hard to pass or not pass legislation that is good or bad for the people of her district. After a session ends, she reports to the people on the successes and failures of the House and why. This is what I expect of a delegate, and another reason I will vote for Batten.
Batten is helpful. She and her office are seasoned professionals who look at every issue with experience and understanding; the third reason I will vote for Batten. They have helped me over the years with dignity.
Lastly, experience matters to me. Batten came up through the ranks. She worked for a senator and two delegates before running for office. She knows what it takes. She gets my vote for all of the above.
George Spalthoff, James City County
Abigail Spanberger
To provide clarity on former U.S Rep. Abigail Spanberger’s record, here are several key points about where she stands on important issues.
On taxes, Spanberger supports the repeal of the car tax, showing her commitment to easing financial burdens for Virginians.
On reproductive rights, Spanberger does not support unfettered abortion through the ninth month, nor does she believe the government should force girls to carry dangerous or unwanted pregnancies to term. She believes women in Virginia deserve the freedom to make their own reproductive health care decisions.
On LGBTQ+ rights, Spanberger strongly supports marriage equality and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. But she is not advocating for forcing girls to share intimate spaces with biological males.
On immigration and safety, Spanberger supports bipartisan reforms to strengthen border security while using resources responsibly to address immigrant communities. Her background in law enforcement underscores her dedication to keeping both Virginia and America safe.
On climate and the environment, Spanberger recognizes climate change as a direct threat to the economy, environment and national security. She has worked to lower greenhouse gas emissions responsibly, increase energy efficiency, protect Virginia’s coastline from offshore drilling and safeguard natural resources.
Finally, her policy plans — including the Affordable Virginia Plan and the Growing Virginia Plan — make clear her focus on improving the lives of Virginians.
Cathy Combs, Virginia Beach
