Greetings My Friends,
If you are reading this on the day this is released then you are more than likely thinking about Halloween, or more traditionally known as ALL HALLOWS EVE. It was during this time, that the saints took a moment to purge themselves of the evil spirits, making ready clear their heads and cleansed heart receive the saints.
To me it is somewhat poetic to connect at this time, and its even more interesting to think how this time of cleansing comes directly before an election. I wonder sometimes if the framers of this our republic had this in mind? That the first Tuesday following All Saints Day would serve as a redefining moment, a season of recommitting of ourselves to the ideals of this our republic.
So as we connect today, we do so preparing for what truly is a defining moment, a gut check opportunity, a moment to understand where we stand. We also come to celebrate the slowly dismantling of legalized racism. Earlier this week Richmond Circuit Court Judge W. Reilly Marchant ruled in his favor in Taylor v. Northam, affirming the Governor’s authority to remove the Robert E. Lee monument.
“The Lee monument was built to celebrate the Confederacy and uphold white supremacy. This victory moves Virginia forward in removing this relic of the past—one that was erected for all the wrong reasons.
“I am grateful to Attorney General Mark Herring and his team for their tremendous work on this case. Today we are one step closer to a more inclusive, equitable, and honest Virginia.” —Governor Ralph Northam
I believe this decision helps us to free move without fear or frustration, as long as our movement does not require using the HRBT, a problem also on the radar of Governor Northam. This is why he (Gov. Northam) joined the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and state and local leaders to break ground on the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) Expansion Project. The $3.8 billion project will increase tunnel and interstate capacity along 9.9 miles of Interstate 64 between Hampton and Norfolk, reducing congestion and easing access to the Port of Virginia and the world’s largest Naval base.
“For too long, traffic in the Hampton Roads region has bottlenecked at the tunnel,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “Folks in this region deserve an easier, more reliable commute. This is the largest project in our history, and it will ensure that people can move around faster, that commerce flows more easily, and that we finally connect the Peninsula and the Southside. This project will make everyone’s lives easier when it is completed.”
“The world’s best designers, builders, engineers, and technology are converging here in Virginia to build your new tunnel,” said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “We are bringing every asset to the table to give people what they may value most—time.”
So soon a free thinking society will meet a freely transitioning society. But these are just laws, and anyone with an ounce of intelligence knows,
“Laws don’t change people, people change people.”
So how do we get there? Even if a monument is never moved or a faster road is never constructed, how can we individually make the change we desire? I believe the answer is found in the book, life’s manual if you please.
“He replied, “ You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself.” -Matthew 22:37, 39 CEB
<THINGS OF INTEREST>
It Doesn’t Matter- In the late 90s WWF/e star The Rock constantly responded to his critics with this term why? Because when you think about it who, or why should we care? it is what it is.Your Vote Is Important- Momma Bell this past Wednesday shared the importance of our vote.
I believe the above command is the only true way to heal our societal wounds, and make this world a much better place. If you are joining me on Sunday, I look forward to it, whether its live via the call, or via the podcast.
Until Next Time… From Me and Mine, TO you and Yours. LATTERZ
❤️EDB