Connection Newspapers

Connection Newspapers Connection Newspapers is a locally-owned media company founded in 1784, that publishes 15 weekly community newspapers reaching more than 100,000 households in select communities in the Washington metropolitan area with print and Web editions.
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Operating as usual

Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation - SFDC
01/07/2021

Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation - SFDC

Food distribution on Thursday January 7th at 11:00 AM, hosted by Lee District Supervisor Rodney Lusk and partners! Pick up will be at the South County Government Center located at 8350 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309.

01/07/2021
Chairman Jeff McKay

Chairman Jeff McKay

What is happening in Washington DC right now is nothing short of a coup. This is a dark day in American democracy and I am personally sad and angry. I’m hopeful residents of the County heeded our advice to stay home today.

We have deployed members of our police department and opened our emergency operations center to Virginia State Police. Let us pray for their safety as well as the safety of the innocent people impacted. Our democracy will not be destroyed by violent, lawless mobs.

I’m in constant communication with County officials to ensure we provide as much help as possible and also protect our communities in Fairfax.

If you see anything suspicious call or text 911 or our non-emergency line 703-691-2131.

Update at 5:55pm: We have stepped up police presence throughout County and are monitoring areas we believe may see increased activity.

01/06/2021

Curfew 6pm to 6am in Arlington and City of Alexandria

Talk about locally produced, these are made by a guy in Alexandria that was on Shark tank, read my story tomorrow. In th...
01/06/2021

Talk about locally produced, these are made by a guy in Alexandria that was on Shark tank, read my story tomorrow. In the mean time, I just bought a pack at Whole foods and I popped a couple in the toaster oven, stay tuned. #gooats #alexandriava #wholefoods

01/01/2021

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the Senate voted 81-13 to override President Trump’s veto of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):
“I’m glad my colleagues on both sides of the aisle stood by our servicemembers and rejected President Trump’s veto. For 60 years in a row, the NDAA has provided necessary support for our troops and national security. Today’s vote sent a clear message that Congress will not allow President Trump to stand in the way of that support, and I’m relieved the critical bipartisan priorities we fought for will become law.”

Are you ready to make a positive difference in the National Capital Area? After a hard year impacted by the ongoing pand...
12/30/2020

Are you ready to make a positive difference in the National Capital Area? After a hard year impacted by the ongoing pandemic, it’s time we all come together as a community to lend a helping hand to those who need it most. Enroll today in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) and start making your impact. Visit https://cfcnca.givecfc.org/ to learn more. #sponsored

Connection Newspapers's cover photo
12/30/2020

Connection Newspapers's cover photo

Alexandria Gazette Packet Launches GoFundMe as Advertising Revenue Dries Up
12/30/2020
Alexandria Gazette Packet Launches GoFundMe as Advertising Revenue Dries Up

Alexandria Gazette Packet Launches GoFundMe as Advertising Revenue Dries Up

There's a room stacked floor-to-ceiling with archives in the headquarters of the Alexandria Gazette Packet overlooking King Street. The back wall of the second-floor conference room, where editorial meetings have been held for years, is lined with volumes ranging from the latest publications to the

Alexandria Gazette Packet Launches GoFundMe as Advertising Revenue Dries Up
12/30/2020
Alexandria Gazette Packet Launches GoFundMe as Advertising Revenue Dries Up

Alexandria Gazette Packet Launches GoFundMe as Advertising Revenue Dries Up

There's a room stacked floor-to-ceiling with archives in the headquarters of the Alexandria Gazette Packet overlooking King Street. The back wall of the second-floor conference room, where editorial meetings have been held for years, is lined with volumes ranging from the latest publications to the

From Supervisor Rodney Lusk: The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) seeks the public's input on how to provide for the...
12/29/2020
Pickleball Study | Park Authority

From Supervisor Rodney Lusk: The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) seeks the public's input on how to provide for the emerging sport of pickleball and invites participation in an online survey. The survey will be open through January 24, 2021.

The Pickleball study will:

1)Determine how to equitably address pickleball requests;
2)Identify sites for potential improvements to existing courts or parks to host new facilities; and
3)Develop siting criteria and design guidance that will assist us in site selection and feasibility analysis when considering pickleball locations.

Survey and more information below!

Fairfax County, Virginia - Fairfax County Park Authority Pickleball Study

Working on an uplifting project was one positive thing to come out of 2020 for the Arlington Children's Chorus, and we w...
12/29/2020
The Arlington Children's Chorus - We the Children

Working on an uplifting project was one positive thing to come out of 2020 for the Arlington Children's Chorus, and we were able to keep our rehearsals live by meeting outside even in the rain, and inside when it got too cold but keeping all windows open, staying socially distant and wearing masks at all times. After all our festive activities were cancelled, writing a song trying to capture a little bit of the spirit of the season was a way to let our children’s voices be heard. It’s been amazing how much joy has blossomed from such a difficult situation!

https://youtu.be/SJHVJZInKqI

Enjoy a festive song that we wrote to ring in a New Year! To the tune of Prokofiev's 'Troika'

Two Million Lights in a Dark Winter
12/29/2020
Two Million Lights in a Dark Winter

Two Million Lights in a Dark Winter

The Bull Run Festival of Lights is the largest light show in the Washington Metropolitan area, and this winter it is more popular than ever before.

12/28/2020
Historic White's Ferry

This is crazy.

PRESS RELEASE
WHITE’S FERRY
CEASING OPERATIONS
IMMEDIATELY

White’s Ferry regrets to inform the public that it will cease its Potomac River ferry operation between White’s Ferry Road in Montgomery County, Maryland and White’s Ferry Road in Loudoun County, Virginia effective immediately. The Circuit Court of Loudoun County, Virginia has ruled, in the case of Rockland Farm, LLC, et al. v. White’s Ferry, Inc., that no public landing exists on the Virginia shoreline at White’s Ferry Road and the ferry is prohibited from landing at that location in Virginia. As of the date of this press release Loudoun County, Virginia has declined to establish a public landing at that location.

You’ll have a safety net from WRAP. But please stay home.
12/28/2020

You’ll have a safety net from WRAP. But please stay home.

So glad to see this.
12/28/2020

So glad to see this.

This morning the first COVID-19 vaccines were administered to members of #FCFRD, including Fire Chief Butler. We are proud of the critical medical care our frontline first responders provide. The vaccine provides another layer of protection for our providers and the communities they serve.

12/27/2020
Congressman Don Beyer

Congressman Don Beyer

Millions of Americans who lost their jobs during the pandemic just lost all their income because of Trump.

He’s so erratic that no one knows what he will do.

He’s blocking relief, eviction moratoriums are expiring, and the government will soon shut down.

Trump is golfing today.

Donate Christmas lights and decorations to Frying Pan Park.
12/27/2020

Donate Christmas lights and decorations to Frying Pan Park.

We have a favor to ask. Our drive-through light show was so incredibly popular that we're now planning to do it again next year. However, we'd like to make it even more spectacular. When you take down your holiday decorations this year, consider donating a few to Frying Pan Farm Park.

We'll take outdoor light strings, ropes and icicles; extension cords, inflatables, garlands, wreaths, artificial trees, wire frame figures, outdoor spotlights, etc. Just leave your donated decorations in the farm kiosk pictured here. We'll accept donations until January 30. Thanks in advance!

Important step to protect the people who respond to emergencies in the pandemic.
12/27/2020

Important step to protect the people who respond to emergencies in the pandemic.

Connection Newspapers's cover photo
12/25/2020

Connection Newspapers's cover photo

12/25/2020
Opinion: Editorial: Merry Christmas

Whether you embrace the Christmas story literally or in spirit, it is the story of joy, hope and love, with the promise of redemption.
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Christmas is also about embracing the teachings of Jesus: to love thy neighbor as thyself; to help the needy; to feed the hungry and clothe the poor; to care for those who are sick; to invite and welcome strangers; to treat others as you would have them treat you. These teachings have deep meaning and consequence for us right now.

http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2020/dec/24/opinion-editorial-merry-christmas/

The pages of the Connection (including the Alexandria Gazette Packet, the Mount Vernon Gazette, the Potomac Almanac and the Centre View) are usually full of holiday spirit, beginning before Thanksgiving.

Appealing Bad Rulings
12/25/2020
Appealing Bad Rulings

Appealing Bad Rulings

Virginia is the only state in the country that does not guarantee a right to appeal, allowing circuit court judges to make decisions with little oversight or scrutiny. Critics have been calling for reform ever since the Court of Appeals was first created in 1985. The Supreme Court of Virginia recomm...

12/25/2020
Opinion: Editorial: Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve; Whether you embrace the Christmas story literally or in spirit, it is the story of joy, hope, love, promise of redemption.
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2020/dec/24/opinion-editorial-merry-christmas/

The pages of the Connection (including the Alexandria Gazette Packet, the Mount Vernon Gazette, the Potomac Almanac and the Centre View) are usually full of holiday spirit, beginning before Thanksgiving.

12/20/2020

Congressman Don Beyer Statement Marking Three Years Since Passage Of Republican Tax Bill

December 20, 2020 (Washington, D.C.) – Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who is expected to chair Congress’ Joint Economic Committee in the next session of Congress, issued the following statement today on the three-year anniversary of the passage of the 2017 Republican tax bill:
“In negotiating pandemic relief legislation, Senate Republicans argued it would be too expensive to send Americans even one more round of $1,200 checks. Three years ago today they passed tax cuts for large corporations they claimed would ‘pay for themselves,’ a claim they knew to be false.

“Senate Republicans have reportedly cut the enhanced federal benefits in half from CARES Act levels, and halved the duration of those benefits compared to House-passed legislation. Three years ago they passed an extraordinarily regressive tax bill that gave most benefits to the very wealthy.

“Today Senate Republicans are fighting to limit or reduce food and rental assistance to needy families on the edge of disaster. Three years ago these same Senate Republicans passed legislation with a provision that exclusively benefitted households worth over $22 million.

“Three years ago the economy was still riding the wave of the Obama recovery, and Senate Republicans shrugged off long term fiscal concerns as they cut taxes for millionaires. Today, as Senate Republicans penny-pinch working people, American families are racked with fear and uncertainty, many are suffering some of the worst economic misery they have ever seen. The contrast is utterly appalling.”

"If we truly believe in fairness and value democracy over partisanship, it is time to elect the president based on the p...
12/20/2020
Dropping Out of the Electoral College

"If we truly believe in fairness and value democracy over partisanship, it is time to elect the president based on the people's will," said Sen Adam Ebbin. "This legislation affirms the core principle of American democracy — one person, one vote."

Virginia may be on the verge of dropping out of the Electoral College, joining a National Popular Vote Compact in an effort to ditch a presidential election system critics say is outdated and undemocratic.

‘The Miracle of Lights’
12/20/2020
‘The Miracle of Lights’

‘The Miracle of Lights’

Menorahs are lit, dreidels are spun and latkes are served as Jewish families across the city celebrate Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival that began Dec. 10 and runs through Dec. 18.

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Shares Virtual Message of Hope and Healing
12/20/2020
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Shares Virtual Message of Hope and Healing

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Shares Virtual Message of Hope and Healing

The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) in collaboration with the Alexandria Choral Society (ACS) has released its virtual winter concert featuring ASO musicians and a guest appearance by Alexandria Choral Society singers.

Connection Newspapers's cover photo
12/20/2020

Connection Newspapers's cover photo

Fairfax County Government
12/19/2020

Fairfax County Government

Scenes of vaccinations around the county as healthcare workers roll up their sleeves.

Learn more about vaccinations in Fairfax County at https://bit.ly/37ycWay

Congressman Don Beyer
12/19/2020

Congressman Don Beyer

Upon medical advice of the Attending Physician, I just received a coronavirus vaccine.

Millions of Americans are waiting for shots, many of whom are workers on the front lines of this pandemic. I am not more important than they are, but national leaders must lead by example.

The message from scientists and doctors is clear: the vaccines which have been approved are safe, and they will save lives. Everyone who gets this vaccine is helping protect people around them and fighting the pandemic. All of us should take that opportunity as soon as we can.

Earlier this year I fought for and then helped pass legislation to make shots free for all Americans and I will continue working in Congress to help ensure that everyone can get a vaccination as soon as possible. I am not throwing away my shot, and you shouldn't either.

Address

1606 King St
Alexandria, VA
22314

www.wmata.com

Telephone

(703) 778-9431

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Videos

Here they are The Barclay Brass program giving a live socially distant concert in Mount Vernon
Here they are The Barclay Brass program giving a live socially distant concert in Mount Vernon

A socially distant concert in Mount Vernon

Violin Jam in Kingstowne
Violin Jam in Kingstowne

This musician is here in the Kingstowne parking lot by Giant, raising some $ to support his family

We were there.....Clifton Day 2019
We were there.....Clifton Day 2019

Our next Pet Connection will appear the last week of July. Deadline extended until Monday! We prefer photos of pets with their people. We welcome short stories about how you got your pet, a noteworthy talent or anecdote about your pet, tales of the bonds between your family and your pet, plus drawings, paintings or other artwork of your pet by children or adults. Please tell us a little bit about your creature, identify everyone in the photo, give a brief description of what is happening in the photo, and include address and phone number (we will not publish your address or phone number, just your town name). Send to [email protected]

Marlan Forest July 4 Parade
Marlan Forest July 4 Parade

This Mount Vernon community celebrates Independence Day the right way.

Marlan Forest July 4 Parade
Marlan Forest July 4 Parade

Marlan Forest July 4 Parade

Mike Salmon, Connection contributor, and his strawberry 🍓 patch in Mount Vernon

Haymarket Day is going in full steam until 4 this afternoon

Give Where They Live
Give Where They Live

The Connection Newspapers were there this morning when Keller Williams, Fairfax County, local businesses and volunteers worked on a local resident's house as part of RED - an initiative for Renewing, Energizing and Donating to local communities.

Dave Albo and Iron Maiden
Dave Albo and Iron Maiden

Del. Dave Albo (R-42) talks about his love of the band Iron Maiden and a frustrating experience with Ticketmaster that led him to craft legislation allowing ticket-holders to resell concert tickets.

Supporters of Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Ral...
Supporters of Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Ral...

Supporters of drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants are in Richmond to support a bill introduced by Del. Alfonso Lopez and Sen. Scott A. Surovell

Ebbin Outlines Compromise on Debate Over Alexandria's Controve...
Ebbin Outlines Compromise on Debate Over Alexandria's Controve...

Sen. Adam P Ebbin talks about a bill that would put all state funding at risk for Alexandria unless the city cleans up its controversial sewer system by 2020. (Yes, the video is sideways.)

Alexandria Gazette at the 2016 Holiday Tree Lighting
Alexandria Gazette at the 2016 Holiday Tree Lighting

Reston Farmers Market Opening 2016
Reston Farmers Market Opening 2016

The Reston Farmer's Market opens today. http://www.reston-connection.com/news/2016/may/10/reston-farmers-market-opens/

Langley High alumnus Scott McBride reads from his book The Adventures of Connor the Courageous Cutter at the Tysons Corner Barnes and Noble.

The first of Virginia Railway Express' Santa trains leaves the station. It is part of Operation Lifesaver Inc., which educates riders about train and rail safety.

First Kidney Classic
First Kidney Classic

Spectators coach from the sidelines at the First American Kidney Classic at South Run RECenter in Springfield on Saturday, Nov. 14. The lacrosse tournament raises awareness for kidney diseases. http://www.springfieldconnection.com/news/2015/nov/20/fairfax-man-battles-rare-disease/

Adam Ebbin Thanks Campaign Workers
Adam Ebbin Thanks Campaign Workers

On Tuesday evening, Aug. 23, Adam Ebbin defeated fellow Democratic Party candidates Libby Garvey and Rob Krupicka in a primary to see who will run against Tim McGee (R) in the Nov. 8, 2011, election. Ebbin and McGee are running to succeed retiring State Sen. Patsy Ticer. (D-30). This district, including parts of Arlington, Alexandria and Mount Vernon, trends to Democrats, so the primary could determine the winner.

10 Year Mission To End Homelessness
10 Year Mission To End Homelessness

The Connection produced this video as part of its special project examining Fairfax County's 10 year plan to end homelessness. Read more at www.connectionnewspapers.com

Alexandria Gazette-Packet Intern Hula Hoops
Alexandria Gazette-Packet Intern Hula Hoops

Alexandria Gazette-Packet intern Svetlana Avellan shows off her Hula Hoop skills on Thursday, July 7, 2011, in the Connection Newspapers parking lot in Old Town Alexandria, Va.

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About The Connection Newspapers

Connection Newspapers is a locally owned media company which dates its origin from 1784 and publishes 15 weekly community newspapers reaching and audience of more than 100,000 through our hard copies, digital editions, social media channels and websites in select suburban communities in the Washington metropolitan area.

In the last few years alone, The Connection Newspapers have won more than 200 editorial awards in news, sports, entertainment, business, special projects, design, graphics, photography, ad design and more.

Our newspapers are the premier publications serving their markets and are distributed to the most affluent neighborhoods in each community by mail and carrier. Each of our award-winning newspapers focuses on community news and features of intense interest and relevance to our readers. They are highly read. Our papers are consistently rated in independent surveys of readers as the community's favorite community newspapers.

The papers we publish are: the Alexandria Gazette Packet, the Arlington Connection, the Burke Connection, the Chantilly Connection, Centre View, the Great Falls Connection, the Fairfax Connection, the Fairfax Station/Clifton/ Lorton Connection, the Oak Hill/Herndon Connection, the McLean Connection, the Mount Vernon Gazette, the Potomac Almanac, the Reston Connection, the Springfield Connection and the Vienna/Oakton Connection.

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For immediate release: Departmental Progressive Club, Inc. 411 Gibbon Street Alexandria, VA 22314 August 7, 2020 The Honorable Cindy M. Anderson, Chairperson Members of the Alexandria City Public Schools Board Alexandria City Public Schools 1340 Braddock Place Alexandria, VA 22314 Dear Chairperson Anderson and School Board Members: On behalf of the membership of the Departmental Progressive Club (DPC) which includes many T.C. Williams High School alumni, we strongly and urgently request that the Alexandria School Board adopt and unanimously pass a resolution at its AUGUST 10, 2020 meeting TO REMOVE the name of T.C. Williams from Alexandria’s public high school effective IMMEDIATELY. It is insulting and hurtful that the Alexandria School Board would require the students of one of the most culturally diverse schools in the nation to spend another day in a building named in honor of a blatant racist and segregationist. The DPC was founded in 1927 in response to a government sponsored discriminatory law mandating racial segregation in all places of public entertainment and assembly effectively barring African Americans from all public facilities which also included the LIBRARY! Among the many things our institution provided was safe harbor for African American parents and children of Alexandria to read and to study. During the course of its 93 years, our membership has witnessed and participated in the transformation of the City. Our members have been trailblazers in the fight for equality and civil rights. It includes current and past members of Alexandria’s City Council and School Board. Our building sits in a community that was once home to the families of the majority of our membership. Alexandria has made progress since 1927. It is time for the School Board to join in this change and progress. Unfortunately, the renaming of Alexandria’s only high school is not a new issue. For nearly twenty years, the Alexandria NAACP under the leadership of Howard Woodson and other organizations tried to right this wrong. Those organizations pleaded with the City and the School Board to find a more suitable name for our high school that properly reflected the diversity of the Alexandria community and respected the sensibilities of our students of Color. The excuses offered now are reminiscent of those offered for the past two decades. Now is the time to step away from all such excuses and correct the injustice. IF NOT NOW, WHEN? When speaking about the proposed civil rights bill during the historic March on Washington in 1963, the late Congressman John Lewis said “we do not want our freedom gradually we want to be free now …. We are tired of being patient. We want our freedom and we want it now.” Similarly, we are tired of being patient about this issue. We have waited for decades for this matter to be addressed and the time is now for the School Board to act upon the clearly stated desires of the community and to do the right thing by abandoning the name of an acknowledged racist for this community’s only high school. The School Board has the power NOW to right an injustice and insult to Alexandria’s diverse population. The DPC implores the School Board to use its power. Sincerely Merrick T. Malone, President Departmental Progressive Club 411 Gibbons Street Alexandria, Virginia
New Normal XIV: Just When You Thought it could not Get Worst By John Burl Smith On Friday July 10, 2020, the coronavirus tightened its grip on America, as the grim reaper entered its 6th month of its devastating ride across America. My family and I remain hunkered down, praying for COVID-19 to finally pass over. Over that period, I began to see the black community’s current circumstances facing this pandemic, like the Hebrew Children, after God’s warning, regarding the “angel of death,” he would send against Pharaoh. Shuttered and huddled behind their doors, obeying God command to shelter in place, with “blood on their doorposts,” obedience saved most. Among the most vulnerable population, at 77 years old, I thought things couldn’t get any worse back in March. However, last week Donald Trump did what no one was expecting, created a nightmarish scenario, as though telling kids a bedtime story. His pronouncement was the last thing parents and grandparents wanted to hear, under the current conditions. Trump’s declaration added even more anxiety to the many woes parents and grandparents throughout America had not considered just two months earlier. Riding roughshod, like a cowboy in the “old west,” Trump’s defiance of all logic was identical to Pharaoh’s when the angel of death began passing over, when Trump demanded “schools must open in September.” Again like Pharaoh, Trump has defied all warnings from prophets, soothsayers, scientists and doctors in his administration, as well as media pundits and even the guy on the corner, warnings of the coming disaster. Plowing ahead with his “reopen the economy strategy,” Trump dropped a bomb, on most families, which have been crying out about the chaos his total lack of leadership, refusal to use the defense production act to reeve up testing, no concern for lives lost, and no scientifically based plan to fight COVID-19 has left American citizens without relief. Trump’s “no plan” will add to their already stressed and very shaky survival strategies, which give the grim ripper free rein across America. Back in March, Democrats began talking about stimulus checks for small businesses and poorer Americans. Trump, Mitch McConnell and other Republicans railed against any plan to give money to poor Americans. Just when the American people thought help was on the way with the Democrats plan, giving money to the American people and small businesses hit hardest by the shutdown, as shelter in place and social distending orders took effect, Trump and Republicans led by McConnell, hijacked the Democrats stimulus idea and funneled trillions of dollars to their friends and cronies. Pushing back against helping essential workers, hospitals, cities, counties and states, as they fought the pandemic, a second stimulus package, Trump, while denying the seriousness of the crisis, fought wearing masks, social distending, shutting down the economy, shifted the burden of testing to states without assistance. He followed that with a blank refusal to take any responsibility for anything related to the coronavirus. Trump’s recalcitrance increased the pain and deaths among Americans. Continuing to dodge response for COVID-19’s growing death total, Trump and Mitch McConnell hamstrung Democrats, and hijacked the second stimulus package, giving even more money to his friends and cronies. Claiming credit, Trump sent out an executive order that put his name on the stimulus checks letters. Again, after throwing trillions of dollars at big business, friends and relatives, Trump forced “opening the economy,” down Democrats and American’s throats, and walked away from the crisis the country faced. Now, in the eleventh hour, come this conjurer Trump, pushing another stimulus package to aid his and Republicans reelection hopes. Facing his woeful performance as president, Trump now needs a stimulus bill to rescue his failing reelection hopes. After getting snookered by Tic-Tokers and K-popers that blew up the expected attendance in Tulsa, those crafty Kids enticed Trump’s campaign, which dollar signs in their eyes, to wildly over spend to accommodate the expected 100,000 fans, who were no shows. Trump’s MAGA-vation flopped, like biscuits without yeast, which is why he is scrambling now to find funds to funnel into Republicans reelection coffers. Hence, Trump is goggle-eyed, looking at another stimulus package. Just when you thought Trump had a change of heart, asking for another stimulus package to help poorer Americans, he has pinned his sagging reelection hopes, on paying his political supporters with another stimulus bill. However, I thought about the fact that I, along with millions of black American have not received their first stimulus check from the IRS Trump signed. Providing an interesting contrast, the Republican scuttled Trump’s impeachment back in February before the coronavirus pandemic began roaming free across America, had Mitch McConnell and his Republican game in the Senate voted to convict, the American people would have been spared these dark times and deaths today. Again, Trump boldly stood before the American people and told them “I take no responsibility” for the coronavirus’ grim reaper’s death ride across America. The New York Times reports that COVID-19 cases are increasing in 29 states and the University of Washington computer model projected nearly 180,000 deaths by October. The rise in cases is in states that rushed to reopen on Trump's command, now some states are experiencing over 500% increases in COVID-19 cases. But, Republican’s cowardice facing impeachment and the coronavirus pandemic, as they walked in lock step with Trump, fought wearing masks and social distending, while fighting any stimulus help Democrats proposed to help Americans citizens, are now doubling back, and demanding another stimulus package. Just when Americans thought things couldn't get any worse, red state governors, who jump the gun and onboard Trump’s grim reaper death train ride in their rush to reopen, even faster than the timid CDC guidelines are making hard u-turns. Reaping the whirlwind of their disastrous decision, now their cases are going through the roof and their citizens are dying, as a result of their noses jammed up Trump’s rectum. Hoping to please them, Trump is proposing another stimulus package, even though he fought help for cities and counties in the previous two stimulus efforts by Democrats, because Trump thought the economy gave him and Republicans a lock on the White House. Now that the grim reaper has shredded that dream, and as a result COVID-19 is riding through the West, rolling over people, like Manifest Destiny rolled over Native People, so the US government could take their land. Looking at that picture, Trump is like a drowning swimmer, as one’s life flashes before ones’ eyes. Desperate this time around, Trump really needs another stimulus bill to slow his campaign’s freefall, heading into September. I pray Democrats, having gotten taken on past stimulus packages, have learned from Republicans, how to play real hardball? Trump’s slide in the polls, leaves him without any options that make it look like he has control of the economy and not desperate for money to pay for his high price campaign, after his Tulsa debacle. Democrats have caved in to Trump and Mitch McConnell every time they faced a challenge. American voters will see this time whether Democrats have the guts to stand up to Trump and say no for two reasons. First, passing another stimulus package will only help Republican show that control of the Senate gives Republicans control of government, no matter who is president. Secondly, if Democrats are going to win the White House they must turn out their voters, regardless of Republicans voter suppression tactics. Democrats must hold their water, because after the election they can craft a bill that will address the needs of the poor, health care for all, essential workers, cities, and counties. With previous stimulus packages, Democrats were nickel and dimed by Republicans, so they will not have enough money to fund a comprehensive package to address the major needs of the Nation. Democrats need to have some backbone and stand up to Republicans; they need to stop playing into Republicans hands. These times remind me of when Pres. Barak H. Obama, entered the White House, after Republicans’ reckless tax cuts and deficit spending to pay for them caused the “financial crisis,” by Republicans before 2008, now deficit hawk, they will come out of the woodwork, claiming there was no money, as they did with Pres. Obama. Today Republicans are up to their old tricks, trying to spend America into a hold, as they did Pres. Obama, and with Joe Biden in the White House, they will stream again there is no money for any programs Biden proposes. On the other hand, Democrats should not do anything to help Trump cover up his atrocious record, as president, especially over the next 31/2 months. Another stimulus package will help only Trump and Mitch McConnell, both of whom reelection hopes are in the toilet. Amy McGrath in Kentucky, in my opinion, needs to break out of her fumbling and folding, while cozying up to conservatives trying to “out Trump” Mitch McConnell, which is impossible. I take one last look back to April, when New York was the coronavirus’ worst case scenario, but the dire situation in the “Big Apple” has turned around, due to the strong and decisive leadership of Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Trump, on the other hand, dumped all responsibility for COVID-19 on governors and his Monday morning quarterbacking from the White House has recently made reopening schools his new target. The nation has seen that tragedy, and pray we will not be forced to sit through reruns of that horror movie. Pushing to reopen the economy against everyone with courage and scientific knowledge, Trump demanded “full speed ahead, damn the torpedoes,’” when opening up the economy. Now, “come hell or high water,” Trump wants to throw our children under the school bus, rather than providing a safe environment for them. But, just as things seemed to be getting worse, the “Hope Revolution '' is gaining new life with Joe Biden’s campaign, while Donald Trump’s campaign has been in freefall, since Tulsa. I know many black voters say they do not see much difference between Joe Biden and Trump. However, I point to one vital truth, Joe Biden is the only American patriot standing between Trump and another 4 years of what we are living through presently. If that is what you want, vote for him. However, if you are hoping for change, something different, Joe is your guy!!!! Just as American parents and grandparents’ struggled, sheltering in place, the bomb Trump dropped on us; wiped out the small amount of stability we were managing in this almost impossible situation, and will worsen, if Trump’s demand for our children to return to school next month goes forward. Without Donald Trump providing a real plan, parents and grandparents’ backs will be against the wall. Trump's actions fly in the face of every bit of sanity, scientists and medical personnel have offered. Still today just when you thought you had seen the worst from Trump, after the coronavirus has overwhelmed the “coronavirus pandemic taskforce” and all associated with it, Trump’s feeble attempt at mitigation and testing, has allowed the nation to its destress, witness a President of the United Stated waved a white flag before an enemy. I need only one point to highlight the sinister nature of Trump’s demand that schools open for fall classes. The public schools are the only schools Trump is demanding open, and the thing is upwards of 80% of public schools students are African American. I will venture to say in urban areas 65% of whites attend private schools, which Trump said nothing about. So Trump’s intent here is to expose the black community to a higher level of COVID-19 than it currently faces. With 60% of the coronavirus pandemic victims who die in the US are African American that number will certainly go up. In some locations that number is lower and in others it is higher, while my point is whites are dying less than blacks, even though blacks supposedly make up only 23 % of the population in the US. Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse, American citizens are witnessing another poltroonish display of Trump’s racist approach to governing. Trumps mad rush to force black children back into school signaled he has no strategy and does not plan to do anything beyond, forcing our children into death traps, like gas chambers in Nazi concentration camps. In essence he is telling black children to learn to live with losing parents and grandparents and even some classmates. Trump implies that they should be glad it is not them. This was the psychology Adolf Hitler used to slaughter millions of Jews. Trump is saying to the American people, as Hitler told Germans, just “LEARN TO LIVE WITH IT!!!!” However, what he is really saying is, “LEARN TO DIE WITH IT!!!!”