Opinion: Commentary: Moving Forward: The Anatomy of Racism in our Everyday Lives
In the past few weeks, many people, especially African Americans, have had to reconcile what they have seen in witnessing the murder of George Floyd and that of their own experience. I am no exception.
Opinion: Commentary: Public Demands Changes, Not Studies and Delays
Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus Police Reform and Criminal Justice Equity Plan
The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor has awoken Americans and Virginians to long standing problems in policing in America.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Alexandria Police Department Has a Systemic Racism Problem
The Alexandria Police Department is one of the most professional and respected law enforcement agencies in the country. And yes, the Alexandria Police Department does have a systemic racism problem within it. The two can be synonymous.
Opinion: Column: Mourning, Afternoon and Evening
We had to euthanize Biscuit, our oldest cat, on Saturday, June 20th. He would have been 14 on September 20th.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: A Different Way of Looking at the Data
The Gazette reports that “African Americans are often targets of strong-arm tactics” by the Alexandria Police Department, and that disproportionate growth of the Department’s budget over the last 20 years has “led many to question the allocation of public resources.” (“Disproportionate Use of Force”, June 11, 2020.)
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Black Lives Matter
The people of our nation are being attacked by the very system that is required by law to help them, serve them, and protect them from crimes against them.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Terminate Local Agreements with Park Police
As you know, on Monday, June 1, 2020, the United States Park Police (USPP) used tear gas on citizens at Lafayette Square who were peacefully exercising their constitutional rights prior to any curfew.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: It’s Time to Rename Pickett Street
In 1953, the Alexandria City Council renamed more than 30 streets for Confederate military leaders after it annexed a portion of Fairfax County.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Police End Barricade Peacefully
On June 4, police were alerted to a person in distress in an apartment building in Potomac Yard that ended without incident thanks to a professional, measured, well-trained response from the officers of the Alexandria Police and Sheriff’s Departments, as well as assistance from the Fairfax County Police Department.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Removal of Statue Denies City’s History
I am writing to comment on the removal of the iconic Confederate Soldier statue at the intersection of South Washington Street and Prince Street in Old Town, Alexandria.
Opinion: Commentary: Terminate Memoranda of Understanding with US Park Police
As you know, on Monday, June 1, 2020, the United States Park Police (USPP) used tear gas on citizens at Lafayette Square who were peacefully exercising their constitutional rights prior to any curfew.
Opinion: Column: Masking My True Feelings
For those of us living in states where mask-wearing is mostly mandatory (indoors: yes, outdoors: not nearly as much), it is very easy to hide one's emotions.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Oppose Prohibition of Firearms on City Property
To the members of the Alexandria City Council: As a gun owner with a Concealed Handgun Permit (“CHP”) and native of Alexandria, I believe that your proposed anti-gun ordinance will infringe upon my freedoms.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Reconsider What We Expect Police To Do
The article by Michael Lee Pope, “Disproportionate Use of Force” (June 11, 2020), was most disturbing. I was angered by the story of the white police officer’s harassment of a black Alexandria citizen who was simply doing his job.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Help Struggling Businesses
For several months now, I have noticed the increasing number of empty storefronts downtown. King Street, Washington Street, Pitt Street -- all have “For Rent” signs now. Most recently, Walgreens on King Street closed on March 5.