May 2008

Will Gay Marriage Decide Our Next Election?

Posted by Chris Berry on May 29, 2008 in Elections and Voting, Political Parties

A recent ruling by the California Supreme Court to overturn the state’s ban on gay marriage virtually assures that our upcoming national elections will be decided once again on the basis of a divisive wedge issue, rather than on the real problems we face as a nation. Apathetic voters may not feel the need to [...]

It’s Time To Send The Parties Packing

Posted by Chris Berry on May 22, 2008 in Elections and Voting, Political Parties

Conventional wisdom says that the close results in our recent presidential elections indicate that we are a deeply divided nation. I believe it actually tells us something quite different. If American voters were not constantly and deliberately distracted by divisive fringe issues, I believe we would find that we have more in common than not. [...]

The Joy Of Home Ownership

Posted by Chris Berry on May 16, 2008 in Purely Personal

When my wife and I moved to Roanoke in the late fall of 2002, we were faced with a real challenge finding a home. Searching for a house involved driving roughly 1200 miles back and forth from Lockport, NY, and we made the trip twice before we found something we could agree on. There normally [...]

Thoughts On The Writing Process, And Beer

Posted by Chris Berry on May 16, 2008 in Writing and Blogging

I’ve been paid paltry sums for a few of my articles over the years, but I’ve never made my living as a writer. With that being said, my ability to write has been a major contributing factor to just about everything I’ve ever done successfully. I’ve received a few compliments, and I have a general [...]

Tell The “Farmers” To Shut Up

Posted by Chris Berry on May 14, 2008 in Economic Development, Roanoke Valley

To say that folks in Roanoke are resistant to change is something of an understatement. In the 5 years since I returned after a 20 year absence, I have been continually dumbfounded by the level of opposition to just about every proposed development or change. Granted, there are many things in our beloved Roanoke Valley [...]

Presidential Politics And The Price Of Gas

Posted by Chris Berry on May 9, 2008 in Elections and Voting, Energy and Environmental Issues

In yet another demonstration of the remarkable gullibility of the American electorate, the price of gasoline has recently taken center stage in the presidential election debate. As we’ve come to expect, candidates from both sides are lining up to tell the voters exactly what they want to hear, rather than what they desperately need to [...]

Farewell To Joe Smith

Posted by Chris Berry on May 7, 2008 in Elections and Voting, Local Politics

Before the Joe Smith ads appeared in local papers last weekend, I had already made up my mind to ignore the endorsements of various organizations for their chosen slates of candidates, and instead select individual candidates based on their merits. While the “For the City” slate that swept the last election was instrumental in finally [...]

Missing The Point On Rockledge

Posted by Chris Berry on May 7, 2008 in Economic Development, Roanoke Valley

When Valley Forward initially proposed the idea of recreating the Rockledge Inn on Mill Mountain, I was opposed to the project, but not for the reasons most commonly put forth. Opponents of the idea rely on the arguments that Roanoke already has too many restaurants, or that the building would somehow desecrate a pristine wilderness, [...]

Who Is Joe Smith?

Posted by Chris Berry on May 4, 2008 in Local Politics, Roanoke Valley

Let me say upfront that I am neither a supporter nor an opponent of Court Rosen. I know very little about him other than that he is well spoken and has a natural gift for providing eloquent but evasive answers to pointed questions. I also know that Mr. Rosen was recently the victim of a [...]