Outrage over Dems Party rejection
Re “Morrissey strikes out in court,” April 16-18 edition: I am a single, African-American mother who never has been actively engaged in Democratic politics — until now. I also am an avid reader of the Richmond Free Press and give …
Indifference, injustice and neglect harm mental health services for children
Since 2011, we carefully have analyzed and documented the abuse of Medicaid-funded mental health services for poor children in Richmond Public Schools.
Stop senseless police violence
In North Charleston, S.C., a video showed a police officer firing repeated shots at a fleeing unarmed black man, Walter Scott, who died from the incident. This is just the latest in a series of incidents where some police officers …
Praise for ‘When Freedom Came’
Thank you so very much for the three-part series by Elvatrice Belsches, “When Freedom Came.”
Binding up the nation’s wounds 150 years later
Good morning. I am honored to be here with you today, joined by two congressional colleagues – Congressman Hurt and Congressman Goodlatte. As governor and senator, I have worked with these colleagues and others to preserve our nation’s Civil War …
Kind acts should be recognized
There are many acts of kindness in the Richmond community that I think go unrecognized and deserve more attention. I’d like to point out three that I know of: Eight-year-old Marty Cobb was killed last May trying to protect his …
Racism is stupidity
There has been a lot in the news this past year about racism and hate crimes. But to me, racism is the stupidest kind of stupidity there is. I just cannot fathom hating someone because of the color of their …
The Arena brings back memories
Re “Hoop Dreams: Playing at The Arena was ‘big time,’” Feb. 26-28 edition: Kudos to the Richmond Free Press for its article by Fred Jeter. It was a jewel!
Little similarity seen in today’s immigrants
The executive action President Obama was pressured into last fall was nothing short of a third amnesty for illegal immigrants. Ordinarily, it wouldn’t be a sound policy, but it was politically savvy for advocates to compare the unjust treatment against …
Report shows solutions to end child poverty
It is a national moral disgrace that there are 14.7 million poor children, including 6.5 million extremely poor children, in the United States of America — one of the world’s richest nations. It also is unnecessary, costly and the greatest …
State legislature bent to Dominion’s pressure
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Richmond ranks No. 1 among the 100 most challenging places to live with asthma in the United States. But you’d never know that by the way the Virginia General Assembly deals …
Tax increase will pass to consumers
Re “Rich must pay fair share,” Feb. 19-21 edition: After reading Earl O. Hutchinson’s Op/ Ed piece, I was compelled to write in response. The rich already pay an enormous percentage of their income in taxes, and he wants them …
Fight against police brutality
Re “Where do we go from here?” editorial, Feb. 19-21 edition: As to FBI Director James B. Comey’s former position as an assistant U.S. attorney in Richmond from 1996 to 2002 and his involvement in Project Exile, I find it …
General Assembly needs to come into the light
Re “Wronged: Richmond police interactions pack sting, costs for 2 local men,” Feb. 19-21 edition: Having read Free Press staff writer Jeremy Lazarus’s articles, I found it necessary to respond and praise them.
Clean air, but at what price
On the surface, accepting the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan sounds like a great idea — reduced carbon emissions and pollution, ideally leading to cleaner air. Yes, this is a great idea. But at what cost? This is just …
