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By GEORGE BOWLES
In a way, last week’s Shad Planking in Wakefield was symbolic of the condition of Virginia’s political parties, as well as the state’s politics in general, in the mid-1980s. It was bland and listless beyond belief.
Now, this is not a reference to the social aspects of the occasion. As an outing it was a grand affair, with the fellowship, liquid refreshments and political talk flowing like a Niagara of good cheer through the backwoods of Surry County.
But as a vehicle for political intelligence and insight, the old Shad Planking ain’t what it used to be.
One recalls that in the earlier years of the institution, say, a couple of decades ago, the all-white, allmale audiences were rallied to the Byrd organization’s cause-of-the-moment by the rolling thunder of oratory from the flat-bed truck which served as a speakers platform. The future of the Commonwealth could be
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