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Dear JefT,
I’m writing you about politics in Virginia because you recently asked, “What happens if 1 like a party’s idea but not its candidate?”
The short answer: usually nothing! Adjust and made the best of it. Most candidates in most elections are decent people. Don’t expect perfection or 100 percent policy agreement — it never happens. Work for the preferences, then adjust. I’ll illustrate by reviewing the race in your grandparents’ 31st House district.
'Both candidates are decent and attractive, one Democrat, one Republican. I doubt you’d agree with everything either advocates. But we know their parties’ policies, principles and recent actions, the banner under which each runs. Examine each party’s position on major issues, as we will below.
Crime: Surely one of the major problems facing America today is the explosion of crime over the past 30 years. The nation’s crime rate has tripled; violent crime is up over 500 percent. Explanations about causes differ. There is no argument over the tragic results.
Democrats generally hold the liberal view, are “soft on criminals.” Republicans believe generally that “those who do the crime should serve the time.” That requires prison space. Last year the Democratic-controlled legislature blocked Republican efforts to toughen sentencing and parole, and build more prisons. Del. Katzen supports the tougher position.
Education: The “dumbing down” of our public education over the past
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