Music choices
Re “Va. Beach ends support for Something in the Water” (A1, Jan. 29): As a senior citizen and retired U.S. Navy man, I would like to suggest something other than what I feel should be renamed to “Noise in the Water.”
A cursory glance at statistics will show that the average age of residents in Hampton Roads is steadily increasing. While a small handful of senior citizens may like all the noise of the most recent music events, I feel the greater majority of sagacious elderly would much prefer events that are more suited to our age group.
Granted, the all-time greats — Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Johnny Mathis, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, etc. — are no longer with us. However, there is a modern-day equivalent. Instead of lining up the hard acid rock noise that is prevalent today, why not line up performers such as Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber or Ariana Grande? Or perhaps there could be some Big Band type groups still performing.
Just who is responsible for what entertainment is lined up for the festivals and other events?
Sidney J. Allwein, Virginia Beach
DCA crash
The plane crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport last week was horrendous. While President Donald Trump lost no time in blaming his predecessor and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Virginians need to know that Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner argued against increased flight traffic at DCA approximately one year ago in the FAA Reauthorization Act (HR 3935). U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans voted yes.
Kaine and Warner stated jointly that lawmakers had “abdicated their responsibility to protect the safety of 25 million people.”
We are lucky to have Kaine and Warner represent us. Not so fortunate with Kiggans.
Elizabeth Ray, Norfolk
DEI amnesia
The Republican Party has developed a case of amnesia when events of the past, which are uncomfortable to recall, are brought to their attention. Republican politicians say they are focused on the future and do not want to live in the past. However, the past is also referred to as history and it should not be whitewashed nor should it be forgotten.
The current administration has removed the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) agenda from the government, the military and, presumably, all private sectors. The grassroots history of DEI began some 70 years ago. The Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act and the push to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment were the beginnings of a movement to ensure that all segments of society would have an opportunity to share in the American dream.
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears both proudly touted their service in the military during their respective political campaigns. Minorities and women have benefitted from the DEI agenda with positions in the government, the military and the private sector. They have made our country better by their successes.
The thought that minorities, women and gay people could hold positions of prominence and influence in this society was not easily accepted by the status quo. If the DEI agenda is to be expunged by the president, so be it; it is his prerogative to do so. But it would be prudent to remember that the lasting, positive legacy of the DEI movement will forever be written in American history.
Ronnie Ciampoli, Norfolk
Built on lies
Donald Trump’s land of make-believe is a conman’s creation built entirely on lies. It relies on intimidation, bullying and fear for its existence. Its goal is self interest; public interest is not in its DNA. It is rotten throughout and when a moral person of standing speaks truth-to-power it is shaken to its roots.
Michael Breslin, Portsmouth
