Thomas Jefferson said “An informed citizenry is the only true repository of the public will,”

and by this I think he meant that the strength of the people should be measured in the amount of knowledge they have.

Jefferson (Art | Charles Willson Peal)

Things are so different from the times of Jefferson, but surely no change has been more substantial that the proliferation of information, this information cloud that surrounds us thicker than any fog. No longer is information confined to books, schools, and those lucky enough to have been taught. Information happens everywhere now.

It has never been easier to be a good citizen. In fact, we should be entering the golden age of citizenship. But is this the reality? Are we better citizens than our parents, than our grandparents? With the knowledge so easy to access, the question becomes Why aren’t we better citizens? What is stopping us?

Those are bigger questions for another day, but certainly worth considering. For now I hope that this little If You Read the Paper feature we craft for you / pump out every day informs the local citizenry some. Every day is the chance to be a better citizen. Here’s to hoping you choose today.

Norfolk city council to vote on street performing ordinance

Last night the Norfolk City Council voted 7-0 in favor. Hellllll yes. We’ll be posting the full ordinance later today.

Wanna Check Out The Tide?

From HRT: We are bringing two light rail trains to the MacArthur Square station to share some safety information and give the public a chance to walk in and around the vehicles. We’re not quite ready to offer service, but this will mark the first time the public can walk through the vehicles. The trains will be there Friday (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) and Saturday, same times.

Supporting Our Military Children

Apparently April has been “the month of the military child.” This story has a link to the  Joining Forces project, “a national initiative championed by First Lady Michell Obama and Dr. Jill Biden that mobilizes all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned.”

Norfolk garden’s female bald eagle killed by airplane

When the animals finally learn how to communicate with each other, and scheme to take over the world from us wretched humans, I will be fighting on the side of the animals. That said, I blame the eagle for this one.

Interlude

Lower tolls proposed for Midtown, Downtown tunnels

According to good citizen Debbie Messina, “The newest toll proposed for an expanded Midtown Tunnel and a refurbished Downtown Tunnel is $1.75 during peak travel times and $1.50 off-peak, state highway officials and the private companies vying to build the project said Tuesday.”

Anything that brings new income to the region while encouraging people to carpool and use public transportation more is A OK by me. Honestly, tolls aren’t that bad. Drive through Jersey. They barely slow you down at all when done well.

Norfolk budget relies on cuts, not tax increase

I’ll leave the details in the article, which is worth reading. I was at this presentation last night, and what struck me is the clarity of vision that city manager Marcus Jones brings to the city. His emphasis is on getting the city to identify their priorities, and then sticking to them. He is the proverbial man with a plan. It is easier to fight for Norfolk knowing that a guy like him is at the helm.

HRT to delay study of light rail in Va. Beach for 1 year

If we ever want Norfolk/Virginia Beach to be taken seriously as a potential home for creative corporations there needs to be better public transport throughout the region, preferably rail, which is pretty clearly the future of how humans are going to get around, at least until the animals take over, at which point they will be riding us around like Shetland ponies.

2 Top Officers of US Navy Ship Relieved of Duties

Norfolk was on Fox News the other day.

Economic impact of NC fishing losses to Va. exceeds $4 million because of Oregon Inlet issues

Phooey on you, North Carolina.

College: Big price tag, no guarantee

From the DP:

As Judge Smails said in “Caddyshack,” “The world needs ditch diggers, too.”

Senators might have deal on Virginia Beach, as redistricting talks continue

From the Washington Post.

I went to a show last night and it rocked.

Kids were losing their minds at the Titus Andronicus show at Jewish Mother. Check it:

Here’s the van the band drove away in:

Rock and roll.

Va. Beach rejects arena proposal

K.

Wanna Volunteer at Out in the Park?

This’ll do the trick.

In other news, if you don’t come to Art | Everywhere opening night on Saturday (Granby, 6pm on) then the next time you’re awkwardly carrying a bunch of heavy things up some stairs I’m going to walk real slow in front of you.