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Janie Sherman, CG on May 21st, 2008 5:31 am

Hi, Elizabeth,
Happy to talk with you about genealogy and the little I know about DNA… I know the value of it, even if I don’t know the particulars of ‘markers,’ etc. :))

You might want to view the Bates of Old Virginia website… they have made remarkable discoveries with their DNA work. There are a million Bates in the world. I happen to have 2 Bates names in my line, and they happen to be from two different lines: the WE and JY lines. :))

BTW, I too could not be a nurse… that’s why my degree is in Teaching/Education/English Major/Sociology Minor. I’d rather “tell” people what to do than DO IT! uck!!! :))

Janie
cell phone: 540 280-2727
Brian Rostron on July 17th, 2008 8:31 pm

Not that I would ever suggest or want such a thing, but with the growing suburbanization of the area and decrease in distinction between geographic areas has the dreaded “R word” – reversion – ever come up in discussions with regard to Waynesboro? A few smaller cities have done it – South Boston and Clifton Forge – and I seem to recall people in Charlottesville actually mentioning the possibility at one time, although I think that was more about threatening to call Albemarle County’s bluff about some city/county service issue. I think such communities tend to lose influence and identity, although it can eliminate redundancies and possibly even improve some services such as education.
Teresa Wease on July 18th, 2008 9:58 am

Chris, thank you so very much for your coverage of Jerry Carter’s “ATV in 60 Days” and also of John Leonard’s “ATVL web site”.

The exposure that these two guys has given the VBL this summer has been amazingand invaluable!

The VBL offers the Shenandoah Valley (and Covington on the 64 corridor and Haymarket and Fauquier in Northern VA) a great product … “quality collegiate baseball for our long summer evenings”. Too many people aren’t aware of what an opportunity they have in their own backyards to watch these young men hone their baseball skills and entertain our communities.

With the help of Jerry and John that message has definitely been spread this summer. And your coverage of their “efforts and passions” has shared the news even more.

It’s a great community piece. Please accept my sincere thanks for being interested and caring enough to share the story!
Terrance Williams on July 20th, 2008 3:08 pm

Chris,

I throughly enjoyed this article and I am excited about the word getting out about Revolution Church. I am the Worship Pastor at the church and we want to effect change in Waynesboro. I grew up in Quadrangle Apts. on 4th Street and it’s sad how forgotten the East Side of town has gotten. Thank you for visiting with us and writing this article. Keep up the good work, you have an excellent magazine!
Lisa Lovelady on August 15th, 2008 8:01 am

I’m always inspired when people live out their conversions. Real ministry happens when we work from our own failures and love people as God really loves them. Thanks for a great story.
Charles D. Webb on October 10th, 2008 1:56 pm

What a Great story A Church for everyone We visited this Church 7-8 Yrs ago and only 5 people were there I saw the Revolution sign and thought someone has reopened the Church I had No idea it was going so well But I for one i’m glad someone is going out and spreading the Gospel of Chirst cause I to was a so called Bad sort was a Drunk and a heavy Pot Smoker I smoked Pot allmost everyday But 1 day God came down to My level for a visit then A freind invited Me to go to Church with Her so I tryed it and found the Truth Were all sinners But some of Us are saved by God’s Grace God gives His Love Mercy and Grace freeily to all that will Only say Yes I want to be Saved I want to serve You Lord and spread the Gospel of Jesus Chirst when I read of the bikers and people like Me I thought that was Great Jesus came to save the lost and those were the people He most hung with He eat with sinners and Converted those that come in contact with Him healed the Sick while spreading the Gospel What a Friend We have in Jesus A MEN
farrukh on October 30th, 2008 1:07 am

We have millions of Muslims living among us here in America and the stereotype that still exists about Muslims is that they are foriegn and to be feared. These types of events and articles really help in educating our communities and breaking the stereotypes about mosques and Islam. We need to engage in meaningful dialogue with eachother and the first step is to educate everyone. Its the only way to build a better, peaceful community and world. Thank you for writing this article because it was really needed.
Nausheen Khan on October 30th, 2008 1:28 am

Thank you for your report and thoughtful remarks. Well written article that wonderfully portrays the one true Islam. There are Islamic Centers across the United States, small and large, that are in dire need of journalists like yourself that are willing and wanting to seek knowledge and truth. Thanks again and keep writing!
Katie McCaskey on October 30th, 2008 10:34 am

Big fan of Augusta Free Press and The New Dominion news websites — and now, pleased to be a part! Thank you for the great article.

We’re really excited to offer a grocery store everyone in the neighborhood can enjoy.

PLEASE NOTE: We’ve moved our opening date by a few days. Watch our Twitter feed (twitter.com/GeorgeBowers) or website for an invitation to our Grand Re-Opening!
Calvin on October 30th, 2008 11:10 am

To clarify: the god of the Muslims is not the true and living God worshiped by Christians. Even though the Koran seems to hold Isa (Jesus) in high regard as a prophet, Muslims do not believe in the death and resurrection of the Christ of the Bible. And, while Muslims declare an affinity with the books of Moses, they believe that they have been corrupted and changed by Jews and Christians (read, Muslims do not believe in even the letter of those books). Valley Muslims are certainly peaceable and friendly, but their teachers know that peace with kuffars has ultimately been abrogated by the necessity to spread Islam at all costs.
chrisgraham on October 30th, 2008 12:06 pm

The very reason that I wrote this story was to provide enlightenment to people like Calvin about the true nature of Islam. His comment above, sadly, shows that we still have a way to go.

Let go of the hate. It’s really not that difficult.
Yusuf on October 30th, 2008 12:22 pm

Calvin, you are invited to come to our center to sit down and talk to any of the brothers there and I know God willing you will come back and write a totally different comment and you’ll see that our God is the God of Jesus, Moses, Abraham, Noah, Issac,,…and Mohammed peace and blessing be upon them all.
Looking forward to meet you.
Jack and Barbara Tapping on November 1st, 2008 12:51 pm

Thanks, Chris for the article about Muslims in the valley. We have several Muslim friends and have found them to be pleasant and to have strong moral convictions. We trust that many Muslims here in the valley want to live peaceful lives.

But you must respect Calvin when he truthfully recognizes that Islam does not believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and was resurrected from the grave (the center piece of historical Christianity). Islam does not recognize Jesus to be God as Jesus Himself claimed. Christians believe this claim. To be truthful is not to be hateful.

Islam historically is an ideological system (a theocracy not compatible with liberal democracy) with a stated goal to weaken and eventually stamp out Judaism and Christianity.

Muslims in the Valley (and almost all other places in the world) do not have the freedom to convert to Christianity without threats (including death threats) from their Islamic leaders. This is the Islamic “law of apostasy”. Muhammad, in a respected haddith, said, “If one leaves the religion of Allah, kill him.” This is a tenet of Islam that is practiced in the countries where Islam is dominant. Real freedom of religion, where a person can freely change from any religion or ideology to any other is unknown in Muslim countries and in historical Islam.

If we want to dialogue with one another then we need to be honest and truthful with one another and not call it hateful.
chrisgraham on November 1st, 2008 5:49 pm

“Their teachers know that peace with kuffars has ultimately been abrogated by the necessity to spread Islam at all costs.”

There’s the hate, Jack and Barbara. We could find statements in the Old and New Testaments about nonbelievers and outsiders just as dastardly as the ones that you’re citing and interpreting above. Single lines in sacred texts do not define any of our religions. I hope you realize that. Because otherwise, we’re going to have to open the entirety of Judaism and Christianity to the same level of scrutiny as you have begun above. And I don’t think any religion is going to hold up well in that regard.

Perhaps we can recognize that there are as many ways to the truth as there are peoples, and that in the end God simply wants us to live by a set of basic moral precepts, look out for our families and fellow men and women and children as best we can and be happy with ourselves and our world. Anything less than that, and we’re selling ourselves and our mission here on earth way, way short.
Soraya on November 1st, 2008 11:14 pm

First of all, in Islam, ‘kufars’ are different from People of the Book (ie: Christians and Jews). Also, many aspects of democracy are compatible with Islam (see the book Islam and Democracy, by Jon Esposito and John Voll). Islam gave women the right to vote in the 600’s, and this right wasn’t given in the West until the 1900’s. Also, Islam does not seek out to eliminate non-Muslims. The Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, simply came with a message, and his job was to convey the message. That is all. Muslims believe that only the one, all-powerful God can guide who he wills to the truth (it is not our job to convert) and forced conversion is completely against Islam (“2:256: There is no compulsion in religion”)

Early Muslims, Christians, and Jews lived in peace together (there are numerous examples of this, like the Muslim rule in Spain for 800 years). There was even a special tax in Islam to protect non-Muslims in Muslim lands.

We are not saying that there aren’t differences between Islam and Christianity, as Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet of God, and not God himself, but we are taught to treat People of the Book as our brothers and sisters. We can agree to disagree, and still respect each other.

What many people don’t understand about Islam is that it is not just a religion, but a complete way of life. So, it is incorporated into every facet of life for Muslims–political, social, economical, and of course, spiritual.

We believe that our religion was the same religion as Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, etc.–to submit to the one, all-powerful God and do good in the world.

To conclude, I will quote the Qur’an:

[29:46] Do not argue with the people of the scripture (Jews and Christians) except in the nicest possible manner, and say, “We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our God and your God is one and the same; to Him we are submitters.”

So, basically, religious tolerance is strongly advocated in Islam.

There is so much more I could say in response to the previous posts, but this could get pretty long for a comment, so I second Yusuf in saying that anyone who would like to discuss this further is welcome to the mosque at any time.

God bless you all.
Charles D. Webb on November 25th, 2008 1:03 pm

If islam is such a peaceiful religion Why are all the Terrorism caused by Muslims they are planting mosque’s across the World Telling this lie of peace when they are planing a worldwide Church converting all they can We should all as Godly Christians Stand up for Our Christian Heritage that this Country was Built On!!!! Allah is NOT Our God Jesus was not a mere Prophet But Was GOD AND still is God Theres only one TRUE GOD You people talk about submiting to the one God You submit to Allah My God is not named Allah His Name is Jehovah Shammah {allways present} The Lord Allmightity Jehovah Jireh {provider} My God is The Jehovah Shalom {Peace} He’s NOt Allah The Terrorist May God continue to Bless America and protect US from Islam Our Troops are in Iraq training Muslims to act as a Police force That Kill Christians Christian Missionary’s are Dieing all over the World Trying To do what Our God wants US to do Thats Spread The Gospel of Peace and Love around The World O’Great Jehovah the Great GOD Protect US for EVIL
J.R. Templeton on December 26th, 2008 2:25 pm

My personal testimonial would be too long to tell, but Revolution helped change my life. I briefly attended Revolution and the answers and changes that came my way will forever impact my future. What you read and hear about Revolution is what you get. The congregation is more of an extended family than just a group of fellow church goers. The impact of this small, rural church is felt far beyond the immediate region. May God always bless this small, humble group of extraordinary people.
JGFitzgerald on January 9th, 2009 2:01 pm

Chris,

FYI, a Democratic nominee has won a council seat in six of the last eight council elections in H’burg, and it’s been twelve years since we had a Republican mayor. The city, for some reason, seems to have been Pub, but the numbers don’t really bear it out.
Lorie on January 13th, 2009 5:35 pm

I was wondering what Doug was doing now. Now I know. Thanks Chris!
Jibril Abdullah on January 28th, 2009 9:22 am

Charles, I forgive you for your ignorance and lack of knowledge when it comes to Islam and world history, but I would like to point out a few things. Firstly, not all terrorism is or has been committed by Muslims. The art of terrorism has been used by people of all faiths to achieve political and religious ends. Adolf Hitler, the worst terrorist in recent history who was responsible for thousands upon thousands of deaths, was not a Muslim. Neither was David Koresh, who was training people at his Waco, Texas compound in the art of terrorism, one of whom was Timothy McVeigh, who was the terrorist responsible for the bombing Oklahoma City federal building. Both of these men were Christian extremists, as was the man who set the bomb at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. So are the ‘pro-life’ activists that are responsible for the bombings of women’s health clinics. The ‘unabomber’ was not a Muslim but an anti-government right-wing fanatic. The Ku Klux Klan, and even police used the art of terrorism against African-Americans during the civil rights movements. Jewish radicals, as well as Muslims, in Israel and Palestine have used it to try to achieve their motives. It’s been used by Hindu nationalists in India against the non-Hindus, it’s been used by guerillas in Latin America and by Communists in Bosnia and the former USSR. Terrorism is not native to any religion or people. This is NOT to excuse the terrorism committed in the name of Islam, as terrorism goes against the very spirit of Islam, as does murder (Surah 2, ayah 178) suicides (the committers of whom will be the companions of the Fire) and coercion in matters of faith (Surah 2- ayah 256). Excesses (extremism) in Islam is also strictly prohibited. (Surah 4, ayah 171: Surah 5, ayah 77-81). Muslims are not allowed by the Law of God to do anything in the name of Islam which has not been ordained by God or his Prophet (peace be upon him). As for the killing of missionaries- it has unfortuanately happened- but this is in no way sanctioned by Islam. As Islam allows for freedom of faith, it also allows for an individual’s right to practice that faith- including doing missionary work. There are Muslims throughout the world doing the work of ‘tabligh’- that is spreading the word of Islam through the peaceful performance of good deeds. There are many parts of the world where Islam is being spread this way- not by military force, not by coercion. It is going on in particular in sub-Saharan Africa and even in Europe and the US. So if we want to do it, we should let others have the same right. Religion can never be spread by force if we want the converts to that religion to be sincere in their faith. This is common sense, which is what many so-called Islamic fundamentalists are lacking.
Secondly, the Judeo-Christian God and the God of Islam are the same. God is referred to as Allah in Arabic. This name comes from ‘al’ llah’ meaning ‘The One’- the highest. Arabic is a Semitic language just like Aramaic (the language of Christ) and Hebrew (the language of Moses) were. The Aramaic word for God was Alaha, very similar to Arabic- so the name Allah would not have been unfamiliar to Christ or the original disciples. In Hebrew it was Eloha, which has been corrupted to Elohim (thus making God more than one) in the Bible. The name Jehova is corruption of Yahweh- which God was referred to in the Old Testament and is still by the Jewish faith, although the Jews revere the name so much they never speak it with their tongues.
I want to say that I am speaking for myself here. This is my understanding of Islam based on what I’ve learned about it through books, web pages, etc. composed by the most learned ulama (Muslim scholars), and by speaking personally with an official alim. I am not speaking for the Muslim community in Harrisonburg as I don’t have much connection with it and don’t know many people here. I am not a scholar, simply a student of Islam. But I do hope this is enlightening and will put some fears to rest.
J.D. on February 11th, 2009 4:41 pm

I have a request for you, Mr. Graham (since I just read a comment that you made in response to Jack and Barbara): Let’s open up discussion about those “dastardly” verses in both the Old and New Testament of the Bible.

Also, show me the verses in the Bible that spell out a decree to wage war in our day and time. Surely, you see plainly that when God decreed war in the Old Testament (He never does so in the New), those were one-time decrees to be performed only as acts of God’s (not man’s) judgment at the time of the decree, and only at that time. Conversely, the Koran authorizes (or decrees) that war be waged anytime, anywhere, against anyone who is not a believer in Islam’s Allah and Prophet.

That is a crucial difference that, sadly, too many Christians are unable to point out. Christians tend to be just as ignorant about their own book as Muslims are about the Koran. [note: let it be understood that, when I use the word "ignorant", I do not mean to imply that the people to which I make reference are ignorant people. I speak only of their ignorance on the subject at hand.]

The truth of the matter is, when it comes to the examination of sacred texts in ANY religion, the Bible HAS been scrutinized time and time again, throughout history, and it has withstood any and all of the criticism thrown it’s way. On the other hand, the Koran is consistently defended (all too often by folks who have not read it, nor its accompanying hadiths), but rarely scrutinized. Why is that?

There are many answers to that question, but the one that rushes to the front of my mind is that fact that Americans have been trained to tolerate (with unwavering resolve) any and all minority ideologies. Notice I said, “minority ideologies”, not just minorities. It is perfectly plausible to defend the rights of minorities, but when a minority brings with it a book or law or whatever that is contrary to our democracy and freedom, then tolerance is no longer an option.

I say this, knowing fully that the group of Muslims spoken of in this article most likely do not, in their heart of hearts, desire to “take over” America with their personal ideologies. But, they are either ignorant (there’s that word again) of their own sacred texts, or they’re deliberately hiding what their holy Prophet truly preached: which is, quite simply, a world unified under the Allah of Islam and Islam’s Sharia Law. I can guarantee you that the Muslims that have said above that, and I paraphrase, they “love America, and love being an American”, would not be so proud to be an American if America became an Islamic state under Sharia.

Think about it, Mr. Graham: would you like your wife (I don’t know if you have one) or your daughter to have to undergo a surgery called, quite softly, “female circumcision”? Hundreds of millions of Muslim women have no sensation during intercourse because of this “dastardly” procedure. How about this: would you like your son to be allowed to marry more than one woman, while your daughter is one of four wives to another man (or, even worse, the wife of no man, because all of the “honorable” ones seem to already have their limit of 4)? Are you comfortable with a religion that does not believe in the separation of church and state? Islam owns both.

Perhaps, Mr. Graham, you will be delighted to know that when you die, according to the Koran and the hadiths, you will have a harem full of virgins waiting for you (who will somehow be “ever-virigns”). What does that say for your wife when she dies? Oh, well, she will get the honor of being one of these virgins that gets to compete for a chance to pleasure you. And we wonder why so many Muslim extremists are young, strong men, who are somewhere around what we call their “sexual prime”. Death in jihad guarantees instant access to the eternal harem.

I’d hate to think, Mr, Graham, that you would be at all happy with your son’s decision to follow his friends into the neighborhood madrassa, if Islam were to have it’s way with America. There, your pride and joy would be made to memorize the Koran, in its entirety, in Arabic. No math classes. No history, other than Islam’s history, of course. No science. No art projects, either. Just a daily dose of religion 101. His memorization of the Koran would include 783 “hell” verses, which threaten hell-fire upon anyone who is not willing to die in the name of Allah if an occasion should rise to do so. (just so you know, you’re daughter, if married to a Muslim, would be under the constant threat of hell-fire if she were ever to simply not “appreciate her (polygamist) husband’s kindness”). Your son would “graduate” with a “degree” in Koran studies, and that’s it. Oh, yes, and if his madrassa is anything like the 30,000+ privately-owned madrassas in the rest of the world, he’ll be readily prepared to strap on the TNT when the time comes take care of those “dastardly” infidels.

Those “dastardly” infidels, my friend, are you and I. Your friends in the Valley would no say so if you paid them to, because they, most likely, truly are peaceful, loving, sensible, and moral people (folks you’d love to have for a neighbor). But, those poor folks, by the word of the Koran, and in the eyes of their disgusted overseas brothers and sisters of Islam, are just as much infidels as you and I. They would not be able to even suggest doing what they’re doing in their community now if Sharia Law were here today. They would be heretics. They would be subject to Sharia’s harshest punishment. ALL of them. Go ahead…ask any of them this question: What happens in Pakistan or Saudi Arabia (both countries under Sharia) when you welcome a Christian or Jew into your home? What would your own father or brother do if you told them you were reading the Bible for a change?

O, if you would just hear me on this! If only folks would at least give it one thought! The suggestion that, Islam may be, in fact, not what some make it out to be on the surface, is too easily batted down and denounced as “hateful”, judgmental, stereotyping, etc.

I admit that I am far too inadequate in my examination of the Koran (remember: I am examining Islam’s book, not the peaceful folks who live, either ignorantly or rebelliously, against its decrees). If for some reason you want to erase my last comment, but post this one, I recommend again Don Richardson’s “Secrets of the Koran”. He studied 8 English translations of the Koran, as well many commentaries, and the history of Mohammed himself. He is quite dry and frank in his analysis, to say the least, but he does not stray from facts. You owe it to yourself.
chrisgraham on February 11th, 2009 4:53 pm

But you want to argue on your narrowly defined terms that take fundamentalist Islam and extrapolate that to the entirety of the religion. You seem to have limited at best understanding of the religion other than what its extreme adherents make it out to be. Read the text, spend time, as I have, in mainstream mosques, and broaden your perspectives, and then we can have our debate. Until then, the exercise would be pointless, because we wouldn’t be speaking the same language.
J.D. on February 12th, 2009 8:54 am

Mr. Graham, I have, in no way, made an argument based on MY “narrowly defined terms” of Islam. You know very well from my comments that my arguments are based upon none other than Islam’s holy book, the Koran. Now, if you want to call that MY “terms”, you can go right ahead.

On another note, you’re right, Mr. Graham: my “understanding of the religion” IS based on what the “extreme adherents make it out to be”. But, do you know why that is? Because the “extreme adherents” are the ones who perfectly reflect the decrees of the Koran, and they are the ones that Mohammed would be most delighted in. I make my case based only on the REAL Islam, not on the Pseudo-Islam that so many misled folks practice.

You said, “Read the text…” What text are you referring to? The Koran? Tell me, Mr. Graham, what would you like to talk about concerning the Koran? Let’s open that discussion a little wider than I already have. I’ve already made several points straight out of the sacred book…none of which you have answered. Please don’t tell me that you’ve read the Koran, yet you have no rebuttal to my references to 4 specific war verses out of 109.

I appreciate your invitation to a mainstream mosque. I’d love to go, but here in France I would not be quite so welcome as you are in the U.S. My identity betrays me in such a circumstance here in this country. You see, if a Muslim were to find out that I am a Christian, and if I were to refuse to participate in something contrary to MY belief system during their services, there could be some costly consequences for me and my family. Muslims in France tend to adhere a little bit closer to the teachings of the Koran and the hadiths than those in the States.

I really wonder, Mr. Graham, which one of us really has the broader “perspectives”. Right you are, we probably ARE NOT “speaking the same language”. I relent to make any judgments on which “language”‘ you’re speaking, but I hear you suggesting that my “language” is one of ignorance. Can you really say so, considering my arguments come straight out of Islam’s religious texts?

I even offered to listen to your arguments from the Bible. Could it be that my “language” would be much richer in debating BOTH the Koran and the Bible? Don’t shy away, Mr. Graham, by calling the exercise “pointless”. Discussing the truth about ANYTHING is never pointless. It is the essense of education, my friend. Thus far, the only thing you have educated me on is your angle on Islam based on a mere observance of a service in a mosque (attended by folks that would be called “liberal”, to say the least, by the true adherents of Islam). Is that all your “broader perspectives” have to offer?
chrisgraham on February 12th, 2009 9:56 am

And the French like to think that it’s the Americans who have cornered the market on ignorance and intolerance.

But you’ve got it all figured out, obviously. What is more dangerous is that your ignorance is willful and based on hatred. I feel for you and pray that you can overcome whatever it is in your life that causes you to lash out at perfect strangers in the way that you do.
Calvin on February 13th, 2009 9:09 pm

Chris, you are obviously a quick-witted guy whose linguistic prowess has provoked many worthy debates. However, your response to J.D. failed to refute any of his points. Not one. You declare that J.D.’s limited understanding is actually willful ignorance based on hatred. I cannot speak for J.D., but I do wish to apologize for our corporate lack of understanding which pales in comparison to the brilliance of your overwhelmingly powerful rebuttals. And, yes, that is an intentional sarcastic tet a tet (before you call me names).

Please, I appeal to your journalistic integrity, answer J.D.’s claims point by point. Do not refer to him personally, but answer, using quotations from Scripture and the Qu’ran, in a manner worthy of your calling. Also, please address my assertion here that the Muslims in America are currently in the Mecca phase of their “jihad” (be that internal or external struggle, whichever you prefer). We are witnessing a transition in Holland and England and other parts of Europe to the Medina phase. I personally know several Muslim-background Christians, friends, who are now under strong threat of death (and likely will be killed) for apostasy. But they probably will not be murdered by the “fringe extremists” that you hang your “these-are-the-people-committing-terrorism” hat on.

Please know that you are being used by second-tier Muslim apologists to advance a system that is based on lies. I realize that those words are too terse and not unifying enough for your sensitivities. But the truth must be told. After all, it will set you (and your Muslim friends) free! And yes, I still stand by my comments from some time ago (before I was blocked from this site) that the Muslims I know are gracious, friendly, hospitable people that I love to have at my home for dinner. But, sadly for their souls, there are no eternal virgins. May I suggest that, in addition to praying for J.D. (as you stated above that you do), please pray for your Muslim friends. Earnestly. As if their eternity depends upon it.
chrisgraham on February 14th, 2009 1:18 am

Calvin, thanks for writing, taking the time, et cetera. I just don’t see the value of this “debate.” The report at the head of this thread is an attempt to promote a sliver of understanding among people who know little about the Muslim community in the Shenandoah Valley about how their neighbors and friends who practice Islam view faith and spirituality. In that context, a point-by-point refutation of the points raised by J.D. is an utter waste of time.

As I’m sure you’re aware, I’m not going to convince J.D. or you that your understanding, which I and many others perceive to be narrow, is in fact that. And that wasn’t my intent with writing this piece. You’re pretty sure that you know what you know. Good for you. I happen to think you’re shortsighted. Good for me, I guess.

Actually, bad for me. It bothers me that there are people out there using a well-intentioned essay on the goings-on at a local Muslim mosque to advance their narrow political beliefs. May you find peace in your life.
Lorenzo on February 14th, 2009 11:08 am

What a shame that you choose to brush people off by relegating their concerns to “narrow political beliefs.” By reading the responses here, it’s obvious that not everyone has had the wool pulled over their eyes like those who repeatedly chant about Islam being peaceful. If you run a piece telling the community how peaceful Islam is, it’s only right that you allow others to present their evidence that you’re wrong.

Unless, of course, you have something to hide. Or you’re more concerned with pursuing your progressive agenda at the expense of the truth.

Your call, dude.
chrisgraham on February 14th, 2009 2:06 pm

What a shame you choose to use a broad brush to paint an entire religion as extreme when the reality is not that at all.

Jesus said, “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.”

Good advice there.
Lorenzo on February 14th, 2009 4:02 pm

The words of Jesus do not mean that we are to ignore what is wrong. In fact, the Bible commands us to “Have nothing to do with the useless works that darkness produces. Instead, expose them for what they are.”

It’s interesting how those who champion the acceptance of anti-Christian religions, love to take Jesus’ words out of context, and try to use them in support of their view. Remember: Jesus said he was THE way, truth, and life, and that no one can get to the father except through him. Islam is a false religion that must be exposed.

And those same people come across as present day Neville Chamberlains, claiming we have peace in our day. We don’t, man. Islam will not allow there to be peace until they dominate the earth.

You can continue to hide behind your false claims that we are filled with hate when, in fact, the hate comes from the Koran.

I challenge you to answer the points brought by others who have replied here instead of judging them as hateful. And on that note, I’ve got some good advice for you: “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.”
chrisgraham on February 14th, 2009 10:46 pm

Your ability to be hypocritical and yet so unself-aware is just so quaint! Seriously, let go of the hate. Just let it go. I fear for you if you can’t. That kingdom of heaven that you assume awaits you in the next life isn’t going to be open to you if you can’t make peace with yourself and your world in this one.
Lorenzo on February 15th, 2009 8:46 am

Speaking the truth, my friend, is not hate. You quoted Jesus before, yet you ignore what Paul said about exposing evil. Do those words in the Bible not mean what they say? Or are they simply “obscure” words, a la Barack Obama?

Is it hate to expose the goals of Islam? No.

Is it hate to call a Christian with whom you disagree on social issues a fascist? Yes.

Pot meet kettle.
chrisgraham on February 15th, 2009 11:27 am

You seem to want to make Christianity into a hate religion just as you’re making Islam into a hate religion. And now we see your motivation. It’s political. Which is fine, except that you’re perverting what a lot of people hold near and dear to their hearts and souls in terms of spirituality to achieve your personal political objectives.

The good news, folks, is that the American people have made it clear that they are not going to be cowed by this kind of hatemongering anymore. We’re coming back to a commonsense center in our political lives, and it couldn’t have come a moment too soon. The types of people who perpetuate this hatred wouldn’t stop until they had us all on bended knee bowing to their vision of punitive living in the name of God.
Janet Lembke on February 25th, 2009 12:05 pm

Chris, Your article “Got Hope” is a winner. But the constitutional impediment to restoration of felon\s’ civil rights is still very much on the books and is an ugly throwback to Jim Crow days. Article II, Section I of the Virginia Constitution states: “No person who has been convicted of a felony shall be qualified to voge unless his civil rights have been restored by the Governor or other appropriate authority.” One problem is that “other appropriate authority” has never been defined. A measure to correct that fuzziness is currently in committee but has not made it to the House of Delegates, which could nominate itself as the other appropriate authority. As is, the process is exceedingly cumbersome and can take years.
Please note that drug offenders are lumped in with violent felons. They are not able to apply with the short form. They must wait five years after release from supervision (which used to be called parole and probation in VA) until they are eligible to apply. With supervision sometimes lasting for decades (yes!), a person might not be able to apply for restoration until, say, twenty-five years have elapsed without the commission of any new crimes. (I taught a wriing workshop at the Staunton prison for six years. Several of my students are in exactly this position.) Twenty-plus years are a long time to go without any say in one’s governance.
It should also be mentioned that only Virginia and Kentucky now permanently disenfranchise felons unless they make individual application of restoration of their rights. The other states have all reformed the process so that restoration occurs automatically after the elapse of a specifed time–usually three to five years–if no new crimes have been committed..
Virginia should be ashamed of itself.

Janet Lembke
Ginger Quillen on March 4th, 2009 11:42 am

My brother was gay from a very early age and was ostricized by my father and abused by my step mother. He moved away from us to save himself the pain of their disapproval. I will never forgive them for taking him away from us as a family. Although we, (3 sisters), supported him and I kept in touch, we missed so much. In the early 80’s he died of AIDS, not from contact with his partner of 31 years but from a motorcycle accident and a blood transfusion during surgery to reattach his leg. His partner never left his side. In a year, from a 6′6″, 220 pound athlete, he was reduced to a “stickman”, his name for himself.

His last conversation with me, a few minites before his death, taught me what is really important in life. I said “My heart is bleeding, I don’t want to loose you. I know I’m being selfish.” His reply was, ” I was selfish all my life. I spent 31 years deeply in love and that love was returned. As far as I’m concened being selfish isn’t all bad. and love isn’t all good, but I am fullfiled.” If you are a gay person out there, know this, God does not discriminate!
Katie McCaskey on March 17th, 2009 4:30 pm

Forget religion — what about the economy? Gay and lesbians bring a literal wealth of knowledge and skills to every local economy. People who scorn LGBT communities do so at the risk their own economic security!

There are many reasons “cities with gays and rock bands” are the most successful, according to the book “Rise of the Creative Class” by Richard Florida. A snippet:

“The key to economic growth lies not just in the ability to attract the creative class, but to translate that underlying advantage into creative economic outcomes in the form of new ideas, new high-tech businesses and regional growth. ”

If anything we should be thanking the gay community for their many contributions and saying, “hey, bring your friends here!”
Bob Beauchamp on April 1st, 2009 11:36 am

The New Dominion is excellent in every way. How in the world do you keep up with everything? It’s wonderful to see such quality in a publication. Best of luck!

Bob Beauchamp
chrisgraham on April 6th, 2009 2:14 pm

Bob, thanks for the kind words. We will work hard to continue to live up to them!
- of jack brown’s comments. « the state on April 21st, 2009 5:48 pm

[...] about some green inspiration around here. take a look at our neighboring towns – staunton is THRIVING because of numerous businesses with a local economy focus. charlottesville too. one of the best things i did all winter was stop at this guy’s [...]
New Dominion « Wildlife: A Photographic Record of the Shenandoah Valley on June 5th, 2009 7:19 pm

[...] June 5, 2009 In case you didn’t see it, The New Dominion did a little feature on the book. Check it out here. [...]
Tiller to participate in prestigious seminar abroad program : Augusta Free Press on June 27th, 2009 4:15 pm

[...] was the feature subject of an article in the January 2007 edition of The New Dominion Magazine. Filed Under: LifeTagged: blue ridge [...]
ShaunKenney.com » Throwing Fame to the Winds on August 8th, 2009 6:56 pm

[...] Mr. Dotson had been forced to wait one more year whether he (and his blog) could have survived today’s blog climate battlefield earth a saga of the year 3000 download . There was a time when I could have argued [...]
Laura Bateman on August 9th, 2009 5:18 pm

Wahoo-wa, go Hoos go.
“A parent’s right to choose” : School Choice Virginia on August 10th, 2009 9:54 am

[...] Take a look at this story. It may or may not be familiar to you, but sadly, it is taking place for families in the Commonwealth every single day. Dylan Owens-Wargo wasn’t enamored, to say the least, with his mom’s plans to send him to Fishburne Military School for eighth grade. [...]
Daniel on August 10th, 2009 12:59 pm

For more info on foosball go here
http://www.foosball.com/forum/index.php
Julie Plumbley on August 15th, 2009 10:01 pm

If a reasonable number of downtown business properties are not occupied by vibrant establishments, artistic or otherwise, the value of downtown property will plummet. The number of empty storefronts has been getting pretty spooky of late, but then I wasn’t here in the 80s or 90s, and can’t compare. It seems shortsighted to me that landlords would continue trying to get high rents from tenant businesses rather than take a bit less monthly income to keep downtown decently occupied. If downtown dies they’ll never even get their investment back, never mind turn a profit. If downtown stays lively, then the landlords can at least reasonably anticipate making a profit on their investment some years down the road. If it gets too expensive to start or maintain a business downtown, the folks with the ideas, energy and will to make a go of a business will simply go somewhere more affordable to work on their dream. It will be our loss as a community. Tax incentives for the landlords seem like a good start.
An open letter to Kitty Boitnott & the VEA : School Choice Virginia on September 2nd, 2009 2:08 pm

[...] more in that regard, which is why we wonder why you yourself made the accusation in an article for The New Dominion Magazine that school choice efforts were based in bigotry. (Your quote: “All of this stuff about, We [...]
sabrena on September 10th, 2009 6:10 pm

Great story, he’ll be missed! I wonder what Bristol will think of his Chicago ways!
Melanie Jongsma on September 11th, 2009 9:50 am

Great article, Chris! It really made me think about Boomers in a way I hadn’t before. Thanks for sharing this.
chrisgraham on September 11th, 2009 10:48 pm

Thanks, Melanie. It was interesting for me to learn that this is what folks in the senior-living industry, so to speak, are thinking is on the horizon. It was enlightening to hear from them.
eileen tell on September 18th, 2009 3:32 pm

For in depth information about long term care planning options, including a free planning guide from US Dept of Health and Human Services, go to http://www.longtermcare.gov
tony on October 18th, 2009 10:27 am

wheres the new New dominion?
Katie McCaskey on October 27th, 2009 2:18 pm

Thanks for mentioning George Bowers Grocery in your profile of Newtown.

Our neighborhood and community have really rallied to support us. Our customers understand that by spending money at our business — and other small businesses — they are strengthening our local economy. We thank them for their support.
Deena on October 27th, 2009 8:13 pm

Richard is THE MAN. Thanks for giving him some much-needed attention!
chrisgraham on October 27th, 2009 8:15 pm

He is indeed THE MAN. We can all only aspire to be as groovy as The Richard.
Clair Myers on October 28th, 2009 9:53 am

Richard is an ideal collaborator. He and I have been working together since the tme I brought Bob Crawford and Richard together to write the music for the rewirte of the WTA commissioned Shenandoah Mood. Following that he and I worked to create the popular monthly, River City Radio Hour. He has been an ideal partner. He shares in the creative process without any ego posturing. Richard is also a very accepting person. He nudges me to be more open to some people who I would rather write off. He is indeed a “cool cat.”
Jean Dillon on October 29th, 2009 12:02 pm

Richard and my husband and I worked on high school musicals together, and he and I were colleagues in the music department for several years at Riverheads High School . Those were fun and creative, inspirational years ! He took the piano-conductor scores, wrote the instrumental parts himself, and put together a combo and played drums while I trained the vocalists and played keyboard for the performances . We usually had packed houses for both performances ! Those were the days ! I am so happy to see such a wonderful article about him ; he’s the most unselfish collaborator and performer I’ve known !
Judy Snyder on November 6th, 2009 1:11 pm

I visited your fair city last month and enjoyed 3rd Friday very much. Was curious if Richard Adams has any cd’s available of Shenandoah Vally. I live in CA and enjoyed the songs/show very much. My cousin informed me that last nights performance of the Bedford Boys was outstanding. Sorry I missed it.
Angela Elmore Nelson on November 30th, 2009 4:46 pm

What a wonderful article about a fine musician, educator and man. I had the pleasure of knowing Richard Adams when he taught high school. He had the wonderful gift of inspiring others to achieve more than they dreamed they could. Our entire family loved him and I have often wondered where he was and what he was doing. And now, I’m off to search for a Dr. Toothbrush CD…. Thanks for a great article! :)
Marianne Rankin on January 23rd, 2010 3:16 am

THIS is what CHRISTIAN LOVE & UN selfish giving is about., I believe STRONGLY in the Grace of God & prayer, Angels ARE real….Both in heaven AND ‘those who walk among us’. I SERIOUSLY BELIEVE in Angels, As the survivor of an idiopathic brain aneurysm I have the Grace of God with me, & those who walk among us. I was blessed with A LOT of help & I thank the Grace of God DAILY. I am in an “Assisted Living” in Mississippi….I am 58 but my mother didn’t want me @ her house.
Amy Smith on February 3rd, 2010 4:55 pm

I had Richard Adams as my guidance counseler iin elementary school. I thought he was just the greatest thing ever, as did everyone else. I have seen him perform a few times with Wanda and the white boys since I have gotten older. But I will never forget the loving man that he was to us kids back in the day.
Building Blocks « Staunton Creative Community Fund on May 11th, 2010 11:19 am

[...] Article written by Chris Graham [...]
Trevor Miles on August 22nd, 2010 2:44 pm

Why do you think more parents want their kids in private school, as Col. Tubbs said? Is it dissatisfaction with the public schools?
Dave Briggman on August 24th, 2010 8:21 pm

The Libertarian Party of Virginia has no infrastructure…to say otherwise, indicates one has no knowledge of the LPVA.
chrisgraham on August 25th, 2010 12:01 am

Well, they’re running candidates in five congressional races, and dealing with the Bain campaign, it’s actually something of a campaign.