My Two Cents

By Ernest Mason

A few days ago, two scenes in a courtroom caught my attention. I quickly put one aside. The other I shall never forget, nor do I want to. After playing them over and over in my mind, I realize that each scene represents the atmosphere in America today. I write the following to put my thoughts into focus, and I hope these thoughts stimulate your thinking. I feel certain that a dramatic moment touched each of you.

Scene One takes place in the courtroom. An 18-year-old man addresses the young woman who has just been sentenced for shooting his brother. In clear terms, he expresses his feelings for her. He closes by telling her that he forgives her. Then he does the unthinkable and asks the judge if he may hug the prisoner. A more poignant scene has not occurred in America in quite some time. It is a scene of great beauty. The judge is so moved that she speaks to the young woman, gives her a Bible and hugs her. The woman is led away to jail for 10 years.

Scene Two takes place outside the courthouse. A crowd has gathered. Television shows people yelling, screaming and calling for more jail time.

I hope you will bear with me as I react to Scene One and let Scene Two speak for itself. I take no political stand and do not judge. I simply want you to see the real drama in Scene One, and what it says to each of us and to a political party.

That young man freed himself. He delivered himself from hate and opened the door to move on without a burden of hate or fear. He lifted a burden off his shoulders which would have haunted him for the remainder of his life. His gracious action also lifted a great burden off the young woman’s mind and outlook. No artist can produce a more beautiful picture.

America is in crisis. That needs no explanation. It needs a good dose of love, care, and healing. Therein comes the lesson. It compels us as individuals and as the Hanover County Democratic Committee to say to America, “We love you, and even with all your faults, we forgive you.”

Then we as individuals and collectively join hands and give our country a great big hug to assure her of our love. We stand together in support of her healing. We squeeze her tightly signaling that strength comes when we are linked together. Finally, we promise her that we will do everything we possibly can as individuals and as members of the Hanover County Democratic Committee to revive America’s spirit. As each of us does his or her part to revive America, she will become really great and proud again.

Sound simplistic? Remember the impact of one young man: “I forgive” — then a hug.

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Reorganization meeting

December 14

Don't miss the Reorganization of the Hanover Democratic Committee on Saturday, December 14 at 10 a.m. at the Depot, 107 S. Railroad Avenue, Ashland. Every two years, the State Party Plan requires county and city committees to reorganize, electing new officers and adopting revised bylaws. To participate in the caucus, you must be present and in line no later than 10:15 a.m. Please read the full and official Call to Caucus, Caucus Rules, and the proposed bylaws by clicking here.

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Men's Forum

Canceled for election and

Thank you breakfast

Guest Speaker: None

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The January Forum is tentatively set for January 22 with a First Congressional District Democratic Forum.  Professor Rich Meagher, Political Science Professor from Randolph Macon College will moderate as he did at our last First District Democratic Forum approximately two years ago.  Vangie Williams and Phil Cox are the only two Democratic candidates we know of to-date.  Rob Wittman most likely will be the Republican candidate.  

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