Columns
We must work to restore our nation’s work ethic
As acid corrodes aluminum, once it starts it gets worse faster and faster. We are watching this happen before our eyes. The headline in the ...
Frank Ruff, Author at Farmville
Columns
OPINION – Our students must be prepared to compete
The education of our young people is at risk. Parents, grandparents and would-be parents need to be aware. Attacks are coming from many directions. We ...
by Frank Ruff, Wednesday, May 5, 2021 3:02 pm
Guest Columns
OPINION — Marijuana legislation makes very little sense
The reconvened session was held last week with few surprises. Most Republican proposed legislation had already been killed. For this reason, we mostly considered technical ...
by Frank Ruff, Monday, April 12, 2021 10:47 am
YOUR TURN
Virginia wasn’t ready for vaccine distribution
Three issues have been causing turmoil for a year: unemployment, schools and vaccines. Gov. Ralph Northam closed down the state with power not seen since ...
by Frank Ruff, Wednesday, February 17, 2021 6:00 am
YOUR TURN
COLUMN — Democrat priorities have changed over the years
When I was growing up, I knew my father was a Democrat. In the ’50s and ’60s, if one wanted a voice in Virginia’s government, ...
by Frank Ruff, Monday, February 15, 2021 6:00 am
YOUR TURN
Column — What will 2021 look like?
For months now, everywhere I have gone, people have been saying, “I can’t wait until 2020 is over.” With all that has occurred in the ...
by Frank Ruff, Friday, January 8, 2021 6:00 am
YOUR TURN
A new way to formulate the state budget
Every year, the most important thing that the governor of Virginia does is produce a budget or a revised budget. Yet, way too frequently, a ...
by Frank Ruff, Wednesday, December 30, 2020 6:00 am
Guest Columns
Should we really legalize marijuana?
Over the years that I have been in the General Assembly, there has always been an effort by some to change the laws on the ...
by Frank Ruff, Monday, December 7, 2020 4:06 pm
YOUR TURN
Is climate change really an existential threat?
Remember John Stossel? For those who don’t remember him or never heard of him, Stossel made it big a generation or two ago when he ...
by Frank Ruff, Wednesday, December 2, 2020 6:00 am
YOUR TURN
Some taxes unfairly affect rural Virginia
We all want to be treated fairly. Sometimes we do not like government policies at the federal, state, or local levels, but if it affects ...
by Frank Ruff, Tuesday, November 24, 2020 2:00 pm
YOUR TURN
Can we thrive as a mediocracy?
Once upon a time, not that long ago, one received things from earning them. You merited a raise. You merited a promotion. That system was ...
by Frank Ruff, Wednesday, November 11, 2020 6:00 am
YOUR TURN
Looking forward to a brighter future
Thankfully, it is human nature to have faith in a brighter future. If not, 2020 would drive us crazy. Most of the year, COVID-19 has ...
by Frank Ruff, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 6:00 am
YOUR TURN
COLUMN — Treat the voters with honesty and respect
In slang, the phrase, “Come on, man,” is used to convey the speaker’s frustration or annoyance with someone else. The term has been used repeatedly ...
by Frank Ruff, Saturday, October 31, 2020 6:00 am
YOUR TURN
COLUMN — Prayers to all those affected by COVID-19
Our prayers go out to our president, governor, their wives, and to all who have been infected with COVID-19. We wish them fast recoveries. Likewise, ...
by Frank Ruff, Friday, October 9, 2020 6:00 am
YOUR TURN
Legislature protects renters, hurts landlords
Compassion is a good thing when you are using your resources in assisting others in a time of their need. It is far different when ...
by Frank Ruff, Wednesday, September 30, 2020 6:00 am
Opinion
Legislature protects renters, hurts landlords
Compassion is a good thing when you are using your resources in assisting others in a time of their need. It is far different when ...
by Frank Ruff, Monday, September 28, 2020 3:57 pm
YOUR TURN
Law enforcement changes happening quickly
All over America, there are efforts to change law enforcement. In some cities, there has been an open effort to defund the police. In other ...
by Frank Ruff, Wednesday, September 23, 2020 6:00 am
YOUR TURN
COLUMN — Support redistricting amendment
Last week, I wrote about the several laws that were changed during the 2020 regular and the on-going special session. My focus was on how ...
by Frank Ruff, Saturday, September 19, 2020 6:00 am
YOUR TURN
Is your vote safer today than it was last year?
Free and fair voting is the basic premise of any democracy. Remember the stories that came out of Iraq after the fall of the Saddam ...
by Frank Ruff, Wednesday, September 9, 2020 6:00 am
Columns
COLUMN — Is your vote safer today than it was last election?
Free and fair voting is the basic premise of any democracy. Remember the stories that came out of Iraq after the fall of the Shah? ...
by Frank Ruff, Friday, September 4, 2020 7:20 pm
YOUR TURN
Redistricting amendment is fair
For three quarters of the last century, Virginia was effectively a one-party state. That political party could enact anything they wanted. Because they controlled the ...
by Frank Ruff, Wednesday, September 2, 2020 6:00 am
YOUR TURN
COLUMN — Hard work, determination can take us far
The last two months we have seen many demonstrations regarding equality for all. It is right and fair to have orderly conversations and demonstrations about ...
by Frank Ruff, Friday, August 21, 2020 6:00 am
YOUR TURN
COLUMN — New rules would allow lockboxes for absentee ballots
Sadly, in the dark of the night, this governor’s administration is trying to undermine our democracy as we know it. Last week, the Department of ...
by Frank Ruff, Friday, August 14, 2020 6:00 am
Guest Columns
Column – Lockboxes would undermine election
Sadly, in the dark of the night, this governor’s administration is trying to undermine our democracy as we know it. Last week, the Department of ...
by Frank Ruff, Monday, August 10, 2020 2:50 pm
Columns
Column – Death rates from virus are very low
by wearing a mask W e have been inundated with data about the coronavirus since March. The news media has covered the issue relentlessly for ...
by Frank Ruff, Monday, August 3, 2020 11:38 am
Columns
Column – Trying to stay positive
All of us have been challenged by the events in the news this year. It was heartbreaking enough when our lives were flipped on end ...
by Frank Ruff, Monday, July 27, 2020 10:28 pm
YOUR TURN
Trying to understand school reopening plans
Let me begin with this statement — we all should be cautious during this period of COVID-19. We should all wear masks when we are ...