Discussions II: Virginia and Suburban D.C.

Jim Respess

October 31

A sculptor in Charlottesville.  Interviewed at Occupy Charlottesville.  He was very concerned with maintaining an open dialogue among the wide range of participating constituent interests... and with cleaning up the park's litter.

One of Jim's sculptures, part of a public arts program in Charlottesville, VA.

Jim's website

Christine Ray 

November 1

A second-year cadet at the Virginia Military Institute.  We talked with Christine following a tour she led, and were impressed by her dedication and forthright perspective.

Cadet's carry various things in their "tops" (uniform hat).  Christine has bible verses, family photos and letters, pens, and her debit card in hers.












Kelly Thomasson

November 7

Kelly is Projects Director for Senator Mark Warner of Virginia.  We met with her in the Senator's Richmond office, and discussed the challenges of "working across the aisle."

A Tie-Dyed Dog 
November 7

We didn't actually interview -- or even chat with -- this Richmond dog, but we thought you would like to see some local color.

Mrs. Norman T. (Amy) Howard

November 8

Amy is the research librarian for the United Daughters of the Confederacy.  She gave us a tour of the UDC's national headquarters, and answered our many questions about the organization.


Barb & Jon posed with one of many portraits of Robert. E Lee.             
                               

 

The imposing, highly-secure UDC building in Richmond, VA.

UDC website 

Ed and Louise White

November 8

Prior to retiring, Louise was head of the political science department at George Mason University in Virginia.

Ed is a minister.  In 1961 he was one of the original Freedom Riders.

In addition to politics, social justice and the Freedom Ride, our wonderful conversation ranged across all the topics Ed was coached to avoid as a newlywed by his South Carolina in-laws, "Race, labor unions, and whether or not the northern and southern branches of the Presbyterian Church would reunite."

Oprah show honoring Ed and other Freedom Riders