While I still love the great state of Virginia, I am not surprised to hear the latest news about the parole board. It seems that 11 inmates have gotten together and are suing over the fact that the parole board is ignoring state law. The law requires that the board thoroughly investigates if inmates are rehabilitated and should be released. The law affects inmates who were locked up before 1995.

Inmates complain that their rights have been violated and will have their day in the U.S. District Court in Richmond. The state denies the claims and wants the case dismissed. As a former member of this group of inmates, I feel that the state of Virginia has not followed this law and are in violation of it. I just hope the court feels the same way as I do!

The earth is our home and we must all do our part to take care of it. That’s one of the reasons that earth day was started 40 years ago. It was meant to bring attention to the facts about our environment and our impact on it. I believe that the importance of this day will become ever clearer to the millions of people around the world.

Many of the world’s leaders spoke about the issue today and reflected on what the day means to them. Nearly all agreed that we must do a better job of protecting and preserving our environment. I join with thousands of others who believe this issue affects us all and is worthy of profound thought.

For over a half of a century the world has lived with the threat of extinction from the massive shooting off of nuclear weapons. The United States and Russia have the two biggest nuclear arsenals and are the caretakers of the world in this field. That’s why it’s good that these two countries are working together to reduce stockpiles of these weapons.

Negotiators for the two countries have nearly completed a deal that would further these efforts. We are also discussing other nuclear related subjects such as non-proliferation and discouraging North Korea and Iran from nuclear ambitions. I am glad that many are beginning to see that the world no longer needs these planet destroyers and are working on ways to rid ourselves of them!

Our nation is home to hundreds of great charities. They do great work and have served our country well. I have made donations to many charities in my life and hope I’ve helped a few people who really need it. That’s why it’s distressing to hear that some may be taking advantage of other people’s good will.

Senators Grassley, Coburn, Kyl, and Cornyn have decided to look into the accusations that the president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America took in over a million dollars in compensation in 2008. There were also expenditures of over $4.3 in travel expenses and $1.6 million for conferences.

I am glad that these senators are questioning these facts and hope they call out those who are taking advantage of this situation. A charity organization should be led by people who put the money where it was supposed to go in the first place!

It’s time to report on our old friend the Supreme Court. Their latest decision has come down and the results are in. Anyone who requests a lawyer has only fourteen days to do so before their request becomes invalid. This means that police can question people without repeating the Miranda Rights.

The case was based on a man who confessed to a crime after he was released from custody. The court ruled that anyone who answers questions by police does not have to have their Miranda rights repeated to them. The good news is that anyone still does not have to answer any questions without a lawyer present. It is good that everyone know what their rights are.