Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Laura and I have been talking a lot about what the Holidays mean to us. This year, with Olivia being old enough to really understand that the big guy in the red suit will be visiting later in the week, and with Jackson now capable of digging into wrapped packages, this special time of year has taken on new meaning. As Laura comes from Southwest Virginia/Northeast Tennessee we have had to “blend” our Christmas traditions and this year we’ll spend Christmas Eve with the Price/Campbell family at Mom and Dad’s and then Christmas will be quite frankly the busiest day of the year. Santa will visit our house first thing, followed by breakfast and presents at my folks, then presents and Lunch at my Grandparents on the farm and then a four hour drive to Tennessee/Southwest Virginia to start the 48 hour Walters/Jackson festivities with the in-laws.

But in the hustle and bustle it’s important to remember that there are folks that won’t have as festive a holiday. Maybe they’ve lost a loved one, or have been laid off. Maybe they don’t have a family to spend the holidays with, or don’t have the means to give to their family. Maybe they are in a faraway land serving our nation, or maybe they are here at home praying for their loved ones safe return from danger. Now to me, it’s none of my business if you feel “He is the reason for the season” (like in my house) or whether you think you should just “be good for goodness sake.” Surely whatever your beliefs, we can all agree that nothing appeals more to our better angels than helping your fellow man in a time of need. So in the spirit of the season that reminds us that it is better to give than receive I would ask you: Give your time. Give your donations to those charitable organizations that raise to help the needy in your community. Give your words of advice and encouragement to those who are troubled. Give your ears and shoulders to those who need to be lifted. And of course, give your heart. By sharing our love, time, and energy, together we can help make sure that everyone has the happiest holiday possible, regardless of the holiday you chose to celebrate.
So on that note, I send best wishes to EVERYONE for a safe and happy holiday season.

Best,

Jeff

Thanksgiving

I've been meaning to post a blog here for a while, but things have been quite busy. But, it's important, particularly this time of year, to be thankful of all things. I thought it might be good form to post of listing of things that I'm thankful of.

I'm thankful for...My Children. Hands down, my children are the thing that I'm most thankful for. I am so thankful that the Lord chose to bless me and Laura with such wonderful children, full to the brim with personality and good looking to boot. If there is ever a reason to want to get out there and make the world a better place, it is to inspire my children.

I'm thankful for...My Wife. Let's face it. Mrs. Price puts up with alot with me being around. Being together these last 10 years, and married for eight of them, has certainly tested her patience. But we've stuck through things and even in the worst of times I can see in her eyes that she is still as much in love with me as I am with her. (at least that's what I hope I'm seeing in her eyes)

I'm thankful for...My family. My parents, my in-laws, my grandparents, my sisters, my brother-in-law, my nieces and nephews, my aunts and uncles, and approximately 10,000 cousins. I have been blessed to be part of a loving extended family. Sure there are some nuts on the family tree (perhaps I am one of them), but we have always been one big happy family.

I'm thankful for...My friends. I'm thankful for old friends whose paths cross only once a year or so, or friends that I see on a weekly basis. I'm thankful that I have an increasing number of friends that I can depend one when necessary, sometimes without even needing to ask.

I'm thankful for... My faith and church. Not many of us can say that they still go to the same church they grew up. Or that the same preacher paid a pivotal part in their growing up, from childhood to adulthood. Who instilled faith with comedy and seriousness. Who blessed and presided not only over their marriage but also the baptism of his children.

I'm thankful for... My nation. As I've always said, I live in the best state in the best nation on earth. And as I travel abroad, and enjoy meeting and being exposed to new cultures, it is always nothing less than refreshing to return home and be part of our great democracy. I am thankful for this great democratic experience that was established by our forefathers and even in times of uncertainty and adversity, continues to flourish

I'm thankful for... Our military. The men and women, past and present, who risk everything to defend our country and protect the United States both at home and abroad. I am thankful

I'm thankful for... Our President-Elect and the new administration. I am thankful that every four years we have an opportunity, as a nation to determine who our leaders will in Washington.

I'm thankful for... Productive debate and respectful dissention. I am thankful that there are people who are willing to debate issues for the betterment of our country and comonwealth. Only through lively productive discussion and debate do we grow as a nation.

and I'm also thankful for...

Double ear infections and double pink eye, because even though he wasn't feeling well, Jackson and his father had a wonderful time at home yesterday.

Christmas trees that are only decorated four foot up due to little hands that refuse to stop taking ornaments.

Be thankful for what you have and the freedom that allows you to have it.

That's just a few things. What do you have to be thankful of?



Jeff

Mark Warner in Lynchburg

Mark Warner was in Downtown Lynchburg earlier today, visiting voters at The Depot Grille. It was great to see such a good turnout for the middle of a Wednesday, and it was great seeing some other folks from my side of the river.
Gov. Warner was briefly introduced by Delegate Shannon Valentine, and the crowd got fired up with some energetic comments on how we are going to elect Barack Obama.

It is no secret that I (along with about 70% of Virginia) am a big fan of Mark Warner's common sense bipartisan solutions. But he spoke about "a charge" today that just makes sense. Instead of talking about reducing our dependence on foreign oil or becoming energy independent in 5, 10, or 50 years, he wants to challenge local, state, and federal governments to put in their purchase orders NOW for clean green vehicles. There is no reason why the vehicles the government buys (and they will be purchasing vehicles) does not just go ahead and put in their orders for alternative fueled vehicles now. When the domestic automakers see this demand, it will help spur future development, and it becomes a win win situation for us all. He also said, as I agree, the days of cheap gas are behind us. We will never see $1.25 for gas again, no matter how much we do or "drill".

So, lets move forward and start changing our direction now, whether your motive is cost, the environment, or both. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Olivia... She's a mess!

Okay, so I am planning on this being a blog about issues facing folks in my neck of the woods, but I've got to post this...

My daughter Olivia, who is 3 and a half, comes up to me and with the saddest look in her eyes says:

"I wan some food"

to which I reply, "Honey, you're going to bed in a few minutes".

She responds "I don have much food in my belly, jus a lil bit".

Needless to say she got a snack. My kids never cease to amaze me.

Common Sense from the Commonwealth

Saw this over at RK. This is the type of common sense progressive leadership from Virginia that America is looking for! Perhaps we can view this as a recovery ladder rather than a bailout. Help + Accountability= Real Solutions!

http://www.raisingkaine.com/showDiary.do;jsessionid=88E0C3A5036557F34E3F6FFF836958C0?diaryId=16258

Upcoming Events

DEBATE WATCH PARTY!
Join us at Berkley's Grill in Madison Heights to watch SENATOR BARACK OBAMA and sen. mccain square off in their first debate!

Date: Friday, September 26
Time: 8:00 pm ‘til …
Location: Berkley's Grill 3620 S Amherst HwyMadison Heights, VA 24572
Hosts: Kira Thorien, Campaign for Change &Amherst County Democratic Committee
Contact: 540-322-9161 or 434-841-7420
Cash Bar and Full Menu will be available!

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GO BLUE VIRGINIA DINNER & RALLY
Lexington & Rockbridge Democratic Committees
Dinner-Music-Fiery Speeches
Tuesday October 7, 6-8 pm
Washington and Lee- Evans Dining Hall
$30.00 Adults, $10.00 Children Under Twelve
OR SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE

Tickets available at Democratic Headquarters, 312 Main St. Lexington,
Mail P.O. Box 60 Lexington, VA 24450, or
AT DOOR

For more info call 540-464-DEMS
RSVP by October 1.

2200...

Conservatively...Twenty Two Hundred Dollars. If the Bush proposal moves forward as planned, my part, Jeff Price's part, is $2200.00. So is Laura Price's. And my three year old Olivia's. And Jackson who is now a little over 15 months old. As the head of my household, I could be responsible for nearly $10,000.00 of Wall Street's debt.

I'm a part of a small family business, the same type of business that has been struggling or going under for the past eight years. These are the same types of business that I would consider the backbone of America. When we've struggled, or have been in fear of going under, where has the government support been? It's like this, when our business goes under or we don't perform, we have to lay off employees, we close up shop, we repay debt, and often not only the business owner's family/home life suffers (many times irrevocably), but their employees, vendors, and other do as well. But we have to bear down and deal with this on our own. We don't get millions in compensation and then watch the company crash and burn.

I'm not an expert on the economy (sound familiar), but I like to think I have a little common sense. I'm not going to say we shouldn't bail them out. If the country can not be saved without a bailout, I'm willing to do my part. However, as a young man and small guy in rural america, I can't just cut a check for 10,000.00 without having some assurances, and knowing exactly where my money is going.

Now, there is a controversy over whether or not there will be a Presidential debate. Now, there is no denying who I am voting for in this election. My business literally can not afford more of the same. But, the American people deserve the opportunity to see both candidates on the same stage debating THIS issue. Both Senators Obama and McCain can spend Friday morning on the Senate floor, and they can get right back there on Saturday morning. But Friday night, we deserve to hear and see these men debate.

To our Representatives and Senators I must say: TAKE YOUR TIME. Ten Thousand Dollars (or even 2200) is real money to me. Be deliberate and represent our interests. That's what you are there for.

Welcome

Hi, and welcome to Jeff's Soap Box. I hope this blog will be a venue where folks from all over Central Virginia/Shenandoah Valley can come together and discuss the issues of the day and the issues that are important to them.

Jeff