Saturday, November 28, 2015

What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?


Dear Friends, 
 
You might recognize the line - it's from a sea shanty tune sung on old military vessels by the crew as they worked. So, what do you do with a drunken sailor? One of the proposed solutions of the song is to "...shave his belly with a rusty razor."
 
I propose something a little different: thank him.
 
I had better explain myself before I'm accused of hitting the sauce.
 
You see, in Colonial America, we loved our alcohol. 
Back then we believed alcohol could cure the sick and make strong those who were weak.

Many of our founding fathers drank - and quite frequently. John Adams, for example, began each day with a draft of hard cider. Jefferson imported his favorite brews from France. Sam Adams, at one point, even managed his father's brewery (the marketing folks behind that modern day brand all need to be given raises). Even John Hancock was accused of smuggling wine - and knowing him, it was likely true!
 
Not everyone was on board, of course. Benjamin Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration and founders of American medicine, was actually one of the first to view alcoholism as a disease and an addiction. In the late 1700s, it was estimated that the annual consumption of alcohol for each person over 15 years of age was a whopping 40 gallons!
 
Yes, early Americans believed alcohol to be healthy - and given their circumstances, they weren't that far from the truth.
 
Here's why: there was a far more dangerous and worrisome drink - water.
 
One sip could make you seriously ill, and everyone knew it.
  
In fact, lack of drinkable water nearly wiped out the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown, VA. George Percy wrote "cold water taken out of the river...was the destruction of many of our men."

 
Later, American history was nearly altered once again during the Revolutionary War. In the winter of 1777, George Washington suffered huge losses at Valley Forge when 3,000 soldiers were wiped out with illness and another 2,000 had to leave the army because they were so sick. That totaled over 40% of the men Washington had at Valley Forge! 

One of the causes of these illnesses was lack of clean drinking water
 
But the American colonists learned how to deal with their water situation. In Europe, polluted waterways were a much bigger problem, and so many Europeans drank alcohol instead. It made for an easy example for colonists to follow.
 
Of course, there's another drink that altered the course of American history in two huge ways. Think you know the answer?
 
 
 
In Liberty,
 
Matt Redhawk
Owner, My Patriot Supply 
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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Counting our blessings

96th District, Virginia House of Delegates                                    November 25, 2015 

Stay Connected!
 
Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View our videos on YouTube
  
Join Our Mailing List!

Contact Delegate Pogge

 

District Office 

(Outside of Session):

1201 Jamestown Road

Williamsburg, VA 23185

757-223-9690

DelBPogge@house.virginia.gov

 

Please send mail to:

P.O. Box 196

Norge, VA 23127
 
Legislative Aide
Amanda Johnston
Amanda@brendapogge.com
On December 4, 1619, the first Thanksgiving was observed just down the street at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City County. Since that humble celebration of safe arrival from England, our nation has overcome great challenges. Even now, as we face turmoil and uncertainty in the world, we are blessed beyond measure here in the United States. Truly, we have much for which to be grateful.

Tomorrow, the nation collectively pauses to give thanks for these blessings. In my house, eighteen friends and family members will gather around my table to enjoy turkey, dressing, and all the fixings. Needless to say, the cooking is underway right now! 

From my family to yours, have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
Luncheon with Heidi Cruz in Williamsburg
Yesterday I publicly endorsed Ted Cruz for the Republican nomination, and I am actively working to recruit volunteers to support his efforts. I am pleased to announce that Heidi Cruz, Ted Cruz's wife, will be joining us here in Williamsburg for a luncheon next week. 

If you are interested in volunteering for the Cruz campaign, please RSVP today to attend the luncheon. Details are below:

What: Luncheon featuring Heidi Cruz--limited seating!
Where: Capitol Pancake House, 802 Capitol Landing Road
When: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2
RSVP required! Email delegate@brendapogge.com

There is no cost to attend; however, RSVP is required.
Keep me updated.
If you have questions or concerns when dealing with a state agency, please do not hesitate to contact me for assistance. Also, if you have ideas for legislation, please send me an email within the next ten days! My door is always open, and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me by email at DelBPogge@house.virginia.gov or by phone at 757-223-9690. 

Sincerely,
 Signature  
Delegate Brenda Pogge


Paid for and Authorized by Brenda Pogge for Delegate
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Thursday, November 19, 2015

Thank you...and a glimpse of what's ahead

96th District, Virginia House of Delegates                                    November 19, 2015 

Stay Connected!
 
Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View our videos on YouTube
  
Join Our Mailing List!

Contact Delegate Pogge

 

District Office 

(Outside of Session):

1201 Jamestown Road

Williamsburg, VA 23185

757-223-9690

DelBPogge@house.virginia.gov

 

Please send mail to:

P.O. Box 196

Norge, VA 23127
 
Legislative Aide
Amanda Johnston
Amanda@brendapogge.com
Now that the dust of the 2015 Election has settled, I would like to thank you all of you who supported me with your volunteer efforts, financial contributions, and--most importantly--your vote. Additionally, I would like to thank Mr. Brandon Waltrip, my challenger in the 96th House District. Running for office requires an incredible commitment of time and energy, and I commend those willing to pursue public service. 

I take seriously my responsibility to serve as your voice in Richmond, and I look forward to continuing to work with you during the upcoming years. As the 2016 General Assembly session approaches, please keep me aware of of your legislative priorities. To keep up with newly filed bills, please visit http://lis.virginia.gov/

In the news: Syrian refugees
Last week's attacks in Paris highlight the security challenges facing not only European nations, but also the United States. While my thoughts and prayers remain with the victims' families, I am also extremely concerned about the safety of Virginians. The Syrian refugee program has drawn much attention, and I join my Republican colleagues in asking Governor McAuliffe to stop the settlement of these refugees in Virginia.

Although I recognize that many refugees are fleeing sectarian violence, radical Islamic extremists have proven they are willing to exploit the system. Of equal concern is the fact that the FBI director believes there are gaps in the screening system. For this reason, I support legislation to refuse Syrian refugee resettlements in Virginia for a two year period. I have received numerous emails and phonecalls supporting this proposal, and I thank those of you who took the time to share your feedback.
In the news: Medicaid costs
I've spent much of this week at the House Appropriations retreat, where my colleagues and I heard fiscal projections and reports. Of great concern is the soaring cost of Medicaid. Even though Republicans blocked Medicaid expansion within Virginia, costs are nevertheless rising at a dramatic rate. In fact, expenditures are forecasted to be $1 billion higher than during the previous budget cycle. Those rising costs reduce the funds available for other priorities, such as K-12 education. 

Not only can Virginia not afford to expand Medicaid, but we must also reform the current system. A recent study by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) reported that "Virginia policies do not ensure that all eligibility criteria are verified for all individuals." This is a serious problem, and I am committed to working with my Republican colleagues to find a solution that will safeguard taxpayer dollars.
Out and about
Campaign season may have passed, but I remain just as busy. Following are a few photos of events I've recently attended.
2015 Family Foundation Gala with Senator Ted Cruz and his father, Rafael Cruz. Plus, Martha Boneta!
2015 Family Foundation Gala with
Governor Bob McDonnell
2015 Family Foundation Gala with Martha Boneta,
JCC Berkeley District Supervisor Mary Jones, and Congressman Dave Brat
Boys & Girls Club Neighborhood Builder Award Ceremony
2015 House Appropriations retreat visit to DuPont Fabros Technology Data Center

Stay in touch!
If you have questions or concerns when dealing with a state agency, please do not hesitate to contact me for assistance. Also, if you have ideas for legislation, please send me an email within the next two weeks! My door is always open, and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me by email at DelBPogge@house.virginia.gov or by phone at 757-223-9690. 

Sincerely,
 Signature  
Delegate Brenda Pogge


Paid for and Authorized by Brenda Pogge for Delegate
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Brenda Pogge for Delegate | P.O. Box 196 | Norge | VA | 23127