Weekly Review

WEEK'S END

After persistent questions regarding the governor's schedule, Kaine's office announced it would provide monthly reports of his labors on behalf of the Democratic National Committee. The step is welcome yet overdue. We agree with Kaine that governors implicitly work 24/7; we also note that, fairly or not, voters are not always pleased when governors leave the state. If Kaine were able to run for re-election, this would hurt him. Of course, if he were running for re-election he would not have taken the chairman's job. The point is moot. It also may suggest, however, reasons the fourth year of a gubernatorial term seldom goes down as the finest.

At least Kaine's travels do not embarrass Virginians as the strayings of Gov. Mark Sanford have humiliated South Carolinians. Sanford gives a bad name to repentance.

Virginia Commonwealth University's Department of Psychiatry does good things. It contributes to the community. As the 2007 events at Virginia Tech suggested, mental health remains little understood. The department increases understanding. On Aug. 18, a "Help Cure the Blues" evening at the Barksdale's Willow Lawn theater will benefit the department. Bluesman John Nemeth will perform. Contact for details.