Week in Review

WEEK'S END

Midlothian Supervisor Dan Gecker asked good questions about another topic. Bow-hunting is one way to thin a rapidly growing deer population. Gecker wants to see if "the safety statistics" justify restricting the practice in certain residential neighborhoods. We agree with him. If facts indicate that restrictions would be wise, then enact restrictions. But if facts say problems with safety do not exist, then leave things as they are.

Democrat Charlie Diradour has dropped his challenge to Rep. Eric Cantor (R-7th) in next year's midterms, thereby closing one of the strangest episodes in local political history.

Voters in Richmond's 7th Councilmanic District will elect a successor to Delores McQuinn, who was elected to the House of Delegates to fill the seat vacated when Del. Dwight Jones was elected mayor of Richmond. Cynthia Newbile boasts endorsements from Jones and McQuinn -- and from state Sen. Henry Marsh. Tuesday likely will see a pathetic turnout. Those three votes may prove enough.

A powerful exhibit at the Virginia Historical Society provokes discussion of a painful period that still incites controversy. "The Portent: John Brown's Raid in American Memory" will run through April 11.

Remember when Halloween meant neighborhoods filled with youngsters dressed as goblins and carrying grocery bags to gather their treats? Remember when parental supervision consisted of a good-luck kiss and an admonition not to stray too far or to stay out too late? Perhaps our happy recollections are enhanced by age.

A fatal stabbing on East Broad may have been the consequence of a feud, as reported, yet it is not the type of incident that makes citizens want to hurry downtown.

Another unnerving headline reported, "Hanover Student Charged in Ax Attack." The incident occurred not in the urban core but in the surburbs.

It might be time to move to the Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai.