An Attack on U.S. Citizens

The Importance of Being Virginian

Most people are aware of Virginia’s rich history. It is the landing place, and location of Captain John Smith’s settlement 400 years ago; the location of two of the country’s oldest, and most prestigious colleges – William and Mary, est. in 1693, and the University of Virginia, est. by Thomas Jefferson in 1812; the home of numerous historical figures including George Washington, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and Robert E. Lee; and hosted some of the most important battles of the Civil War – Appomattox, Manassas/Bull Run, etc.

Because Virginia, also called “the Old Dominion,” was one of the first places settled by colonists, there are many historical landmarks, both in the form of buildings, and locations marked by signs stating their historical significance. As you drive along the back roads of Horse Country (Loudoun, Fauquier, and Clarke counties) you will see rolling hills and fields dotted with cattle, horses, and sheep; wildlife such as deer, bald eagles, squirrels, foxes, bobcats, and even black bears; the blue ridge mountains; rivers such as the Shenandoah; vineyards; and huge old estate houses that will blast you (mentally) back to Gone with the Wind. And, if you happen to visit in autumn, you will be joining many tourists in the trek along the area’s back roads for a glimpse at the beautiful fall foliage. It is a beautiful region, often likened to Europe in appearance and lifestyle.

Trying to Ruin the Old Dominion

Now, after picturing this beautiful place, imagine driving along country roads to find that there are now 150-foot towers supporting power lines everywhere you look. Drive down to the birthplace of John Marshall, fourth Chief Justice of the United States, and see one of these towers directly in front of his birthplace – a beautiful colonial mansion surrounded by fields of Angus cattle. Continue east or west and see that power line cat’s-cradle everywhere you go. As you drive you will probably notice vacant houses with “For Sale” signs out front.

This is only a glimpse of what will happen if Dominion Power and Allegheny Power are allowed to carry out their plan to build these power lines across this region of Northern Virginia. This does not include the detrimental effects the power lines will have to the land value, or to the health, of those citizens living nearby.

Dominion has certainly lived up to its name. At the root of this plan to build towers on landowner’s territory is the principal of “eminent domain,” which, according to the American Heritage Dictionary means: “The right of a government to appropriate private property for public use, usually with compensation to the owner.” Dominion is appealing to the government in order to get the right to take land from Virginians. If allowed to follow through, they would pay landowner a minimal fee in return for ruining their land, and the land around them.