Phooey to FEMA, which has turned down aid for tornado victims in Virginia, including those in Gloucester. Apparently the county and its people have responded too well in aid of those so severely affected by the April 16, F3 strength twister. Federal aid is not seen as necessary. That was no ordinary storm; the recovery will take a long time.

Seen in comparison to the storms which hit the Deep South, Virginia’s storms seem minor; there’s nothing minor, however, about the loss of lives, homes and the large part of a school. But FEMA has spoken: we shall fix it ourselves.

Phooey also to Verizon, which has received state permission to discontinue issuing residential telephone listings in a white page directory. Customers can request these directories (the state has required it) ... if they can find the proper form in all the inserts found in their bills.

Verizon states lofty goals of saving resources and staff time...but it will continue to issue its profitable advertis...