Scientific gem
For nearly 40 years, I worked at NASA’s Langley Research Center, retiring as chief technologist. In that time, I saw how research not only advanced spaceflight and aviation but also saved lives and improved daily life.
One sensor, first designed to detect bubbles in helicopter engine lubricants, now protects patients during heart-lung bypass surgery. A fiber optic line sensor created for spacecraft is now used to monitor pressure vessels and measure strain. These breakthroughs prove a larger truth: Research is open-ended, leading to discoveries no one can predict.
That’s why today’s cuts are so troubling. At some NASA centers, research programs are being slashed by more than 30%. Worse, the agency is being restricted from pursuing its own mission. These decisions aren’t just about budgets — they are dismantling America’s ability to innovate.
The impact reaches far beyond NASA. Medicine, clean energy, engineering, education and basic science all suffer. Meanwhile, other nations are investing heavily, attracting our talent and seizing the industries and jobs of tomorrow.
This is not a partisan issue; it is about America’s future. From the moon landing to the Mars rover, our leadership in science has defined us as a nation. If we step back now, we risk surrendering that role.
We must act — by supporting science funding, writing representatives, inspiring young researchers and voting. NASA is a national treasure. More than that, it symbolizes what America can achieve when we commit to discovery.
Dr. Joseph Heyman, Williamsburg
Council makeup
I have started to see the anti 10-1 city council signs popping up around Virginia Beach. I have two questions for the “No” coalition. If each voter can vote for a council member and the mayor, how are voting rights restricted? What citywide priority project has been overlooked or delayed by the present council makeup?
James Luehman, Virginia Beach
Checks and balances
The Constitution builds in checks and balances to keep government power from being concentrated in the hands of the few, yet President Donald Trump now dominates the federal government. Therefore, he deserves the lion’s share of the credit or the blame for how things unfold over the next few years.
We should reject the president’s logic that in the 2024 election he won an overwhelming mandate and so can do whatever he wants. Trump won the Electoral College, but only 49.9% of the popular vote, so a majority of voters preferred someone else.
We should also reject the argument that Trump is only carrying out his campaign promises. He did not end the Russian invasion of Ukraine or the Israeli-Hamas conflict on his first day. He falsely said he would lower grocery costs and cut electricity prices in half. He professed ignorance of “Project 2025,” yet as president he is carrying out that blueprint. He also stated that he wouldn’t touch Medicaid or increase the national debt.
In next year’s congressional election, Hampton Roads voters who like the country’s direction should reelect Republican Reps. Rob Wittman and Jen Kiggans. Voters who are unhappy with their federal government should oust them from office, though, because there’s no daylight between Trump and the rest of his party, and because the framers intended a government of checks and balances.
David Meyerholz, Virginia Beach
Driving
I have noticed a lot of people have trouble moving their fingers while driving. They can manipulate their phone but are unable to move a finger to flip the turn signal indicator. It is a simple task that people are unable to perform.
Also, some have the compulsion to constantly drive in the left lane even though the right lane has no traffic. They match the other driver’s speed across three lanes creating what resembles a hungry pack looking for their next prey. Please have some courtesy and use the left lane to pass.
John Leavor, Newport News