And on Tuesday, he extended the message of moral clarity to the fallout of disturbing text messages sent by a fellow Democrat running for Virginia attorney general that were released on Oct. 3, two weeks after voters began casting ballots for the Nov. 4 general election.
“Governor Shapiro has been loud and clear that leaders need to speak and act with moral clarity and stand up against the hatred, the dangerous rhetoric, and the political violence that is gripping our country,” said Manuel Bonder, the governor’s campaign spokesman, in a statement to The Center Square.
In 2022, former state House Del. Jay Jones sent texts to another legislator criticizing Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert, accusing him of raising “little fascists” that he hoped would die in his wife’s arms from gunshot wounds to change his mind on firearm policy.
In another message, he joked that if given two bullets to kill Gilbert alongside former dictators Adolf Hitler and Pol Pot, he’d shoot the speaker twice.
So far, prominent Democratic leaders in the state have condemned the texts, though none have told him to withdraw from the election – much to the alarm of Republican critics.
Rally Virginia, a conservative grassroots group, on Tuesday called on Jones “to do the right thing and drop out,” although even if he does, state law makes it clear that his name will remain on the ballot.
The group, which has endorsed incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares, said his messages were “unacceptable from a public official.”
It also pointed to Jones’ past controversies, including a 2022 reckless driving charge and a probation deal that required 500 hours of community service with his political action committee, adding, “Jay knows as well as we do that this was not legitimate service, and he believes the normal rules don’t apply to him.”
While Shapiro didn’t speak about Jones’s future in the race, his spokesman told The Center Square that Jones’ “rhetoric is reprehensible and inexcusable – period.”
“Violence, and calls for it, are never acceptable in our political process no matter who they are coming from or who they are targeting,” Bonder said.
Shirleen Guerra contributed to this report.
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How to Prepare for Food Emergencies if You Don’t Have a Homestead or Bunker
In an unpredictable world, where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or economic instability can strike without warning, having a reliable food supply is more than just smart—it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a “prepper” or not, we all know the golden rule: self-sufficiency is key. But what if you’re living in an apartment, working long hours, or simply don’t have the land to turn into a thriving homestead? Don’t worry; there’s a practical, effective way to build your food security without needing acres of soil or a fortified bunker.
The Ideal Prep: Building Your Own Food Empire
The ultimate dream for any serious prepper is controlling your own food production. Imagine waking up to a sprawling garden bursting with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs—tomatoes ripening on the vine, potatoes ready to harvest, and greens that provide nutrition year-round. Add in livestock like chickens for eggs and meat, and you’ve got a self-sustaining system that keeps your family fed no matter what chaos unfolds outside.
This approach isn’t just about calories; it’s about resilience. A well-maintained garden can yield hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while a small flock of chickens might produce dozens of eggs weekly. It’s empowering, cost-effective in the long run, and teaches invaluable skills like crop rotation, animal husbandry, and preservation techniques. If you have the space, time, and resources, starting small and scaling up is the best path to true independence.
The Reality Check: Not Everyone Can Homestead
But let’s face it—not all of us are in a position to go full homesteader. Urban dwellers might be limited to a balcony or community plot that’s far from sufficient for long-term needs. Busy professionals juggling jobs, families, and daily life often lack the hours required for daily tending. And for those in apartments, condos, or regions with harsh climates, raising livestock or maintaining a large garden simply isn’t feasible. Factors like zoning laws, soil quality, water access, or even physical limitations can make this ideal out of reach.
That’s where the frustration sets in. You want to be prepared, but without a homestead or bunker, how do you ensure your pantry doesn’t run dry during a prolonged crisis? The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your preparedness goals. There’s a smart, accessible alternative that bridges the gap: investing in high-quality, long-term storage food.
The Smart Alternative: Long-Term Storage Food from Heaven’s Harvest
Long-term storage food is designed for exactly these scenarios—providing nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals that last for decades without refrigeration or special conditions. It’s the perfect solution for preppers who can’t rely on fresh production but still demand reliability and variety in their emergency stockpile.
At Heaven’s Harvest, they specialize in premium survival food kits that make preparedness effortless. Their products are crafted with the prepper mindset in mind: non-GMO, made in the USA, and packed with real ingredients that taste like home-cooked meals, not bland rations. Whether you’re stocking up for a short-term blackout or a long-haul SHTF event, our kits offer:
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Why Wait? Secure Your Food Supply Today
Preparing for food emergencies doesn’t require a homestead or bunker—it requires action. By choosing long-term storage food from Heaven’s Harvest, you’re taking control in a way that fits your lifestyle. Start small with a 72-hour kit to test the waters, or go all-in with a year’s supply for ultimate security.
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