Splash of Tea - The Virginia Forum and Riley Shaia

Nelson Velez, Chairman of the Virginia Tea Party, hosted Riley Shia, Executive Director of the Virginia Council, which also oversees the Virginia Forum. They discussed the Virginia Council's mission to preserve history and create a prosperous future, emphasizing the importance of education in this mission. Shia explained that the Virginia Council was founded in 2021 by John Reed in response to vandalism of historic monuments in Richmond, Virginia, noting that the council has taken legal steps to protect these monuments and other aspects of Virginia's heritage.

They addressed the damage done to local businesses and the tourism industry during the riots in Richmond, where law enforcement allegedly stood down under political influence. They also discussed broader issues related to free speech and "mob rule" in society. Both criticized how social media platforms, such as Facebook and YouTube, contribute to self-censorship by threatening suspension or demonetization.

Shia highlighted an upcoming event on October 23 featuring actor Kevin Sorbo, who has faced cancel culture in Hollywood due to his conservative and Christian beliefs. Sorbo, known for his role in Hercules, will speak on the Hollywood takeover, followed by a Q&A session. Attendees can purchase tickets for $50 and have the opportunity to receive signed copies of Sorbo’s books and participate in a VIP reception. The event will take place at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center, known for its support of free speech and open dialogue.

In a broader context, they expressed concerns about the suppression of alternative viewpoints, especially in fields like climate science. Velez mentioned a retired climate scientist who has researched Antarctic ice samples for two decades and may offer a contrarian view on climate change, suggesting potential future collaborations for the Virginia Forum.

Notable Mentions:

John Reed - Founder of the Virginia Council
Kevin Sorbo - Actor and event guest speaker on October 23, known for conservative views
Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center - Event venue
Facebook and YouTube - Platforms mentioned in relation to censorship and self-censorship
Andy Ngo - Journalist covering Antifa, who faced event venue cancellations due to controversy
The conversation reflected concerns over free speech, historical preservation, and the impact of "cancel culture" in America.