Though I’m an out-of-towner, I’ve always had a fondness for Asheville and Buncombe County. I’ve always considered the local governments in your area a bit more thoughtful and forward-looking than I see in many North Carolina communities. Which is why the secretive—and almost certainly illegal—actions of the Buncombe County government regarding the Woodfin diesel plant … Read more
The Feb. 28 issue of Mountain Xpress contained a piece by Hal Millard entitled “Business Chafes at Shuler’s Pro-Union Stance.” It is no wonder that business leaders are unhappy about Rep. [Heath] Shuler’s support of the Employee Free Choice Act (H.R. 800), the intent of which is to make union organizing more fair for workers. … Read more
Interesting how David Cohen admonished Stewart and Terri David in his letter [“Humor With That?”, Feb. 28] for lacking a sense of humor when it comes to the subject of the unspeakable suffering of innocent animals. The Davids, as many of us are aware, remain tireless in their commitment to expose to a largely misinformed … Read more
Jim Roberts had some interesting ideas [“Small Steps to a Big Payoff,” Feb. 28], but they won’t ensure jobs for the upwardly mobile or a livable income for residents at all job levels. Asheville business leaders need to identify a handful of companies in the United States that can, and are willing to, open branch … Read more
In North Carolina, Sens. Katie Dorsett and Janet Cowell have sponsored a bill that requires schools to distribute to all parents of children in grades 5 through 12 information on vaccines available to prevent cervical cancer. Merck’s Gardasil is the only vaccine addressing cervical cancer on the market. Corporations exploit natural resources—the earth’s body—to make … Read more
From Feb. 2 to 6, people from 45 out of 50 states attended the Department of Peace Conference in Washington, D.C. I was there representing Western North Carolina on behalf of the WNC Department of Peace and Nonviolence Campaign. Congressional committees have been reviewing the Department of Peace and Nonviolence Legislation (H.R. 808) since June … Read more
We recently entered Lent, the 40-day period preceding Easter when Christians have traditionally abstained from meat and dairy products in memory of Jesus’ 40 days of fast and prayer before dying on the cross. With religious devotion giving way to self-indulgence in recent times, Christian denominations gradually receded to meatless Fridays, then even fewer dietary … Read more
There were some key statements removed from my letter [“Co-ops Mean Democracy,” March 7] when it was edited for length. Most importantly, I would have left in the statement: “Cooperatives are about a revolution in values that puts people before profit.” I feel strongly about this point. Cooperatives are about more than community, they are … Read more
So development here is happening at a break-neck pace. What’s so scary and disappointing is that many people have [bought] and are buying into the hype without thinking through the implications of development in our region. We’ve got serious infrastructure issues that beg the question, “Do we really want them to come?” 1. No economy. … Read more
I was amused by the clearly tongue-in-cheek letter from the lady threatening to eat a Big Mac [“Fries With That?”, Feb. 28] if some vegans didn’t stop writing their drivel about the joys of eating veggies. Put your hand on the organic carrot, and be saved. There was a [subsequent] firestorm criticizing her for advocating … Read more
