I understand the Mountain Xpress is censoring Nelda Holder because she did not avoid a conflict of interest [see http://avl.mx/u6 for the story].
Holder was arrested for protesting injustice. Since when is it a conflict of interest to oppose injustice? This is too much. We live at a time when our country’s constitutional protections are being weakened and dissolved, one by one. Here in North Carolina, we have elected representatives who openly disregard their constituents, having been bankrolled for their perfidy with money and privileges.
In spite of this powerful steamroller that assaults the voting public, a few staunch citizens stand up peacefully to give voice to our dismay. By some chicanery of the lawmakers, these citizens are considered law breakers.
Adding to the abuse of Holder by the law, our local “independent” newspaper exercises its power to further silence her. Kicking folks when they’re down we used to call it. Why silence the victim and allow the perpetrators’ voices to be heard?
We who enjoy the Mountain Xpress expect its writers to offer an alternative to the canned reporting of and by the powerful. Has this local voice for the freedom of the press and the rights of the citizens lost its way?
— Norma Warren
Asheville
