Details on Mission Hospital for Advanced Medicine 

The public got its first detailed look at the Mission Hospital for Advanced Medicine when Mission Health unveiled a new website with renderings, real-time webcams, key stats and other information for the more than $400 million replacement project.

The new 12-story patient tower in Asheville will combine the older St. Joseph and Memorial facilities, consolidate the two Asheville campuses, and create 220 patient rooms, a significantly expanded state-of-the-art emergency department with 97 beds, consolidated operating, pre-op and recovery space along with interventional cardiology and radiology space that allows for true multidisciplinary, team-based interventional care with the very latest technology. 

The project is expected to create 1,300 area jobs and is expected to be completed in 2019. www.missionfutureready.org.

NC prepares for Zika virus

State health officials continue to encourage North Carolinians to take preventive measures against mosquito bites and to stay informed of the risk of Zika virus infection before traveling to areas with local, active transmission, now including Miami, Florida. 

Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infectious Aedes aegypti mosquito. This mosquito, to date, has not been identified in North Carolina, according to a statewide survey of mosquito populations being conducted in conjunction with researchers at East Carolina University, North Carolina State University, Western Carolina University and experts at local health departments. Currently, 33 travel-related cases of Zika virus have been confirmed in North Carolina.

Symptoms of Zika virus include rash and red eyes. Less common symptoms include fever, joint pains and muscle aches. Only about one in five people infected with Zika virus will show symptoms. Sexual transmission of Zika virus is possible, and is of particular concern during pregnancy. 

www.cdc.gov/zika.

Free tired leg/varicose vein program offered

A free tired leg/ varicose vein educational program will be offered at 5 p.m. Thursday Aug. 25, at the Vein Center at Haywood Regional Medical Center on the 2nd floor.

The event is aimed at educating anyone who may be suffering from aching, cramping or burning pain in the legs, varicose veins, restless legs, discoloration or skin changes, numbness, tingling or pain in their legs after activities such as grocery shopping or a short walk up the stairs.

The program will be led by Dr. Al Mina, MD, FACS and Dr. Joshua Rudd, DO. Register for this session by calling 828.452.8346. Space limited, RSVP required. 

Harris welcomes third general surgeon this fall 

Dr. Joshua Pratt is joining Harris Surgical Associates, a Duke LifePoint physician practice, in September. 

Pratt will join Dr. Billy Noell and Eric Reitz in providing expert surgical care to the region. 

Pratt completed his residency in general surgery at Franciscan St. James Hospitals in Chicago where he served as chief resident. Pratt received his medical degree from the University of North Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth after graduating from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. 

Harris Medical Associates is located on the third floor of Harris Medical Park, 98 Doctors Drive in Sylva.

828.586.3976.

Advance directives workshop offered Aug. 30

A workshop on advanced directives, sponsored by Haywood Regional Medical Center Hospice and Palliative Care and Haywood County Senior Resource Center, will beheld from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the Senior Resource Center at 81 Elmwood Way in Waynesville. 

When planning for an expected event, one can end up making multiple decisions, small and large, simple and complicated. Thinking and talking about your health care wishes at end of life can bring the same reassurance that comes from planning any other life event. 

Participants are asked to bring along with them two forms of identification, one a photo I.D., name of their doctor and names, addresses and phone numbers of family members chosen as health care power of attorney or other designee.

828.452.5039 or 828.452.2370.

Angel Medical named acute stroke ready hospital

Immediately performing life-saving care at any time of the day for people suffering from stroke is among the abilities that earned Angel Medical Center a national certification.

The medical center garnered the Advanced Disease-Specific Care Certification for Acute Stroke Ready Hospital from the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

The certification recognizes hospitals equipped to treat stroke patients with timely, evidence-based care prior to transferring them to a primary or comprehensive stroke center. AMC underwent a rigorous onsite review to assess its compliance with the Joint Commission’s Advanced Disease-Specific Care certification requirements.

Essential Tremor support group to meet in Sylva

International Essential Tremor Foundation Support Group will hold a meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at Mission Community Church, 501 North River Rd., Sylva.

Learn about essential tremor (ET) and other movement disorders. The group serves individuals in Jackson, Macon, Swain and Haywood counties. Essential tremor is a neurological condition that affects 10 million adults and children. Although it is not a life-threatening condition, it is a life-altering condition that causes rhythmic trembling of the hands, head, legs or voice; frequently impacting every day activities such as eating, drinking and writing. 

RSVP to Ted Kubit at 828.631.5543 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Lessons in Mindfulness offered in Waynesville

A six-session anxiety and stress reduction workshop will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every Thursday, Sept. 15 through Oct. 20 at 166 Branner Ave. Suite C, Waynesville.

The cost is $15 per person or $25 per couple), per session. Space is limited, registration required. 

Contact Dodi Christiano, Licensed Professional Counselor at 703.609.9107.

Also:

• Harris Regional Hospital is seeking volunteers to assist in supporting patients under palliative care of hospice treatment and offering volunteer training sessions beginning in August. Multiple areas of opportunity are available and volunteers are free to choose how much time they will commit. 828.631.1702.

• Harris and Swain Hospitals welcome Chip Thompson, MD to the medical staff. Dr. Thompson will provide pain management services at the Swain and Harris Pain Centers beginning Aug. 22.

• Macon County Public Health is offering a program to help prevent Type II Diabetes. The program offers a fun group atmosphere. The group will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Macon County Health Department starting Sept. 15. It is offered for a one-time fee of $60 with scholarships available for those who qualify. 828.349.2455.

The new budget signed by Gov. Pat McCrory will allow the North Carolina Arts Council to support an extensive arts infrastructure across North Carolina, including arts programs in all 100 counties funded through the Grassroots Arts Program, with more than $7.1 million in grants.

To the Editor:

Chapters of the League of Women Voters in Henderson County and Macon County recently invited the congressional candidates in the North Carolina’s 11th District to participate in forums wherein they would be allowed to speak briefly and then field questions put to them by the audience.

Democratic candidate Rick Bryson accepted.

Republican candidate Mark Meadows declined.

One is inclined to wonder why Meadows would avoid an open discussion with WNC women. Is it because the questions are not vetted by his staff? Is it because they might ask about the ethics issue of paying off his chief of staff who was reported to be too personal with women members of his staff? 

Or could it be that they would openly wonder about his choice of words when he referred to, in a public hearing on women’s issues, a birth control pill as a “... slut pill?”

So, Mark, what’s the story? What don’t you want to say in front of WNC women?

Suzanne Thomas

Franklin

To the Editor:

A friend recently asked me if I could give her a short answer to a question and I, without thinking, said yes.  The question was ... “Who should I vote for in November for President?”

 I stared at her in disbelief earnestly wishing she’d asked for a short answer to the meaning of life instead. Not having a short (or a long) answer readily available, I have been contemplating the question off and on ever since.

It appears our two major parties have burdened us with candidates few of us like  and consequently we’re apt to awake Nov. 9 believing we’ve elected as President the most corrupt politician on the planet or our country’s most recognizable buffoon.

I was born a Republican, but the Grand Old Party left me eons ago and for many election cycles I’ve been registered “Independent” or “Unaffiliated.” I believe the character and demeanor of the two major candidates demands my putting that independent spirit into reinvigorated practice this November.

I’m going to study the alternative candidates far more carefully than usual and try and determine if perhaps one of them isn’t better qualified and more closely aligned with the temperament, attributes and distinguishing characteristics of the leader I think this great and wonderful nation needs and deserves.

David L. Snell

Franklin

To the Editor:

I encountered a customer openly carrying a pistol at a local business. I inquired as to the legality of this, and he assured me that this is legal in North Carolina. I checked the N.C. Department of Justice website, and it turns out that he is correct.

While I can agree with the logic of concealed carry in some circumstances, I strongly disagree with civilians openly carrying firearms in public, unless in a designated hunting area during season.

The question is this: do we want to revert to the Wild West mentality? If so, what message does this send to our children? To me and millions of other Americans, open carry is a form of intimidation, an inherent visible public threat.

Given race relations and the state of political division, there is no reason for civilians to openly carry guns in public. Further, it makes the carrier a target for someone who wants to steal their visible gun.

Do you want to encounter men and women walking down Main Street with AKs and ARs? How about in Ingles or Walmart? Would that make you feel safe? What if they had Confederate flags or Nazi flags, Communist flags, or American flags for that matter? 

The police don’t carry rifles because they don’t want to escalate a situation unnecessarily.  

Last year, a man entered the ticketing area of the Atlanta airport carrying an AR-15 with a 100-round magazine. Law enforcement agencies have better things to do than stop idiots, do background checks and see if they are allowed to own guns.

It’s time for the Republican politicians in this state to use some common sense and put a stop to open carry other than for law enforcement and hunting.

Civilians visibly carrying guns in the streets and businesses makes us all less safe. It’s a recipe for tragedy and heartbreak.

Don Kowal

Franklin

To the Editor:

Most papers lean to the left a little and some a lot. I believe your newspaper is impartial when it comes to letters to the editor. I can see you print both sides, congratulations.

I am an independent, I was a blue-collar worker all my life, I retired with a 38-year pension and a four-year enlistment in the Navy. I am 79 years old and consider myself a patriot. I have been involved in politics since the first time I could vote, when I was 21. 

My observations are as follows: this country is in trouble. We have a president that is screwing up so badly he’s making Jimmy Carter look good. Bubba Clinton went to school in England and chose not to join the service or was not drafted. Hillary Clinton equals liar, liar, pants suit on fire. I understand she just won four Pinocchio awards. 

Now it’s time to pick on so-called Republicans. Romney equals loser, McCain equals loser, this year’s 16 hopefuls equal losers. RINO Ryan equals a man that did Obama’s work and raised our national debt. It was the first thing he did.

Donald Trump is far from perfect but he is the only game in town — unless you want lying Hillary. He is proud of his accomplishments in life and will go out of his way to make himself look good. If that happens, America would benefit. God only knows how important this election will be to our country and the rest of the world.

Al Goodis

Waynesville

To the Editor:

This is a letter of appreciation to the people that live in Haywood County as well as to those that live elsewhere but call us friends. I want to begin by humbly saying thank you from the bottom of my heart for all who display appreciation for law enforcement, but especially for those of you that have in some way expressed your thankfulness over the past several weeks. I wish it was possible for us to come to your doorstep to thank you in person. I feel our message would simply be “thank you for taking a moment out of your day to choose love and support to those of us that wear the badge.”  

After a seemingly never-ending string of tragic, unfortunate and senseless incidents that have occurred in our nation recently, it has felt as if everywhere I have turned there has been a sense of “a heavy and broken heart” for our law enforcement families and for our nation in general. However, I will be forever grateful and thankful to those in our communities throughout Haywood County who have chosen to push for unity and collaboration during these most pivotal times, rather than tip the scale in a direction of division.  

To the pastors and their churches and our faith-based community here in Haywood County as a whole, your prayers and support have been felt in a mighty way. I want to thank you for the times you have been in our parking lot and even our lobby to pray for the healing of our nation, our state and protection for the law enforcement officers in our county.  I also want to say thank you for being so kind to many of our officers and deputies’ spouses, children and other family members.

  When the moment arrives for people to choose to rise above and show generosity after a tragic event, or get lost in the darkness that surrounds violent acts, the citizens of Haywood County have risen to a level that is unparalleled. In a world where so many are looking over their shoulder more than ever before, the people of Haywood County have shown the world they would rather send a smile or a kind word our way more than anything else.

So many of you have expressed to us at the Sheriff’s Office loud and clear that you accept us. You found the strength to dig deep in a turbulent time and show us your hearts. Please know that you will always have ours. We will never forget the kindness and love that has been shown.

Haywood County Sheriff Greg Christopher

Anyone with an internet connection can now pull up a map showing where they might encounter any of 1,800 Smokies species, thanks to the newly launched Species Mapper web application.

The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office will soon have full 9-1-1 text message capabilities.

Maggie Valley Board of Aldermen adopted a budget in June that includes a new $5 solid waste fee for all households.

After a seven-month search that included more than 40 candidates, the Waynesville Board of Aldermen selected former Pittsboro, Southport and Lumberton town manager Robert William Hites as Waynesville’s new town manager.

To the Editor:

My dad, Ron Mau, is running for Jackson County Commissioner. I am voting for my dad because I know he is the best candidate for the job. Ron Mau values people above partisan politics. He is committed to doing the right thing, every time.

At least once a week, my dad asks, “Why is party even listed for local candidates?” His meaning is simple: local issues are more important than a political party. As a community, we don’t first ask, “do the Republicans or Democrats want a bridge to the backside of SCC?” or “should we fix the schools’ leaky roofs?” Instead, we ask, “does a $30 million bridge to SCC make sense?” and “why haven’t we already fixed the leaky roofs?”

Before considering an issue, Ron Mau asks two questions:

• Does this make sense?

• Is this in the best interest of the people?

These two questions can take us a long way forward.

Just in the past few months, Ron Mau has worked to improve voter access, limit and prevent tax increases on the poor, and fix our school buildings. Imagine all that Ron Mau can and will do when we elect him for the next four years.

Ron Mau is a loving father, passionate educator and active member of the community. He is a registered Republican, but that is just a label. My dad will place people above partisan politics.

I am voting for Ron Mau because I know he will bring the change our community needs. Come November, I ask Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians and unaffiliated voters alike to vote your conscience and vote Ron Mau for Jackson County Commissioner.

Rusty Mau

Cullowhee

Mountain Wildlife Days, a weekend of wildlife-oriented fun, raised $2,600 this summer to go toward wildlife education programs in Western North Carolina Schools.

The numbers are in, and this year’s National Trails Day, organized at locations across the country by the American Hiking Society on June 4, offered more trail activities than any other year since the inaugural year 1993. 

A high-intensity meteor shower will light up the sky next week, and the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute will host an observing session 10 p.m. to midnight Thursday, Aug. 11. 

The harvest is coming in, and for a contingent of growers and volunteers in Haywood County, that means gleaning season.

Kids spent a day learning about gardening and raising animals — while also enjoying swimming, fishing and hay rides — with a field trip marking the 13th year running that Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center has ventured to Selah Farm, in the White Oak community, as part of its Summer Enrichment Program. 

When Western Carolina University alumnus Greg Boothroyd of Haywood County issued a call for donations of soccer equipment for a church mission trip to Jamaica, the women’s soccer program at his alma mater answered.

The Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro was recently the recipient of two new grants, both intended to further boost the GEP’s ability to bring tangible economic benefits to members of the community.

You can get answers to that question and more first-hand information about the island nation during a symposium and art show about Cuba that will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug 4, at The Strand at 38 Main in downtown Waynesville.

The Galaxy of Stars Series, the only professional entertainment series in Jackson County, enters its 12th season this fall. It is presented by the WCU College of Fine and Performing Arts with support from the WCU Friends of the Arts organization. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

• On Friday, Feb. 24, award-winning bluegrass star Rhonda Vincent & The Rage will perform. Vincent was the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year winner from 2000 to 2006, along with the IBMA Entertainer of the Year in 2001. The Society for Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America named her Entertainer of the Year from 2002 to 2006.

• The Nile Project, featuring artists from 11 countries along the Nile River, will perform on Monday, March 13. Since their debut concert, which featured a live recording of their 2013 release, ASWAN, the Nile Project has proven to be much more than a band. National Public Radio named that recording one of the five “Must Hear International Albums.”

• The series wraps up on Saturday, April 29, with Artrageous: An Interactive Art and Music Experience. Artrageous is a show where audience members participate in an experience that includes a team of artists, singers, dancers and Bunraku puppeteers.

Series subscriptions are now available at a discounted rate over individual tickets. Series subscriptions, which include all six shows, are $100 for WCU faculty/staff, $120 for adults/seniors and $45 for students/children. They can be purchased online at bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or by calling the box office at 828.227.2479. Individual tickets go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 16.

To the Editor:

After listening to Donald Trump’ s speech, I got the feeling that the earth was spinning out of its orbit and about to crash into the sun, and only Donald Trump could save us. According to Mr. Trump, crime is out of control, there is was a terrorist behind every building, Illegals are flooding across the border, and our very social fabric was coming apart. Only he, Donald Trump, has the secret plan to save us.

This very emotional plea for nationalism, America First, is just what many unhappy citizens what to hear. Much of what he said has no basis in fact, but a fact-based appeal was never his intent. Don’t get me wrong, there are lots of problems in this country and we do live in a very dangerous world. But the picture he paints is false and the solutions to the problems we face involve more than just, “I am Donald Trump, trust me.”

For example, in 2013 the violent crime rate was the lowest since 1970. About a third of that current crime is drug related. Where is the solution to the drug problem? It’s not “law and order” and more jails. We already incarcerate more of our citizens than any other country.

Obama said illegal “immigration is lower than it’s been in 40 years.” Politifact rated this statement as MOSTLY TRUE. The fact is, illegal immigration is at a very low rate. We do not need a wall with Mexico, we need a comprehensive immigration policy. I did not hear anything about that in the speech. 

The Middle East is a mess. The always simmering Sunni-Shiite civil war was reignited by our invasion of Iraq, and now Isis poses a threat worldwide. The greatest danger we face is homegrown ISIS followers seeking a violent suicide. 

Our best defense is the Muslim community. Every one of their leaders has pledged to cooperate in rooting out these terrorists. Yet Mr. Trump wants to ban all Muslims and turn that community into the enemy. This is not a solution. It is like pouring gasoline on the fire.

Race relations feel like they are at a low ebb. But, in fact, we are far from the bad old days of the race riots of the 1960s. Still, many have never accepted the fact that Barack Obama is our President. That, together with the recent police shootings and murders of police officers, has put the country on edge. Mr. Trump has done nothing to calm this dangerous  undercurrent of hate. In fact his actions have tended to only increase it. His call for “law and order” has sent the wrong message to both sides. This does not sound like a solution .

Perhaps in the coming months Mr. Trump will propose real solutions the terrible state of affairs he sees. But, at the moment, it appears all he sees is a way to channel the anger of his followers into victory for himself. 

Louis Vitale

Franklin

To the Editor:

About those phone calls -— you know the ones I mean — an unknown person is calling, and it’s clearly a political call. Well, I’m one of those people!

Let me tell you about my calls, why I call, and what they’re about. You might want to take my calls. 

I know that many of you say you’re sick of politics so just tune out “all things political.” You only think you tune them out. There is no escape from TV ads or stuff roaring through the ozone and coming to you via the internet. Some of that information — realized or not, true or not — sticks in some back corner of your brain. 

I’m a precinct chairperson and am usually calling simply to let you know about an event or meeting that you may not have heard about or noticed in the community calendar sections of all our local news papers. Sometimes both of our local major political parties spend expensive but worthwhile, dollars on printed ads, flyers or posters. You may not have seen any of these in the media or on our internet contact lists either, so we (helpfully and hopefully) phone you to invite your attendance.  

In the first words out of my mouth I’ll tell you who I am, that I’m local, I live near you, and why I’m calling. If you don’t hang up or otherwise dismiss me, I promise you my conversation will be short and to the point.

Most of my calls are usually only to the people of my party. Closer to the election, I may call you to remind you of what our new North Carolina laws require of you so your vote will count, I’ll call you about dates, times and places for early voting. Sometimes I may even be calling some of you who are registered as unaffiliated (aka, independent) voters.  

That said, let me remind Independents that you set yourselves up to hear from both Democrats and Republicans, so you might want to rethink your registration (there’s a deadline for changing that too). We may think we have a pretty good idea of which party you favor, but we’ll hedge our bets and call you just the same.

Of course, if you really want to chat I’ll advocate for my party. That is entirely up to you. Unless I’m phone banking for a candidate (a whole other type call), my opening words are simply “Hi, I’m Shirl, and I’m your East Franklin precinct chairperson for the Democratic Party. I’m calling to let you know that we’re having an event” — a breakfast, a dinner, a BBQ, our annual precinct meeting, or a whole party gathering such as county convention or to meet a candidate. Just be nice! Listen, and say “thank you.” (I’ll bet my Republican counterpart agrees.)

It’s important to learn and know, even if you think you know it all — indeed, that is something none of us can do. That said, I’ll be calling soon!

Shirley Ches

Franklin

Naturalist Ken Czarnomski — in partnership with the the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority — has released the third installment in a series of unique local hiking guides.

After biking more than 300 miles through the Rocky Mountains, the group of five high schoolers involved in Western Carolina University’s Project Discovery program had accumulated a long list of firsts. 

Two fatalities related to waterfalls occurred in the Pisgah National Forest last week.

PEAK, which stands for “Professional Expectations, Attendance and Knowledge,” is the name of Southwestern Community College’s new Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) — an essential element in the re-accreditation process through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Mainspring Conservation Trust will benefit from a collaboration with Lazy Hiker Brewing Company to create Needmore Ale, which will be released at 5:30 p.m. on July 28 at the brewery.

The Small Business Center at Haywood Community College in partnership with The Support Center and the Western Women’s Business Center will offer a free Hispanic Latino Business Start Up series in August.

By Christopher Holt • Special to SMN

When my plane touched down at Havana International Airport to loud applause from the passengers on board, I knew there was going to be something different about this trip.

SEE ALSO: WNC artist visits Cuba in search of its political and cultural meaning in the 21st century

You can get answers to that question and more first-hand information about the island nation during a symposium and art show about Cuba that will take place at 7 p.m. on Aug 4 at The Strand at 38 Main in downtown Waynesville.

The Mountain Layers Brewing Company has begun construction on a seven-barrel craft microbrewery and taproom located on Everett Street in downtown Bryson City.

The annual Folkmoot USA The "Official" North Carolina International Folk Festival once again has touched down in Western North Carolina.

Ingles Markets • Thursday, July 28th | 3-6pm

Ingles Markets in Weaverville, NC on Weaver Blvd. 

Meet some of our local farmers & suppliers for Ingles Markets and sample!

By David Teague • Guest Columnist

Possibly the best perspective I’ve ever read about the importance of open government, and the public records and open meetings laws related to it, came from a speech made by a North Carolina public official. Here’s an excerpt from the speech:

Students and teachers from communities around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are starting six weeks of hands-on learning and exploring alongside park rangers.

Jackson County will be displayed on national television this week with the airing of Anglers & Appetites, a show that aims to discover the best of fishing and eating in the United States.

Ongoing coverage of the 33rd year of Folkmoot — an international folk dance festival based in Waynesville. 

• Folkmoot 2016 looks at more than just the tip of the iceberg
• New music director takes over at Folkmoot
• Meet ‘Mr. Folkmoot’
• Meet this year’s performing groups
• Schedule
• GALLERY: "Wanderlust" Gala
• Ugandan group changes lives through performance
• Folkmoot dance party at Asheville’s Orange Peel gives a peek below the cultural waterline
• Sam Love Queen and the values of Folkmoot
• Folkmoot moments

The Evergreen Foundation has provided $507,995 in funding to 13 agencies providing programs and services for individuals with behavioral health, substance use and intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Inspired by the popular Haywood County Quilt Trail and the “Adopt Me” quilt block located at the Waynesville Animal Hospital, the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority is now offering smaller, single replicas of the blocks for purchase. 

The documentary “The Sad & Beautiful World of Sparklehorse” will be shown at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 28, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

The J. Creek Cloggers picked up wins at the Appalachian Clogging Classic at Haywood Community College and ShinDig In The Valley in Maggie Valley, placing first in both for four-or-more ‘Couple Open Hoe Down.’

The new Nutrition Facts panel will go into effect in a little over a year (July 2018).  

For the first time the Nutrition Facts will feature a line for grams of added sugar.  Foods like plain milk, whole fruits, and canned or dried beans have naturally occurring sugars, but added sugar is "...sugar or syrup that is added to foods when they are processed or prepared." 

To the Editor:

Reading two letter writers in the June 29 issue, I immediately remembered Ronald Reagan’s famous campaign retort, “There you go again.” Both letters are based on disgruntlement and emotionality rather than facts and logic.

The first writer extols Trump as a “breath of fresh air” — a blast of hot air would be a better description. The writer attacks Smoky Mountain News Editor Scott McLeod for telling the truth about “The Donald.” The writer called the truth “misguided beliefs.” 

The fact is that Trump is a liar as confirmed by the impartial organizations that document the truth or falsehoods of statements. He has more “pants on fire” comments than anyone, including Hillary. His business “success” consists of bankruptcies leaving someone else holding the bag and lawsuits averaging two a week often involving avoiding commitments.

Trump’s most recent outlandish statement was praising Saddam Hussein. That should have come as a shock for the families of the solders killed fighting his army in Iraq. You can’t really blame Trump for ridiculous statements because he does not seem to know the difference between fact and nonsense.

The second writer is all gloom and doom because we have lost our “natural rights” — cue dog whistle for old white men are not in charge. He does not list a single “right” that we have lost because there are no lost rights other than the “right” to suppress people who don’t look like us.

He goes on to assert that Rome fell because it “lost its virtues.” He should have watched the “Rise of the Barbarians” on the History channel. Rome fell because of its brutal suppression of all those who were not Roman. This is not a virtue. They used extreme reprisals for any slight, which made every people outside of and under their immediate control hate them. When their territory got too big to defend, the forces outside the empire were able to bring them down.

The reality is that America is not the gloom and doom place the Bush administration left us with in 2009 — the worst recession since the crash of 1929. More people are working and stocks are back up. It’s true the middle class has not had the same benefits as the rich because wages have been suppressed and the tax burden has been shifted from the rich to us. Nobody has taken away anyone’s gun. Not perfect, but getting better.

Norman Hoffmann

Waynesville

To the Editor:

North Carolinians know about the immediate economic fallout from HB2 — the so-called bathroom bill — as performers, businesses and governments have ruled out coming here. As a small business owner, I want to tell you how much worse the damage really is ... for all of us.

Right up until the passage of HB2 my arts-related business had been growing steadily; first quarter sales of my ceramics were up over 40 percent from last year. I planned to hire a second employee and had begun building a new studio. That came to a screeching halt in late March with the bill’s passage.

Sales for the next three months fell by 30 percent. My own state government did what a major recession, two presidential election cycles and road construction outside my shop failed to do: make me lose money. Most of my fellow small business owners report similar drop-offs.

If you don’t own a tourist- or arts-related business you may think this situation doesn’t touch you, but it does. Not only are my tax payments to North Carolina falling sharply, but my own spending is way down. I won’t be adding an employee and may curtail the second studio. I must put off buying new truck tires, will postpone dental work and have to stop dining out as much. Those businesses get hurt too. The ripple effects are catastrophic.

Gov. Pat McCrory and other state lawmakers have had many opportunities to substantially change or eliminate HB2 and they repeatedly declined. Now it’s time to put North Carolina back in business by changing our state leadership.

Michael Hofman

Hofman Studios

Asheville

Native Americans will soon be allowed to gather plants on national park land for traditional purposes following the National Park Service’s decision to modify its regulations. 

The lottery is open for permits to harvest one of Western North Carolina’s most valuable plants.