The 2018 Farm Bill resulted in higher farm loan limits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, among other changes.

The Brushy Ridge Trail near Linville Gorge reopened last week following successful containment of a 3-acre fire there April 30. 

To the Editor:

A letter to the editor in The Smoky Mountain News (Let’s All Embrace God’s Healing, March 27, 2019) indicated that members of the LGBTQ+ community are “broken” and in need of “healing and reconciliation.” This editorial essentially attempted to shame a high school student in our community for speaking her mind and having the courage to express her opinion (My Church Embraces LGBTQ Members, March 6, 2019). 

I don’t have a problem with freedom of the press or for anyone speaking their mind, regardless of their faith or orientation. However, when a person of faith believes they can determine who is broken and separate from the Divine, simply based on their interpretation of the Bible, well that is a different story. 

It is not those who Mr. Onder deemed broken that create the divisions in our communities and culture. The separation in our communities is caused by divisive, hateful rhetoric which attempts to shame and silence those who believe differently. It is the rhetoric that creates potentially threatening learning environments for students, and hostile work environments for employees. 

It is the rhetoric that creates tension between community members. It is the rhetoric of hate speech which minimizes the voice of a loving, articulate high school student whose article indicated simply that she believed in her community and that she has hope for the future. On this note, Ms. Dove provided us all with a true example of faith.

I would like to believe Mr. Onder’s intent was not to threaten or harm anyone. However, in a world where language can unite or divide a community, I hope we would choose to honor all members of our community, regardless of faith or lifestyle. It is often stated, “unity does not imply uniformity.” As Joel Goldsmith (1998) states, “you are no more outside of God’s government than the stars, than sun, the moon, the tides, the fish swimming in the sea or the birds flying in the air.” 

If we are all children of God, then the diversity surrounding us is a gift to be appreciated, not feared. 

Rev. Dr. Katherine R.B. Greysen

Canton

To the Editor:

On Saturday I went to the Jackson County Recreation Center for a workout. I was guided into the parking lot by some very nice young people and greeted by a number of vendors selling food and gifts. What is the celebration, I wondered, and learned that a well-known young lady, suffering from cancer, was being honored by a fundraiser to help with her health care expenses. What a wonderful example of our community pulling together to help one another.

Several years ago I witnessed in Haywood County a similar event with a BBQ sale for another person suffering from cancer. There are times I see a jar on the counter in a restaurant asking for donations for a person needing an operation. 

While these examples are to be honored and celebrated, they dramatically point out the insanity causing these events to take place. For every person fortunate to have someone raise funds for their healthcare calamity, there are countless other loved ones who are not so fortunate, who suffer needlessly and are indebted to the health care industry for life. A friend of mine was run off the road on his bicycle and seriously injured. He was rushed to Mission Hospital and is now fully recovered but owes the hospital over $24,000. No one is raising funds for him. Isn’t it regrettable so many lack adequate coverage with a health care system considered to be the highest cost system in the industrialized world?

Other wealthy countries spend about half as much per capita on health. Quality health care metrics ranks our country the worst. The U.S. experiences higher rates of medical, medication and lab errors versus other countries at 19 percent while Canada’s error rate is 15 percent and the United Kingdom’s error rate is 11 percent.

Why do our representatives oppose health care for everyone? Why do others call such ideas communistic or socialistic? I have looked and looked but cannot find in the New Testament any story of Jesus Christ asking sick, lame or blind persons about their insurance provider, copay, deductible and number of hours worked before healing them. Was Jesus practicing socialism? Was he a communist?

Enough. Isn’t it time to advocate for quality healthcare for everyone, not just a fortunate few? Jesus did. Isn’t that what religious leaders of all beliefs have advocated for centuries? What about billboards, social media, letters and social action to encourage discussion and solutions for creating an efficient and cost effective healthcare system that serves everyone and helps our local economies. No strings attached.

Ron Robinson

Sylva

To the Editor:

Imagine that you go to your general practitioner and she reminds you that it’s time for a colonoscopy. You have the colonoscopy and the doctor tells you that you have colon cancer. The surgery is scheduled. You get a CAT scan to see whether there is any obvious spread to the cancer. The surgery is completed and you are home two days later, missing about 11 inches of your colon.

While you are recuperating, the bills start rolling in:

• Colonoscopy office visit, colonoscopy, pathology: $6,624

• Pre-Op CAT scan: $2,080

• Physician office visit, surgery, pathology: $10,749

• Hospital: $45,288

The total is $64,741. This happened to me. I am on Medicare and have supplemental coverage. Of the total, Medicare paid $15,027 and my supplemental insurance paid $2,391. My out-of-pocket cost was about $200.

If I were under 65 and had no insurance, I would be liable for the entire $64,741. Few families can afford this kind of a financial shock. News reports claim that almost half of households cannot afford a $400 financial surprise.

I also looked at my drug costs. A 90-day supply of my four generic prescriptions has a list price of $905. I paid $92. Again, without the price reductions negotiated by my insurance company, I would be liable for the entire $905 — or I would do without.

My point is that an increasing number of people are one medical diagnosis away from financial disaster. This should not be the case in the wealthiest country in the world. After all, every other developed country in the world has figured it out.

There are numerous ways to solve this problem. With the exception of the millions of citizens who have poor or no insurance, our current mostly private system works, although it is the most expensive in the world and provides only mediocre outcomes. 

The first, and most important issue, is to cover the approximately 80 million Americans with inadequate or no insurance. Simply expanding Medicaid would cover several hundred thousand people just in North Carolina. Most states have done this. Modifications to existing programs (e.g. ACA, Medicare, Medicaid) could probably accomplish most of the rest.

Ultimately, however, we must provide universal coverage and address the outrageous costs and mediocre outcomes of our current system. Not addressing this problem condemns millions of Americans to premature death and/or financial disaster. 

Is that who we are?

John Gladden

Franklin

To the Editor:

Doubtless, most of you know about the tragic death of Riley Howell, and if you are like us, you are heartbroken for his family and friends and extremely frustrated and angry that another senseless tragedy has occurred. And this one hit very close to home.

Riley grew up participating in the youth activities at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville and he and his family are thought of as part of our church family. 

He was remembered as a hero at the memorial service for him. It is fitting that his service was held at Lake Junaluska, in Stuart Auditorium, because Lake Junaluska has a tradition of offering the facility to families of fallen heroes for their services. 

In Riley’s obituary, March for Our Lives is named as one of the organizations suggested for memorial gifts — which seems appropriate but so sad, a reminder that here we are again, mourning another young life taken too soon, but at the same time, recognizing that apparently this was a cause that had meaning for him. Riley sought to protect people. We must do the same. 

Just as we have said about all the young people who have died violent deaths, we cannot let his death — or the others — be in vain. 

Our obligation is to continue the good fight — working to make our world a less violent place where hate is not rampant. 

How we do that is the most pressing issue. 

Sarah and Bob Hunter

Lake Junaluska

More than 12,000 donors contributed over a five-year period to raise over $60 million for scholarships at Western Carolina University.

Haywood Regional Medical Center recently announced that Johanna Dewees, RN, has been recognized as the hospital’s 2019 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of LifePoint Health’s hospitals who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded. 

All four lanes of Interstate 40 near the Tennessee state lane will be open to traffic before sunrise on Wednesday.

201 Barber Blvd, Waynesville. Thursday, May 23 • 3-6 p.m.

An upcoming widening project on Interstate 26 in Buncombe and Henderson counties will impact the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

The U.S. Senate is considering a bill that would provide permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

An environmental analysis is now complete for the Southside Project, expected to improve forest health, diversity and wildlife habitat in southeastern Macon County and southern Jackson County. 

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership (BRNHA) has awarded 19 grants totaling $190,171 to support projects across the North Carolina mountains and foothills, focusing on craft, music, natural heritage, Cherokee culture and agricultural traditions.

To the Editor:

State legislators have proposed a bill they misname “N.C. Health Care for Working Families,” a Medicaid expansion bill with the most stringent work requirements ever. It would require that in order to have Medicaid health insurance, “able bodied” persons would have to regularly work 20 or more hours a week. This seems to make sense on its face. But, both the experience of other states and research evidence show that work requirements do not help unemployed people find jobs. Instead they result in huge holes in the social safety-net for our most vulnerable citizens.  

 The idea that a work requirement with the promise of health insurance would push someone uninterested in working to find a job is just plain wrong. Here’s why. The largest proportion of those who would be eligible for Medicaid expansion already work 20 hours a week or more. If they are “able bodied” and do not work, there is generally one or more valid reasons why. Here are some examples: inadequate or absent public transportation, health issues deemed not eligible for disability, mental illness or substance addiction, having a criminal record, caring for sick or aging family members, lack of job skills/training or illiteracy, just to name a few. It’s worth noting that those who work odd jobs or for employers that pay under-the-table in construction, landscaping, house cleaning or the like would not be eligible for coverage. Likewise, those who depend on seasonal work and spend several off-season months without employment would not meet the 20-hour minimum and would be dropped from coverage as well.    

Both research and common sense agree that when a person has access to nutritious food, safe housing and healthcare they are far more likely to find and keep steady work. If our legislators are actually in the business of improving the lives of N.C. citizens, they will listen to the evidence and pass Medicaid expansion without a work requirement. Please don’t leave the most vulnerable among us behind. We’re better than that. 

Barbara Kelton

Bryson City

To the Editor:

Here’s a brief analysis of Donald Trump’s leadership using Joe Bryson’s characteristics: 

• Vision — Yes, Trump has his vision for America-fascism with him at the helm. “The press is the enemy” is a major sign here. Grade F

• Courage — Are bone spurs what kept Trump out of uniform? Why did he say he likes people who don’t get captured? Grade F

• Wisdom — Not much here! Does he believe he can coerce people to follow his philosophy? Grade F

• Energy — We must give the old man some credit here. He stays right with his golf game, his campaign stops and his business dealings. Grade A

• Management Skill — Why would a presidential candidate surround himself with so many people who pled guilty to or have been convicted of crimes? Why consider pardons for them? Grade F

• Charisma — He has been a TV star. On a reality show that is virtual unreality. Flashback: Anyone remember Jim Jones and his charismatic/religious leadership? Grade F+

• Integrity — Did Trump forgive Hilary Clinton only to rescind it? Grade F

• Spiritual System (added by author) — Is establishing an Evangelical Advisory Board while at the same time separating mothers and children at the border something of a contradiction in words and deeds? Grade FFF

Religions have historically been a form of “obedience to the un-enforceable.” Why is Trump’s appointee (Neil Gorsuch) trying to establish Christianity as America’s national religion?

Regarding the weather, have you noticed those three clouds hovering over the White House? Can you see the word “collusion” in one, “obstruction” in one and “Mueller Report” in the third one?

What has Trump’s leadership led America to? Where are we headed?

Dave Waldrop

Webster

A professor in Western Carolina University’s School of Nursing is teaming up with an award-winning documentary filmmaker to produce a video series related to the opioid epidemic that will enhance classroom instruction for the university’s nurse practitioner students and assist primary care health providers across the region.

Surprise you mom and other special women in your life this year with a greeting card that will also help make a difference in the community. 

Former Big Cove representative Teresa McCoy will regain her place on the ballot in the race for principal chief following an order from the Cherokee Supreme Court overturning the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Board of Elections’ decision to exclude her from the race. 

Haywood County Public Library cardholders have an opportunity to relieve their library fines while helping out with food insecurity in Haywood County.

Graduating students who comprise what is believed to be Western Carolina University’s eighth straight record spring class will gather with their families and friends for commencement ceremonies Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11.

A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will begin setting up a lane shift on U.S. 441 in Jackson County on Thursday that will provide safe travel lanes and a safe work zone when construction crews begin repairing road damage on Cowee Mountain.

140 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville. Thursday, May 2 • 3-6 p.m. Over 25 local farmers, food and beverage makers and bread bakers.

Wildflower displays along Western North Carolina highways have earned local N.C. Department of Transportation offices statewide recognition. 

Bill Hodge, longtime executive director of the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, is stepping down from the organization. 

A landslide on Forest Service Road 4650 in Jackson County has resulted in closure of the Wayehutta OHV Trail System. 

For the fifth time, Western Carolina University has been voted the top adventure college in Blue Ridge Outdoors’ online readers’ poll. 

After 27 years of service, legendary Lake Junaluska landscaper Roddy Ray has retired. 

This year’s opening schedule for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now final, with most facilities having opened in time for Easter and the remaining facilities resuming operations by Memorial Day. 

One of the newest additions to the Sylva music scene, the Fuzzy Peppers are a blend of indie-rock and psychedelic-soul sensibilities. 

The grand opening celebration of Waynesville Art School will be from noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at 303 North Haywood St., in Waynesville.

To the Editor:

In the early 1900s, sporting organizations and state wildlife agencies, concerned with declining wildlife populations in the United States due to years of market hunting enacted the Federal Aid And Wildlife Restoration Act. This act, better known as the Pittman-Roberson Act, provides funds for wildlife restoration. Laws were also enacted banning market hunting and setting seasons and bag limits, thus creating our modern day wildlife management plans. With no grocery store on every corner and no factory farms, the masses, just like today, had to be fed.

The P-R Act generates funds through an 11 percent excise tax on long guns, ammunition, and archery equipment and a 10 percent excise tax on handguns. The revenue from this tax goes into the Wildlife Restoration Account administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Funds are then apportioned annually to state wildlife agencies. The money is used for the restoration and improvement of wildlife habitat, and wildlife management research. The act was amended in 1970 to include funding for hunter education programs making hunting one of the safest outdoor activities.

 According to public records, since 1939 the Wildlife Restoration Account has generated over $10 billion which has funded the purchase of approximately 4 million acres of land to support wildlife with another 40 million acres being managed for wildlife under agreements with land owners. 

Funds from the P-R Act, along with a similar tax on fishing equipment, fees from the sale of licenses and permits, help from private organizations such as National Wild Turkey Federation, Ruffed Grouse Society, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to name just a few, have paved the way for the abundance of wildlife on the additional millions of acres they have helped preserve.  

Currently, funds are being used in our national forests in WNC for road maintenance, wildlife openings and food plots. With less than one percent of our national forests in early successional habitat, and with declining populations of ruffed grouse, deer and song birds that depend on this type of habitat, this is much-needed funding. As a proud outdoor sportsman, I am glad to help fund this worthy cause.

Mark B. Rogers

Canton

To the Editor:

Do you know that by Oct. 1, 2020, you must have a REAL ID driver license in order to board flights in the United States or get into federal facilities, military bases and federal prisons? On that date, the Transportation Security Administration will begin enforcing REAL ID requirements at airport security checkpoints. Federal agencies will begin requiring REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs for admission to a variety of federal facilities.

To apply for an N.C. REAL ID driver license or identification card, go to a N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles driver license office with the following documents: birth certificate with full name and date of birth or a valid passport, one document with full name and full Social Security number, and two documents with current address. 

If your name is different from the name on the birth certificate, passport or other U.S. government documents, one of the following is required: certified marriage license/certificate, divorce decree, document from the courts or Register of Deeds or Name Change Affidavit. 

The cost for a North Carolina REAL ID driver license or ID card is the same as a renewal if the REAL ID is obtained within six months of expiration. If the REAL ID is obtained outside of the renewal period, the cost is the same as a duplicate ($13). 

For more information, go to Official NCDMV:N.C. REAL ID Requirements website or contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. 

Mary A. Herr 

Cherokee 

The view from the Pink Beds Overlook at milepost 410 on the Blue Ridge Parkway is looking a lot better than it has in a long time following a Renew the Views vista restoration project. 

Comments are wanted on a U.S. Forest Service proposal to burn 814 acres in Panthertown Valley, located in the Nantahala National Forest near Cashiers.

To the Editor

The U.S. Supreme Court met March 26 to hear arguments on redistricting in three states, including North Carolina. Their decision could have significant impact on you no matter what your party affiliation. 

Both parties in North Carolina have a long history of drawing district lines to win elections. Call it stacking the deck or cheating, it’s wrong and it does nothing to serve the greater good. If you take no action you are approving the politicians choosing their voters instead of voters choosing their politicians.

The North Carolina legislature is considering two bills on redistricting, House Bills H69 and H140. This letter is intended to make you aware of them and encourage you to call your representatives. Get their position on these bills and why. 

The bills differ in several ways — size and party composition of the redistricting commission; number of votes required to approve the new redistricting maps; and if a change to the Constitution is required.

Most importantly, both bills would go far to ensuring a non-partisan process that results in fair and representative elections of our state legislators and members of Congress.

Understand what’s going on. Call your legislators. Rep. Kevin Corbin (R-Franklin) supports these bills; it appears Sen. Jim Davis (R- District 50) will not support it should the bill get to the Senate. Ask both why they support or oppose these bills.

This is in no way about party politics. The majority party today may not be the majority party in the future. This is about ensuring a level playing field now.

Dave Kukor

Highlands

Center for Domestic Peace (CDP) is hosting an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at 26 Ridgeway Street, Sylva. Speakers will begin at 4 p.m. 

Haywood Community College registration for summer and fall semesters is open now through April 26 for both new and continuing students. 

A 385-acre tract of productive, scenic farmland in Haywood County has now been permanently protected thanks to efforts from the Rogers family and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. 

Nodding Trillium Garden, the Pittillo Family Nature Preserve, will hold a grand opening of its wildflower garden trail on Wednesday, April 17, in Cullowhee. 

Paul Wolf, who heads up Southwestern Community College’s outdoor leadership program, received recognition at the 2019 Southeast Regional Conference of the Association for Experiential Education. 

To the Editor:

President Trump abruptly announced that he supports the court’s efforts to eliminate Obama Care. This would fulfill one half of the thus far unrealized Republican promise to repeal and replace. That is, the courts would repeal Obama Care without a plan to replace it. For those who think there’s no way that could happen, think again. Despite the promises and years of rhetoric, Republicans are not even close to a transition plan, let alone a replacement.   

 If the courts prevail, it would eliminate health care for tens of millions. Collateral damage would include: removing no charge preventive services and increase drug costs for people on Medicare; void Medicaid expansion — opioid treatment, children’s programs and all; remove protections for preexisting conditions, the single most popular provision; allow private insurers to eliminate or reduce payment for almost anything, for example maternity care or mental health treatment. A huge chunk of the insurance industry would go away with nothing to fill the void. The health care payment system could just implode.    

 We all know that Obama Care has problems, not the least of which are premium costs, high deductibles, and limited choice especially in rural areas like ours. Democrats in the House of Representatives are now hard at work creating legislation to fix Obama Care. The legislation aims to close loopholes, mitigate current weaknesses, and bring costs down to a level where health insurance is affordable for every day Americans. 

 No matter how many times the refrain “The Republicans are the party of health care” is repeated, it just isn’t true. They’re just empty words. If you believe like I do — that quality, affordable health care is the right of every citizen, not a privilege reserved for those fortunate enough to have it — take a look at the evidence and remember who is really working to make health care a universal right for all. We can make it happen with your support. 

 Elaine Slocumb

Bryson City