To the Editor:

Giving in to the misguided desire to remove statues and monuments, which Black Lives Matter admits is just the beginning of their quest to erase history, would be a monumental (no pun intended) mistake. This isn’t about being against “racism” or feeling “welcome” in the U.S. It’s about power and control. It’s about anarchy and Marxism.

Reinforcing the idea that people are “victims” will lead to nothing good. And who of these protesters is perfect? Who of them would like to have their entire lives judged by the mistakes they’ve made? Everyone has good and bad aspects to their personalities and no one wants to be judged or have their life boiled down to one belief or action. This is why judging historical figures in light of today’s political environment is morally wrong.

We are all struggling every day to survive and hopefully thrive in this world. Life is difficult. We have setbacks, anxieties, obstacles, and whatever else life throws in our path. We need to be kind to each other, not make demands. Not march with fists raised in anger, calling people “racist” and trying to destroy their businesses and lives. Not demonizing law enforcement. Playing upon “white guilt” and making people apologize for their so-called “white privilege” is a horrible way to treat people. It’s a window into what life in this country would be like if things continue on the current path. 

Aimee Stein

Waynesville

To the Editor:

In today’s America, we find ourselves facing the continued onslaught of biased reporting and erroneous “expert” advice relative to a virus no more significant than a severe flu outbreak. And to add suffering to misery, we have continuing protests and their accompanying riots and looting with a professionally coordinated effort by Black Lives Matter, Antifa and other supporting subversives. Indeed, a new American conflict.

We have state and federal health officials and government leaders exaggerating the fatality numbers from the virus as well as making an all-out effort to convince the uninformed that “catching the virus equals death.” They are fear mongers of the worst kind, using the opportunity to garner more power for themselves over the people for as long as they can. And in the process they have substantially harmed the nation’s economy and the lives of millions of Americans.

Our leaders on both sides of the political aisle have done their part to demonstrate that in today’s America, we have the worst leadership in our nation’s history. Leaders characterized by dishonesty, cowardice, apathy and gross incompetency. The nation’s “flock” has seen the departure of its leaders, leaving the flock to be devoured by wolves, coyotes and wild dogs.

 What will it take to stop the growing assault on our nation, its freedoms and its history? A Black Lives Matter leader has now pointed its attention to the American churches. What will that mean?

These forces at work in the land today are as evil as any we have seen in recent times, anywhere in the world. Their intent is clear, take the nation down and turn it in to something few would want. These groups and their adherents and supporters are demonic. They are active extensions of the kingdom of darkness and they will have to be stopped. And rest assured when the time comes, we will stop them!

Rob Rich

Waynesville

To the Editor:

An early lesson that a child hears is “tell the truth” and “honesty is the best policy.” When siblings or playmates fight the adult in the room usually figures out where the truth lies. Most of the time, facts become apparent as the situation becomes clear. 

So where have those honest children and adults in the room gone? What has happened to the children that were raised to tell the truth? We are hearing stories, tall tales, elaborate storytelling, and creative writing with a new label called conspiracy theory. It seems this new story spinning has taken a giant leap into political life and explodes into social media, growing with shares and likes. And worse, it gets repeated over and over like a giant game of “telephone.” It is told so many times, gaslighting, by those that should be credible. What makes it even more frustrating is that the ignorant, vulnerable and weak critical thinkers turn into perpetuators of the lie.

There is no better conspiracy theory than the flat out lie circulating that China created Covid-19 on purpose to disrupt the world economy for their advantage or evil. Just last week, while shopping in Sylva, a storekeeper asked me if I thought this ridiculous tale is true. Obviously, she thought it true. There seems to be a need for a reliable clearing house, but trust of anyone, anything, any information has become suspect no matter the source. Certainly, our politicians, particularly the president, his cronies, hired help and followers, when the facts do not fit the desired narrative, resort to conspiracy theory. It is repeated, endorsed, and eventually the naive shopkeeper becomes victimized by this fabrication. 

A healthy dose of critical thinking and honesty would help all of us survive the critical life and safety risks that we face. The message to Mr. Trump needs to be just “tell the truth.” It certainly is a challenge for the president that has struggled with this concept.

Pam Krauss

Sylva

To the Editor:

By leaving households without reliable internet access, the marginalization of Southern Appalachia will perpetuate. Without a good connection to the World Wide Web, Western North Carolina will continue to be behind on matters related but not limited to: education, healthcare, job opportunities, etc. 

The majority of my high school career was spent loitering for internet during after school hours; and I am still loitering for a good connection, well into my college years. It is just plain sad when the Bojangles has better internet than the public library. By no means am I shaming the library, for they have been there for me and others and I will be forever indebted.

Shame on the “powers that be” that have allowed this monstrosity to continue. Time and time again they put profits over the well-being of us locals. By investing in your local populace, environment, and infrastructure, you also strengthen other sectors, such as the tourism industry. It is imperative, now more than ever, to start thinking sustainably and that starts with putting first the well-being of those who have and will continue to make these mountains our home. 

Laura Booth

Swain County

To the Editor:

A reader’s letter in the last issue complained about mainstream media and a limited view of events that he described as “The Frame.” Mainstream media is identified that way because the vast majority of Americans recognize that the main media sources are honest, reliable and mostly unbiased. Mainstream media includes ABC, CBS, CNN and NBC, and locally the Asheville Citizen Times, The Sylva Herald and, of course, The Smoky Mountain News. It does not include FOX, the president’s favorite network, but even that network has recently complained about the president’s actions.

I regularly watch CNN, ABC and NBC and also read The Week, a Newsweek/Time type of weekly magazine that usually provides reprints from various media, including Fox.com and the Washington Examiner, both of which are very conservative.  CNN often interviews Trump supporters, including Trump spokesperson Kellyanne Conway and Rick Santorum, formerly a Republican senator from Pennsylvania and Trump supporter, as well as members of the president’s cabinet. Those interviews definitely present views from the president’s point of view.

As a Christian, I can’t support a sexist and racist liar, and have a hard time understanding how other Christians (or other people of faith) could support him, either. I am not a liberal Democrat. In fact, I was a moderate Republican for over 50 years, but I became an unaffiliated voter shortly before the current president was inaugurated. I never voted for a Democrat for president until 2016. I did not leave the Republican Party; it left me. Lincoln and Reagan are spinning in their graves.

I have lived in the South for well over 60 years. An old Southern saying expressed to someone who doesn’t “get it” is “God bless you.” So, to that letter writer: God bless you.

Clark Pearson

Sylva

A motorcycle fatality occurred on Newfound Gap Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park shortly after 5 p.m. Monday, June 22. 

A visitor to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park perished last week when he tried to save a younger family member from drowning. 

The arrival of the N.C. Arboretum’s newest exhibit was delayed due to COVID-19, but Nature Connects: Art with LEGO Bricks has now opened at the public garden in Asheville and will remain on display through Nov. 1. 

Four larger-than-life butterflies now greet visitors as they enter the Cullowhee Community Garden, each representing a species that helps pollinate plants in this region. 

A plan that would create a 150-mile-plus trail network through Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties is now out for public comment. 

The Village Green has announced that the Friday night summer concert series, Groovin’ On the Green is canceled for the 2020 season due to COVID-19.

By Boyd Allsbrook • Contributing writer | In the past, the Fourth of July holiday has been counted on to draw visitors from across the country to Western North Carolina — and with them, a large portion of the tourist-dependent area’s revenue. This year, many are worried that the Coronavirus pandemic might take a toll on those traditionally high visitation numbers. 

By Gerri Wolfe Grady • Special to SMN | Customer service is an important commodity for any business and particularly to those locations reliant on tourism. This is an area that isn’t necessarily taught or trained with new employees, often because of time constraints or because the business owner hasn’t given it any thought. This essay was developed to provide a different view of customer service and how it was conveyed for 20 years by my father, Jerry Wolfe, greeter at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.

By Andrew Dundas • Contributing writer | This fall, Western Carolina University’s John W. Bardo Fine & Performing Arts Center celebrates 15 years of visual and performing arts programming for students and audiences in surrounding counties. The anniversary, however, comes in the midst of COVID-19-related closures and cancellations affecting events and spaces. 

 The Western Carolina University Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution removing the name “Hoey” from a campus performance facility.

Haywood County Public Health received notice on June 26 that three more Haywood County residents have tested positive for COVID-19.  This brings the number of cases recorded in Haywood County as of 2 p.m. on June 26 to 85. The individuals are currently in isolation at home.

The Terrace Bistro has opened at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, offering a rare lakeside dining option in Haywood County. Located on the third floor of The Terrace Hotel, the restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining options.

At approximately 5:20 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Rangers responded to a drowning in progress on the Oconaluftee River behind the Mountain Farm Museum in Cherokee.  

On Saturday, June 20, Grandfather Mountain bid farewell to Gerry the black bear. Gerry was humanely euthanized following a long history of debilitating arthritis. She was 31 years old. In the wild, black bears live into their early 20s, while those in captivity can live up to and beyond 30. 

According to a press release, Shining Rock Classical Academy board of directors recently unanimous voted to accept the architectural designs and preliminary budget for a permanent school facility as presented by design-build partner, BC Construction Group (BCCG). In partnership with Shining Rock and BCCG, Performance CSD will be providing financial resources to fund and finance the project.

Macon County Public Health has identified a COVID-19 outbreak in staff at Macon Valley Nursing Home. Two staff members of Macon Valley Nursing Home have tested positive for COVID-19.

What are some good snacks for a person who has diabetes?

A hiker on the Abrams Falls Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park died following a cardiac event Monday, June 15. 

Outdoors groups are hailing a recent vote by the U.S. Senate to pass legislation supporting funding for public lands as a historic victory. 

The Senate voted in favor of the legislation on June 17 with a vote of 75-23. If enacted, the Great American Outdoors Act will permanently and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund as well as create a fund to address the $11 billion maintenance backlog on public lands. 

New re-openings have been announced for the Pisgah National Forest. 

BearWaters Brewing in Canton has announced a new partnership with longstanding Asheville taqueria and music hall The Grey Eagle this month. 

To the Editor:

Seeing people take to the streets to demand reform of the police system is gratifying. Yes, we should ban chokeholds. Yes, we should get rid of bail. But we believe those calls are for “band aids,” not reforms.

To the Editor:

All candidates for office: please, please reimagine justice for everyone and provide us a clear and comprehensive reform policy on racial injustice in our county, state and nation. I have talked to African-American persons who have been beaten by the police for calling 911 and a Hispanic pulled by police for doing nothing wrong but taken in with a charge of resisting arrest because he used his cell phone to call his wife. I also know an African-American whose transportation was taken and never returned by police.

To the Editor:

The “Frame” is the view of the world news you get from the Main-Stream Media (MSM). The analogy is a picture in a “frame” where you can’t see what else the painter/photographer had in their total field-of-view; you only get to see what the painter/photographer wanted you to see.

By Bob Scott • Guest Columnist | I am in the market for a good, slightly used, Ouija Board.  I need it to make accurate predictions of what is to come in Franklin and our westernmost counties as we face uncertain times and as we begin to reopen. 

COVID-19 has been devastating health-wise as well as economically. 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that the state’s Community Action Agencies have begun to receive flexible funds that can be used to help low-income individuals and families meet a variety of needs caused by the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Speaking in Raleigh, District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch this week urged members of the N.C. Senate Judiciary Committee to close a legal loophole that, at the expense of victims, sometimes benefits those convicted of drunken driving.

By Boyd Allsbrook • Contributing writer | Few issues raise as much political ire in Western North Carolina as that of the ongoing drug abuse epidemic. Debates rage over methadone, harm reduction and Substance Use Disorder-linked homelessness at most local government meetings. Everyone has an opinion on addiction and what to do about it. But too often a fundamental truth is missed — those experiencing addiction are importantly, individually, human. 

Construction of SECU Hospice House in Franklin has crossed the 50 percent completion mark.  It is anticipated that the region’s new hospice inpatient facility will be operational this coming fall. Four Season, The Care you Trust, a hospice care provider currently serving Western North Carolina, will operate within SECU Hospice House once construction is complete.