To return pride to city,
end crassness, distortion

We have often heard that Asheville had men to match our mountains. Our city has historically taken great pride in being a reflection of our mountains.

In recent years, the reflection has been distorted by endless unkempt street and sidewalk gardens, graffiti, clutter and boob demonstrations. There seems to be a migration away from class and a celebration of crass. It is likely that our lucrative attraction to tourists will follow.

Tourists seem to appreciate clean, neat streets, maintained plant gardens and a safe environment. It is unlikely that the endless daily migration from our homeless shelters to the streets helps to enhance the visitors’ experience.

Asheville possesses all of the basics to maintain, enhance and expand our wonderful heritage. Taking pride in commitment to the basics of traditional beauty and class will enrich the process and will service all, including the homeless, well.

Don Boone
Asheville

To return pride to city,
end crassness, distortion

It is tragic that our nation has lost its moral compass to such an extent that a tiny minority is so empowered as to cause great harm to our nation and to the vast majority of our citizens.  However, while enhancing their short term benefits, they will eventually cause even greater harm to themselves, as all humans on our planet depend upon the resources that sustain everyone.

Congress enacted legislation guaranteed to worsen our nation’s economy by increasing joblessness through the mismanaged effort to balance the budget by draconian cuts that will impoverish millions more people so they cannot spend money to help our economy grow.  
It now appears essential for our elected officials to tax the billionaires, the mega-corporations and Wall Street Banksters whose transactions produce nothing to benefit anyone except themselves.  

Besides, in order to reduce spending, they should cut the military’s waste.  Examples include preparations for, conduct of and dealing with the aftermath of unjustified wars, maintenance of hundreds of world-wide military bases and billions lavished upon military contractors for which there exists no responsible accountability.  

There are other monstrous items, such as Star Wars, so called missile defense, which threaten other nations and so encourages new arms races.  We should eliminate all expenditures for nuclear weapons, as required by our Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.  We should end subsidies to energy programs that threaten the lives of all human beings, nuclear and fossil fuels.   

Our limited capital must be spent in more economically productive ways as through creation of green energy jobs that will increase employment and curtail global warming, which has tragically dropped off the radar screen.

Why shouldn’t we join with the Wall Street protesters, who appear to represent the interests of most of us? Why shouldn’t we urge Congress to enact legislation which would support these measures?

Lew Patrie
Asheville

Support urged for tax
boost to benefit A-B Tech

I have worked at A-B Tech since 1992.  I see the difference A-B Tech makes in people’s live.  If you have not  taken a class at A-B Tech, you probably know someone who has.  And now I am asking for your help.  On Nov. 8, vote FOR A-B Tech by voting for the last item on the ballot. You won’t see A-B Tech on the ballot; by law; the item will be listed as a county sales and use tax.

 The cost is low — 2-1/2 cents on a $10 purchase.  Medicine, gas, services and most groceries are not affected by this tax. According to the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, visitors shopping in the county will pay more than 30 percent of the tax.  But the benefit to A-B Tech is critical.  This money will be used for renovation, improvement and expansion of educational facilities in Buncombe County. So please on November 8, exercise your right — vote FOR A-B Tech.

PAMELA J. SILVERS
Asheville

Oppose tax for A-B Tech,
county voters advised

I am concerned that the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has misrepresented the sales tax referendum “supposedly” earmarked for AB-Tech.

The reality is that, in spite of the commissioners’ resolution, any county tax collected goes directly into the general revenue fund. By law, it cannot be designated for any specific purpose, including AB-Tech.  

Secondly, I am concerned that ALL the voters in Buncombe County may not have been informed or even be aware that this is a countywide referendum. It seems that the commissionerss are trying to sneak this vote in at a time when people who live outside the municipalities do not normally vote.

I have spoken with many of my friends and neighbors outside city limits who had no idea that the entire county is voting on this, nor do they know the facts about the tax and how funds cannot be legally promised to A-B Tech.

Additionally, the commissioners cannot promise a “sunset” date on the tax, since that is contrary to N.C. law, unless the General Assembly passes legislation to that effect.

An attempt was made recently by the N.C. General Assembly to do just that — bind the sales tax increase to AB-Tech — but it was thwarted by Sen. Martin Nesbitt in a manipulation of the rules of the Senate. I wonder why he did that?

The county commissioners have deceived the public, and perhaps even AB-Tech, regarding these issues.  I hope all county voters will vote NO on the county sales tax referendum.

BETTY JACKSON
Leicester

A-B Tech CFO visualizes
only good from tax hike

Now is the time for voters in Buncombe County to separate fact from fiction regarding the vote for A-B Tech.

A handful of political activists formed a political referendum committee to oppose the one-fourth of a penny sales tax investment.
The name of the committee is STOP, an acronym derived from sales tax opposition project. Numerous inaccurate statements about the referendum issue have been spread by individuals with hidden personal and political agendas. Consider the source when evaluating such statements.

A cross-section of community leaders formed a political referendum committee to encourage voters to support the sales tax investment.

The desire is to improve the quality of life for all residents of Buncombe County. The name of the supportive committee is JOBS, an acronym derived from join our Buncombe solution. Committee members comprehend the economic and social impact of A-B Tech.

The bottom line is that A-B Tech fosters the recruitment, development and retention of jobs in western North Carolina.        

Why should Buncombe County residents suffer from the political ideology that no tax is a good tax?

Join our Buncombe solution by being a voter for A-B Tech now. Why would anyone want to stop JOBS?    

SCOTT MCKINNEY
Candler

Participation urged in
Move Your Money Day

I am writing to alert your readers about an important event happening Nov. 5 called Move Your Money Day.

This nationwide event is dedicated to encouraging people who bank with the “too-big-to-failers” to yank their accounts with these institutions and switch to the local option of a credit union or community bank.

In that spirit, starting at 1 p.m. in Pritchard Park, we will have representatives from credit unions on hand to answer your questions. We will enjoy some lively music and street theater, and people will be able to share personal stories about how the financial crisis has impacted their lives and livelihoods. 

While Move Your Money Day is certainly a reaction to the irresponsible, unethical, and illegal behavior for which the big banks are now infamous, moving your money is not simply about expressing hostility.

Rather, it is about supporting local lending institutions that have always existed as an excellent banking option for people who care about economic development in their towns, and who want to be more than an account number to their banks.

Local lenders remained fiscally prudent with their depositor’s money while the big guys gambled (and lost); they’ve kept up lending to Main Street while Wall Street foundered; and most importantly, they strengthen our community every day by reinvesting our dollars into our town instead of immediately sending our cash overseas or using it to speculate.

The stats don’t lie: while small banks hold only 11 percent of consumer deposits, they make 34 percent of small business loans!
We invite anyone who is interested in moving their money out to Pritchard Park this Saturday (Nov. 5) at 1 p.m., and even if you have never considered moving your money, come chat with us and check out the information we have to offer!

You may find that local banking is for you, after all.

JULIE SCHNEYER
Asheville

Moderate aims to remove
Republicans from power

My daddy idolized Franklin Roosevelt.  He was far from being a liberal, but he believed in FDR’s basic idea that government has responsibility toward the poor, the elderly, the powerless. 

I’m not a liberal either.  Liberals seem to have narrow causes.  I inherited my creed from my father — a basic sense of fairness.  My son told me once that he learned fairness from me.

I’m moderate, but in today’s world I seem liberal because of the beliefs of the alternative crowd.

The Republican Party is run by people who want “low taxes”(which really means “let’s tax working people and let rich people keep their dividends”) and “small government” (which means “let’s keep government from interfering with big business so they can make all the money they want, and never mind their employees and the environment”). 

Today, I regard myself as keeper of the world that my grandchildren will inherit.  So for the next 12 months, politically, I’m going to work for one thing — removing Republicans and their terrible philosophy.

Next November, I want to feel relieved–that Republicans can do no more harm.  I love America — the America my grandchildren will never know if Republicans keep power.

LEE BALLARD
Weaverville

BCGOP staying out of sales tax issue, chief says

Recent media reports have indicated the Buncombe County Republican Party has taken an official stance on the proposed Buncombe County sales tax increase.

The Buncombe County Republican Party has not taken an official position on the suggested county sales tax currently on the ballot, nor has the Buncombe County Republican Party contributed to either group of the sales tax debate.

We have been approached by local media outlets advising that a report filled by the STOP PAC regarding contributions has listed the Buncombe County GOP as having donated $219.00.

This election report is in error. At our Sept. 26 meeting of the Buncombe County Republican Party Executive Committee, a motion was made to donate $1,000.00 from our county party funds to the STOP Political Action Committee.

After a vigorous debate, this motion was defeated and no funds were given from our Buncombe County Republican Party accounts.
At this meeting, representatives with the STOP PAC did solicit contributions from those in attendance.

The funds donated to the STOP PAC came from individuals in attendance at the meeting who were acting in their individual capacity and not as a representative of the Buncombe County Republican Party.

The Buncombe County Republican Party has encouraged an open debate on the merits of the proposed county sales tax.

Dr. Hank Dunn, president of A-B Tech, spoke at one of our executive committee meeting in September as an advocate for the proposed county sales tax increase. As well, Robert Malt, member of the STOP PAC, spoke to our Executive Committee in October in opposition to the tax increase.

 Let us be clear, in general the Buncombe County Republican Part is opposed to ANY and ALL tax increases. However, we recognize that there are Republicans in the county who favor this additional sales tax as well as those who oppose this increase.

Again, we are encouraging open and fair debate amongst the citizens of Buncombe County and will let the vote count on November 8th reflect the will of the people.

 We applaud the effort by N.C. House Rep. Tim Moffitt, R-Arden, to introduce HB 326, which would have placed North Carolina State legal restrictions on the proposed county sales tax allowing the funds to be exclusively dedicated to A-B Tech capital projects, it would not supplant other county funding currently dedicated to A-B Tech, and would have allowed a sunset on the increase that is now only promised by the proponents.

Unfortunately, N.C. Sen. Martin Nesbitt, D-Buncombe County, chose to kill this legislation that would have legally guaranteed these funds would be been spent to the benefit of A-B Tech.       

 We encourage the citizens of Buncombe County to listen carefully to the debate on the merits of the proposed tax increase and exercise one of the most precious rights given to us in the United States of America, the right vote and let your voice be heard.

HENRY D. MITCHELL
Chairman
Buncombe County Republican Party
Asheville

Occupy protester crowd
projected to produce evil

The (Occupy) protest crowds of New York and other major cities are like functional drug-users leading dysfunctional drug addicts.
Those representing the movement with restraint performing interviews, and giving speeches aren’t drug addicts. They’re the purposeful protesters that agrees and enables the use of illegal drugs.

The lower-level protesters rarely embraces responsibility, hiding their element of failure. Instead of living under bridges, they bounce around a network of others like themselves. These gatherings help annul their guilt through accusation.

The protesters resemble The Grateful Dead followers of the ‘70s and ‘80s. These people traveled around the nation, selling homemade crafts, generating enough money to attend the next concert. Many of these protesters are just re-establishing a sense of accomplishment, which reminds them of the traveling groupie days.

The protesters aren’t overly concerned with tomorrow, and they’ll never envision the uses of their contributions. An accrued head count is very important, providing the protest coordinators strength and purpose. We’ve all heard the saying the more the merrier, except in this case it’ll be, the more the angrier.

The rich CEOs that are backing this protest will reshape the event, taking full advantage of the mounting masses. The contributed provisions, the feel-good environment of a Grateful Dead concert will eventually end, and also will any calmness.

Spurring outrage within the protesters is necessary for success. Any disruptions during the event will be redirected toward the city fathers and law enforcement. Do New Yorkers  actually understand what’s happening? Did the state governorship bother to envision a chaotic city beyond control? With today’s population nearly doubled, law enforcement and the New York judicial system will be overwhelmed, costing taxpayers millions (of dollars).

The protesters have engaged in a very dangerous game. Internet narcissists have played this game for 10 years, but now it’s public and viral.

The ‘70s protest lacked communing organization. The Internet has organized third world nations, as we’re witnessing in the Middle East. For 10 years, progressives have organized this uprising. Unlike like the ‘70s riots, this event is fully funded, politically creditable and advertised.

A partisan belief within Americans and its leadership has birthed and grown public instability. Most still think this is a game, blind to the seriousness to come. If the protesters believe life is unfair now, they’ve not seen nothing yet. Wait until the rich activists behind this protest expose their evil heads.

JERRY SOESBEE
Asheville

Occupy protesters termed in need of a history lesson

Do the genius Occupy Wall Street protesters know they rail against the “evil Wall Streeters” who backed (President Barrack) Obama, their iconic hero? They need a history lesson.

Fact: Obama took the biggest haul from Wall Street in history in 2008.

Fact: Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Citigroup were the top three campaign donors to Obama, Joe Biden and Rahm Emanuel.
Fact: Credit Suisse Group, UBS AG, Morgan Stanley, Lehman Brothers, Bank of America, and Merrill Lynch were among the top 30 Obama donors.

Donations of nearly $1 million from Goldman Sachs employees were only topped by donations of ten times that much by the employees from the University of California system. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, via their friends in an over-bloated federal government, forced politically correct lending policies on banks which successfully imploded the economy.    

The Wall Street protesters are supported by the likes of George Soros, MoveOn.org, the AFL CIO and the National Education Association, to name a few. They want to destroy the very institutions that have contributed to their socialist programs and redistribute wealth they did not create.

The Tea Party movement came to life to save this nation from insolvency by championing the principles upon which this great nation was founded: individual rights, limited government, fiscal responsibility and free markets.

JANE BILELLO
Chair, Asheville Tea Party/PAC
Hendersonville

Libertarian chief claims
Occupiers missing mark

I have been following the Occupy protesters, who call themselves the ‘99%,’ with interest.

It’s true that 99 percent of Americans do not enjoy the special benefits of crony capitalism.

Crony capitalism is very different from real capitalism. In crony capitalism, government hands out special favors and protections to politically well-connected businesses.

The TARP bailouts, Solyndra, and the military-industrial complex are all facets of crony capitalism.

Libertarians love free markets and hate crony capitalism.

Unfortunately, hypocritical Republican politicians have taught a lot of Americans to think that “free markets” means freedom for government and big business to engage in crony capitalism.

That’s not what free markets are. A free market is where the government leaves businesses alone, does not attempt to pick winners and losers, does not stifle competition, does not hand out corporate welfare, and does not absolve businesses of liability for their actions. Most of our economy today does not resemble a free market at all.

It’s unfortunate that so many businesses today go to the government begging for handouts and special treatment. I wish they wouldn’t. But the real problem is the politicians who choose to give those favors to them, at everyone else’s expense.

I hope the Occupy protesters will start to direct their anger away from Wall Street and big businesses, and toward our government, which has done so much to destroy free markets and entrench crony capitalism.

MARK HINKLE
Chairman, Libertarian Party
Washington, D.C.

Story termed example
of phony ‘journalism’

The latest Asheville Daily Planet story on “climate change” misrepresents my question ( my only one reported on complete with name and photo while others, including a atmospheric scientist, and meteorology professor from a local college went unidentified) on whether the World Meteorology organization (which the speaker admitted the National Climactic Data Center works for as a WMO “World Data Center”) compensated him, and which he also admitted PAID FOR HIS TRIP. (Reporter John) North claimed I asked if the U.N.  (not mentioning as I had the WMO as a U.N. subsidiary) compensated him, while stating the “scientist” said  they were “not compensated by the UN” (despite his having said so indirectly). Phony “journalism” at it’s best.

Jim Reeves
Weaverville

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Daily Planet stands by the accuracy of its story. When specifically questioned by a reporter after his talk, program leader Derek “Deke” Arndt said he was not compensated by the United Nations for his trip.