Debunking the Big Lie: DeBruhl not a Tea Partier 

I’m sure most people know by now that Nancy Waldrop (wife of soon to be ex-commissioner, Republican David King) was successful in securing the votes needed to run as an unafilliated candidate in November for her husband’s commission position.

The Democrats were unable to get anyone from their own party to run for the job so they decided to throw their support behind ex-Republican, Nancy and her campaign against the primary winner, Republican Miranda Debruhl.

I saw an email that Mark Newman, treasurer of the Democrat Party, sent to District Three Precinct chairs, implying what to say when asking people to sign Nancy’s petition to get on the ballot. It says and I quote, “As you know, Commissioner King lost the Republican Primary to Miranda Debruhl, an extreme Tea Party candidate. The unafilliated Nancy Waldrop is the only chance Democrat and like-minded will have to keep the right-wing Tea Party folks from taking apart everything we hold dear in Buncombe County. In the end, control of the commission and the future of Buncombe County is at stake.” 

Now for the Big Lie. Amanda Debruhl has never been associated with the Tea Party or any other organization. The Tea Party seemed to favor Mr. Lewis Clay as a candidate to run against Ms. Debruhl. He was touted as very capable for the job. 

However, Clay unexpectedly chose to withdraw from the race, for reasons left unsaid, although his name remained on the ballot. It appears the Democrats feel they had to spread a serious untruth, known as the Big Lie, in order get people to sign Nancy Waldrop’s Petition. What a sad commentary on running a campaign.

Now I must tell you about Miranda. She is a Christian, wife, mother of two, a registered nurse and a small business owner. She is a hard-working, politically knowledgeable conservative and proud of it.

She (DeBruhl) will be a real asset to the commission board. Visit her website at electmiranda.com

Even if you signed Nancy’s petition, you can still vote for Miranda Debruhl for District 3 commissioner in the November election.

It’s not too late. You’ll be thankful you did. Send a message to the Democrats that Big Lies aren’t the way to get candidates elected.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Peggy Bennett is director of Citizens for Change, a nonpartisan citizens action committee.

2nd look at age restriction needed for concert series

On July 20th, I was inquiring about purchasing tickets to one of Biltmore’s summer entertainment programs — in particular, the Aug. 21st concert of Third Day and Steven Curtis Chapman.

It was to be a birthday gift for my wife who is presently on a medical mission trip to Kenya, Africa and a final getaway before my two boys, Jonah 14 and Caleb 11, go back to school.

I had read that there were age restrictions to all the summer concert and called them to see if they could make an exception to this particular contemporary Christian event.

I made them aware that we have attended many events like this elsewhere and that they were good boys. They would be with us and not running around causing a scene or disrupting the event. It was not as if they were crying babies.

I asked to speak to someone in a higher position that may be able to help me. The first person was very polite, told me the policy but didn’t know why 12 was the cut off age.

I was shocked by the next two individuals who I was led to believe were members of management in some capacity at Biltmore Estates. Both told me that it was the policy and nothing could be changed. They then proceeded to tell me that they don’t ID children at these events.

“Wait,” I interjected “Are you asking me to lie about my sons age for him get in.” As a concerned parent, I found this to be mortifying. I’m trying to raise my boys in a loving environment with the highest set of moral principals in a society that is decreasing in its. How could I ask them to go against what God is telling us to do.?

I highly doubt that these are the views of the entire establishment, the views of the advertising bodies such as 106.9 The Light, not to mention the views of Mr. Chapman, or Mr. Powell and the band Third Day. I believe my boys could have understood that exceptions couldn’t be made, but to basically tell them they could be rewarded for dishonesty... don’t we put people in jail for that?

Artists like these are trying to bring people to Christ. In the book of Matthew Chapter 19, the disciples who had good intensions, scolded parents for bothering Jesus with their children.

Jesus said “Let the Children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these Children.”

I hope that this letter gets in the hands of the individuals who make the policies at Biltmore Estates, that they re-evaluate the blanket age restrictions this year, and not wait till next year.

As for the ones who are misguided in their morals, well, I’m not to judge or place sentence. To Mr. Chapman and Third Day, I hope your event is spirit-led and you add to His 5000. Who knows if it is His will, we will be seeing you.

Send Gaza Strip residents to Syria, Iran and Iraq?

I suggest closing the Gaza Strip permanently and sending everyone there to Syria, Iran and Iraq to live.  They all deserve each other! 

There would then be permanent peace in Gaza.