Opinion

 

Single-use plastics need to be addressed

When I began my role as the French Broad Riverkeeper nearly 20 years ago, I was wide-eyed and eager. I was determined to be the person who would finally clean up the French Broad River. The river's story is similar to that of many American rivers; it was so polluted that the author Wilma Dykeman once wrote, "it was too thick to drink and too thin to plow."

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Comment

 

The hamster wheel of human well-being

I’ve become fascinated with studies and lifestyle changes focused on longevity and biohacking. A few recent “revolutionary health and wellness suggestions” made me realize our cave dwelling ancestors already had everything figured out.

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Comment

Library board member is an embarrassment
 

Library board member is an embarrassment

To the Editor:

Diann Catlin is a member of the Macon County Public Library (MCPL) Board of Trustees. It is her job to act professionally and remain neutral in regards to the business of the library. She has not done this.

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Comment

Don’t loosen floodplain restrictions
 

Don’t loosen floodplain restrictions

To the Editor:

Last week, we were informed that one of our Macon County commissioners is planning to eliminate the floodplain (development) ordinance. My small eco-tours business will be negatively impacted by this. 

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Comment

Plastic grocery bags don’t recycle
 

Plastic grocery bags don’t recycle

To the Editor:

The Environmental Action Community (EAC) of Western North Carolina, a nonprofit organization based in Haywood County, is participating in a reusable bag give-way at four of the county convenience centers this month as well as other activities in April, the month of Earth Day. Sturdy, large reusable bags supplied by Haywood County’s Recycling Office, will be given away to help combat the misunderstanding that plastic bags distributed at grocery stores and the large blue recycling bags, plus large dark garbage bags are recyclable at our convenience centers, commonly called “dumps.”  

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Comment

 

Celebrating libraries means ending book bans

I’m no extremist. I like discourse with people who hold opposing viewpoints. You can sway me with sound arguments. I feel enlightened when coming away with a better understanding of why people think the way they do. 

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Comment

How can Christians support Trump?
 

How can Christians support Trump?

To the Editor:

To all Donald Trump supporters who identify as Christians:  I’m writing to summarize Trump’s unholy actions during Holy Week and challenge you to defend them.  

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Comment

Trump’s espionage demands action
 

Trump’s espionage demands action

To the Editor:

In early March, Jack Teixeira, the former Massachusetts Air National Guardsman who posted classified intelligence reports online, switched his plea to guilty in exchange for a sentence of 16 years in prison, avoiding espionage charges and a possible 60-year term. 

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Comment

 

Are the ‘deniers’ practicing better science?

I don’t deserve to be called a scientist, but maybe I’m at least a fringe scientist after spending 50 years doing engineering and then medicine.

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Comment

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