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