HCC appreciates fire response
To the Editor: The following letter was sent to firefighters, first responders, and law enforcement personnel for all those who…
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Displaying Confederate flag is not illegal
To the Editor: It is apparent that history is still being written and revised by the victors and their descendants.…
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North Carolinians have it right
To the Editor: BINGO! Most North Carolinians caught on that Barack Obama’s economic failures are not so much ineptness but…
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New writer launches a promising literary career
Since the publication of Wiley Cash’s debut novel A Land More Kind Than Home earlier this year, I have been…
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A small but important investment in public transit
It may seem a relatively unimportant issue, but in truth it is very symbolic because it recognizes a reality that…
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Tourism overhaul was the right thing to do
To the Editor: Democracy is working in Jackson County! This week’s passage of the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Resolution is…
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Early education no substitute for old-fashioned parenting
To the Editor: Doctor Raymond Turpin’s opinion of Michele Presnell, Mike Clampitt and Jim Davis seems based on the premise…
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When the cat’s away, the boys will play
We had been dreading it all week, and now, as we stood there on a brisk Friday morning waiting on…
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Internet businesses do benefit community
To the Editor: In a recent column, writer Jeff Minick implored holiday shoppers to consider shopping locally and using the…
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Cowee School project part of a larger plan
To the Editor: I’ve been a fan of The Smoky Mountain News for 12 years since you very ably reported…
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Any act of appreciation is worthwhile
To the Editor: After reading your piece this week, “Speaking too loudly sometimes belittles the message,” my reaction was “let’s…
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The right to a job does not exist
By Ken Jacobine • Guest Columnist The idea of the United States of America was born during the Age of…
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Cullowhee presents a great opportunity
We have many vibrant, attractive commercial districts in the mountains, some very small and some large and sprawling. I’m talking…
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Speaking too loudly sometimes belittles the message
My father is retired Navy, and I lived on military bases until I was 10. My stepfather is retired Army…
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Get ready for onslaught of new taxes
To the Editor: During the campaign, Barack Obama let it be known that he believes in redistribution of your income…
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Tax the rich and we all pay more
To the Editor: Harry Reid, the leader of the Democrat Senate in Washington says, “Tax the rich.” Is Harry a…
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GOP should control House for years
To the Editor: The 2012 Election results are in and it gives me hope. Tip O’Neill, the former distinguished Democratic…
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Income disparity much more than a campaign issue
I’m a late-blooming entrepreneur from a lower middle-class upbringing. My parents came from farming and mill-town childhoods, and they bought…
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Jackson commissioners off the mark on tourism
To the Editor: As a nearly 50-year-veteran of the tourism industry and one of the “authors” of the Florida accommodation…
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Election is over, so use newfound time wisely
To the Editor: I am writing this letter in celebration that the elections are now over. I will not miss…
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Points about Mormonism obviously misunderstood
To the Editor: Your correspondent William Fisher has written a constructive response to my recent letter about religion and politics,…
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Consequences of intervention not so good
To the Editor: Almost all actions of politicians have unintended consequences. In times of tragedies their mistakes are amplified. Last…
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The military bubble will be the next to burst
Ken Jacobine • Guest Columnist As students of the Austrian School of Economics understand, financial bubbles are caused by central bank…
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Be very careful what you wish for
To the Editor: Do you wish that your child got less attention from the teacher because teachers and their aids…
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Hayden Rogers willing to work with GOP
To the Editor: During the 11th District Congressional debate at Brevard College, Hayden Rogers clearly distinguished himself from his Republican…
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Economics, jobs, and future business
To the Editor: Do our politicians that run for public offices really care about our future, or are they just…
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Mormonism is not what letter writer stated
To the Editor, Recently a friend of mine said to me: “Mormonism sure is a strange religion.” How so, I…
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Rep. Rapp is a gem of a legislator
To the Editor: I was born January 1933, and I have been a student of our state and our nation’s…
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Rogers should be our next congressman
To the Editor: I am writing to ask for your support for Hayden Rogers for Congress. When I look at…
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OP does not deserve a single vote
To The Editor: Both parties have some valid points that need to be examined. But very simply, one party has…
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Obama deserves another term
To the Editor: Neither of our presidential candidates has reached the stage of perfection. Neither has all the answers to…
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Uninformed populace a sad state of affairs
To the Editor: Some 30 years ago about 33 national broadcast companies existed. Today approximately five provide an extremely limited and…
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Support candidates who value early childhood programs
In the Sept. 19 edition of The Smoky Mountain News, there were some disturbing quotes from some of the local…
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Debates provide another view of candidates
The presidential debates of the 2012 election are now behind us. Barack Obama, the Democratic incumbent president running for re-election,…
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Davis has shown support for those with disabilities
To the Editor: Seldom do I cross party lines in politics. However, there is one Republican candidate I will vote…
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Marty Jones’ signs are just too much
To the Editor: It is November, which means it is election time. As we all know election time means campaign…
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Some regulations are good for business
To the Editor: Mark Meadows and Romney-Ryan believe business can exist and prosper without government, that business owners build their…
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Here’s why tax cuts aren’t working
To the Editor: The economy is the largest accident ever designed by man. We think we can’t control it, but…
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Oscillating Romney not a good choice
To the Editor: Mitt Romney continuously switches positions to appease his audience. I am citing only a few examples. In…
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Beware the candidate who runs attack ads
To the Editor: Campaign advertising is all around us. Much of it is in the form of attack ads meant…
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Forum gave insight into John Snow
To the Editor: A candidate forum was held in Sylva on Oct. 15, 2012. The forum was sponsored by the…
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Discussing religion of candidates is tricky
To the Editor: As I was engaged in a peace vigil in front of the Haywood County Courthouse recently, a…
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Climate change is real, must be confronted
To the Editor: First, I want to thank The Smoky Mountain News for co-sponsoring the political candidate forum held at…
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Parris lived in the moment, a rare trait indeed
On any given Saturday morning for the past 20 years, I would roll out of bed, crank up the coffee…
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GOP mailings smear candidates, ignore facts
To the editor: The world’s first political consultants were ancient Greeks known as Sophists who taught debating skills and boasted…
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Bear euthanasia was not first option
By Gordon Myers • Guest Columnist A letter was recently circulated regarding the euthanizing of a black bear in the…
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We need specifics from Romney
To the Editor: The first presidential debate underscored one thing — what does Romney intend to do when campaign rhetoric…
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The environment is key in this election
To the Editor: Bottom line: our economy, our health and quality of life are all dependent on how we treat…
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Obama just hasn’t gotten the job done
To the Editor: This will be the election of my lifetime. I was born before WWII. I have seen my…
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Is Romney really the person you want?
To the Editor: After listening to Mitt Romney’s excuses over the last several months for what he has and is…
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