Upon seeing Hannah McLeod’s recent guest column published in these pages on May 29, my first reaction was that it belongs in the same category as those rants whose message boils down to, “It’s da Jooz.”  

Ms. McLeod’s seething anger about what she perceives, rightly or wrongly, as the victimization of the identity groups she most cares about may explain her passion, and may even call forth sympathy for their — and her — wounds. However, her fervor does not excuse her vicious caricatures of the views and motivations of those with whom she disagrees and her distortion of facts that she should have checked before writing about them. As the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan said, “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but no one is entitled to his own facts.” A basic principle of good analysis — which she ought to have been taught at App State — is to base it on primary sources before expressing definite opinions. This she evidently has not done.

In its mission to engage children with the outdoors, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Kids in Parks program is marking a powerful milestone; kids and families have completed one million adventures through the program’s TRACK Trails. This figure represents more than one million miles hiked, biked or paddled, and more than 500,000 hours spent outside.

You can’t always believe what you see. The water in our mountain streams is sometimes polluted even though it appears crystal clear. And sometimes what looks like pollution is actually fighting the effects of pollution.

Mainspring Conservation Trust now has an office in downtown Sylva. 

Author and curator Anna Fariello was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Folk Art Center during the annual meeting of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. 

The Securities and Exchange Commission recently charged investment adviser Stephen Brandon Anderson, 41, of Waynesville, with defrauding clients by overcharging advisory fees of at least $367,000.

To the Editor:

Many people in our Western North Carolina counties are in a health care coverage void. Through no fault of their own they are among 530,000 persons in the state who are caught in a coverage “gap” between Medicaid and Medicare.  That gap is created when their income level, either too high or too low, disqualifies them from both programs unless NC legislators adopt Medicaid “expansion.” Until then, most people in this gap can’t afford routine doctor visits where health conditions could be treated before they become emergencies. 

We see these persons every day. They are construction workers, early childhood educators, home health care aides, cashiers and service workers in restaurants, retail, hotels and the entertainment industry. These are people who feed their families and pay rent by juggling up to four jobs. Their employers don’t provide health care coverage and when there’s a health crisis, the emergency room is their only option. They live on the margin of our communities and it seems that certain legislators aim to keep them in that place.

This needs to change! Democrat and Republican legislators know that the solution is to pass legislation that provides “clean” Medicaid expansion. This means no special requirements — no fees, no reporting, no extra hurtles that have been judged to be illegal or impractical in other states. 

Many of our representatives and senators know Medicaid expansion is the most fair and appropriate solution. It has already been adopted by 37 other states. Our hospital administrators, doctors and other health professionals agree they will be better able to care for lower income North Carolinians through clean Medicaid expansion legislation. 

Why are Reps. Michelle Presnell, R-Burnsville, and Kevin Corbin, R-Franklin, and Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, denying health care coverage to these people in WNC? 

Paul Smith

Mars Hill 

To the Editor:

Thank you for publishing Norman Hoffman’s diagnosis of our president’s obvious disorder. Hoffman’s approach is logical, analytical, factual, clinically professional — done with clear objectivity.  Donald Trump is a threat to everything that makes us proud Americans.

Voters, wake up!

Diane Davis

Waynesville

To the Editor:

You don’t have to look far to see that many in North Carolina — approximately 500,000 — are struggling from an absence of adequate, high quality health insurance. This is why Haywood Regional, as part of its mission of “Making Communities Healthier,” is supporting bipartisan efforts by Gov. Roy Cooper and legislators from both parties in the General Assembly to expand Medicaid. If North Carolina were to expand Medicaid, access to affordable insurance coverage would become available to the most vulnerable in North Carolina, including many in rural communities like ours. 

Currently, many uninsured North Carolinians are reliant on emergency rooms in hospitals for their health care needs. Instead, our state should expand insurance coverage to allow these individuals and families access to appropriate care through a primary care physician. This will help them get the care they need at the right time and in the appropriate setting, which will improve health outcomes and build a stronger North Carolina. Expanding access to insurance coverage is also critical to maintaining the viability of community and rural hospitals and the communities they serve.

Now is the time to address this critical need impacting our family, friends and neighbors. I hope that you will join us and encourage Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville, and Rep. Joe Sam Queen, D-Waynesville, to support efforts to expand Medicaid in North Carolina, including “N.C. Health Care for Working Families” (HB 655) which is currently under consideration in the North Carolina General Assembly. 

Rod Harkleroad, CEO, Haywood Regional Medical Center

Maurice Phillips, Board Chair, Haywood Regional Medical Center

By Hannah McLeod • Guest Columnist

Living outside the United States makes it easier to ignore the day-to-day whirlwind of political and social bull that pervades our society. The back and forth, the focus on optics instead of outcome, the now-faster-than-24-hour news cycle. My days here in Costa Rica are centered around making sure everyone gets fed, that the house runs smoothly, and whether or not there is good surf. Presence is a must. 

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission wants to hear about hellbender sightings, part of agency biologists’ ongoing effort to learn more about where the giant salamanders live and how their populations are faring. 

On the heels of a year when more people died from boating accidents in North Carolina than in any other year since 1990, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is urging caution on the water.

A blended burger is when you add mushrooms to your hamburger meat. You may choose to do this to decrease the fat amount, increase the fiber, stretch the meat further or just as a way of eating less meat. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications from producers looking for help to cover the cost of organic certification. 

As of March 18, the Nantahala Hiking Club is officially a 501c3 nonprofit. 

Deer harvest in North Carolina declined 9 percent from the previous three-year average in the 2018-19 season, despite the fact that it increased 7.3 percent in the western region, according to hunter reports to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. 

More than 115 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway will be resurfaced this year as part of a pavement preservation program. 

Twenty years after the program launched, drivers in Tennessee and North Carolina have passed the $15 million mark in support to Friends of the Smokies through specialty license plate sales. 

Eighth grader Gracie Burgess, of Bethel Middle School, will see her artwork worn by eighth-graders across Haywood County during Kids in the Creek this year following her win at Haywood Waterways Association’s annual T-shirt contest. 

To the Editor:

What if you could attack a country without building a single plane, or ship, or even one gun? What if the sacrifices that our brave veterans make every day could not stop this attack? And what if the citizens of that country were not even aware of the attack? It is not only possible, it happened to the United States of America. 

“The Russian government interfered in the 2016 presidential election in sweeping and systematic fashion.” This is the first line and the major conclusion of the report by Special Counsel Robert Muller. Whether you believe that the report exonerated the President or not, the facts are clear. We were attacked by Russia. Since they have paid no price for putting their thumb on the scale of our election, we can be sure that they will do it again. 

Chapters II and III of Volume 1, (pages 14 to 50) lays out in incredible detail how this attack took place. “Facebook estimated the IRA (Russians) reached as many as 126 million persons through its Facebook accounts.” “Twitter announced that it had identified 3,814 IRA-controlled Twitter accounts and notified approximately 1.4 million people Twitter believed may have been in contact with an IRA-controlled account.” 

Some of these Russian Facebook accounts attracted enormous followings. “... the IRA’s ‘United Muslims of America’ Facebook group had over 300,000 followers, the ‘Don’t Shoot Us’ Facebook group had over 250,000 followers, The ‘Being Patriotic’ Facebook group had over 200,000 followers, and the ‘Secured Borders’ Facebook group had over 130,000 followers.” In total, the IRA-controlled accounts made over 80,000 posts.”

The power of social media to sway public opinion is undeniable. The Russians have been using their mastery of it as an extremely effective and cheap weapon for years. These operations constituted “active measures,” a term that typically refers to operations conducted by Russian security services aimed at influencing the course of international affairs. 

Given that the presidential election was decided by a mere 77,000 votes in three key targeted states, it is clear that we were successfully attacked by a foreign power. Where is the outrage?  Where is the call to action against a common enemy? Where is Congress and a 911 type commission? Or is it OK for a foreign power to help pick our next president? 

Louis Vitale

Franklin 

To the Editor:

After reading a story you reported about Shining Rock Classical Academy, I felt the need to share my experiences with Joshua Morgan. 

I worked with Morgan during his time in the Greenville County School District. I concur with the assessment that he is very knowledgeable and well versed in academic standards and practice. However, notwithstanding Mr. Morgan’s ability to “talk a good talk,” that’s where the skills end. 

It should be asked, why would Mr. Morgan travel out of state to pursue an administrative position when plenty of positions continue to be available in his home county and his former employee, Buncombe County? Why was he released from employment with Greenville County Schools after such a short tenure? I and numerous others would agree with Laura Arrington, Kelley Messer and Melissa Taylor that Joshua Morgan has no business in an administrative position. For the sake of all students and staff at Shining Rock Classical Academy I sincerely hope the board will continue their search for a qualified and competent candidate.  

Paulette Megee

Landrum, SC 

To the Editor:

Pursuant to the article regarding Shining Rock Classical Academy that was published in last week’s edition, as well as the introduction of additional articles to follow, I would like to offer a positive parent statement. I ask that you consider publishing both positive and negative parental perspectives in your upcoming articles. My hope is that other parents will reach out with positive statements, although human nature often inclines us to find the negatives.  

At SRCA our children have thrived, we adore the teachers, the staff, and administration. This year I have watched my four children grow immensely. They have learned from teachers who value their academic advancement, as well as their personal growth and character. I have witnessed staff and administration care for my children, and at the same time lovingly intercede in moments when they were not making the best decisions. I appreciate creative approaches to discipline at Shining Rock, such as physical movement (walking laps), creativity (a poster presentation about poor choices), or reflection (a good talk with the SRO). 

My oldest was suspended three times this year for his poor choices. This perspective is coming from a mom of kids who are not “perfect.” Yet, never did we experience anything inappropriate. Two of my four children are in class with the parents who made statements. Naturally, I questioned my children, “are you afraid of Mr. Joshua Morgan, have you ever seen him touch a child in a scary way or be rough.” Each of my four children said “no.” They have never experienced Mr. Morgan display these accused behaviors.  

Prior to the printing of your article, I was aware of the letters which were presented to the board last week, and I had a chance to read them all before they were submitted. I found much of the information to be subjective in nature, but this is often the case in this type of situation. Do I believe there are some issues at SRCA? Absolutely. 

There will always be areas in which parents, including myself, may have frustrations or concerns. In February, I was quoted by The Mountaineer following the SRCA board meeting, in which I publicly questioned the board’s lack of integrity and clarity regarding Mr. Duncan’s firing, and the choice to do this without all members present. I believe the board needs to be not only evaluated but revised. Increased stakeholders, diversity, and community leaders added to the board would certainly allow for new perspectives and decisions. I know as an educator and a registered nurse that those of us in public service are rarely thanked for the work we do. It is often the slight indifferences that are magnified in light of all the good. Leaders must make decisions that are best for the entire community that they serve. Often those decisions are not easy, nor are the details behind those decisions able to be disclosed. While clarity is crucial to trust, part of choosing a school of choice is indeed choosing to trust the leadership who are in the trenches every day. 

Thank you for considering my statements. 

Alyson Weimar

Maggie Valley

By Norman Hoffman • Guest Columnist

Most psychiatric conditions require the clinician to interact directly with the individual to determine a diagnosis. For example, most of us have experienced some level of depression, but few of us have reached the threshold for a diagnosis of major depressive episode, which requires additional criteria, such as loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, slowed concentration, feelings of guilt, and/or thoughts of death.

However, there are a few conditions that can be determined from observable behavior. One of these is narcissistic personality disorder. Of the nine criteria, five are required to indicate a diagnosis, and most can be determined from observing behaviors. Here are the nine criteria:

Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos have been a long time partner with Habitat for Humanity, but this year the company is taking on a special project to support a local family in need by providing them with a place to call home.

In the meat department of your Ingles Market you can find beef that is labeled "grass-fed" so let's separate the facts from the fiction on grass-fed.

A two-year trail rehabilitation project is now underway at the Trillium Gap Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with volunteer opportunities available. 

The 2019 edition of the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project’s Local Food Guide is now available, an essential source for finding locally grown food and farms. 

Jim Costa, executive director of the Western Carolina University Highlands Biological Station and a professor of biology at WCU, has been named an Andrew W. Mellon Visiting Scholar at the New York Botanical Garden’s Humanities Institute. 

To the Editor:

Reason and emotion are the two fundamental bases for decision-making. We are facing some historic decisions in America today. None is more important at the moment than whether to impeach Donald Trump or not.

Conventional wisdom says Democrats should rely almost entirely on the truth revealed by the Mueller Report (reason). It has also been said that Democrats should remember the aftermath of the Nixon and Clinton impeachment processes. Most say that impeachment will fail because the Republicans in the Senate will not abandon Trump (emotion).

The fallacy in bringing up Nixon and Clinton is that they pale in comparison to the peril that Donald Trump has led America into. Neither Nixon nor Clinton entangled America in the tentacles of a foreign power. Donald Trump has. He has refused to heed the warnings given to him by the most advanced intelligence organizations in the world. He has refused to establish a bi-partisan commission to investigate Russian interference in our election process. At present he is insisting that his aides not testify before Congress. He has attempted to require appointees to sign non-disclosure agreements. He has touted the claims of two foreign powers (Russia and Saudi Arabia) over America’s intelligence sources. This list is sufficient to show how dangerous Donald Trump has been and is still. It is nowhere near a comprehensive list.

Democrats need to couple the reason they have used so far with a term that evokes images of the present peril (emotion). Allow me to suggest “Putin-Gate.” Then they need to exploit reason along with emotion to force action from Republicans who are hiding behind their blind loyalty to Trump and their party. Democrats need to quit worrying about losing the 2020 election. They need to force the issue of loyalty to party or allegiance to America now. They must act boldly because the country needs bold action as opposed to maintaining a president in office (Republican goal) and relying entirely on the reason embodied in the Mueller Report (Democrat strategy).

In sports terms this combination of reason and emotion can be likened to (1) having a team well-drilled in fundamentals, (2) formulating a solid game plan and (3) playing with emotion. The team that plays to keep from losing too often places itself at a distinct disadvantage by allowing the underdog to hang around late in the game. 

Act boldly, Democrats! Kris Kristofferson sang, “I’d rather be sorry for something I’ve done than for something that I didn’t do.” Leave Donald Trump with “impeached” by his name in history. You will only have one chance. Use reason and emotion rather than relying only on reason. It is fairly clear that Trump’s base decides mainly on emotion. Raw emotion will not endure the power of reason and emotion combined.

Dave Waldrop

Webster

To the Editor:

Each year since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, the number of incidents of gun violence on school grounds has grown. That is appalling and simply unacceptable. As a parent there is nothing more important to me than the safety of our schools. In light of the recent tragedy at UNC-Charlotte that directly impacted us, I need to write this letter.

I am heartened to see the federal government is building on the research and lessons learned in the Sandy Hook tragedy — along with too many other massacres since — by increasing the funding available for the training of youth and adults in our school system. Knowing what to look out for and how to intervene when potential violence is threatened or suspected are crucial to reversing this epidemic. 

 I urge the governor’s administration to act fast and apply for the STOP School Violence Act funding that can bring the necessary, evidence-based prevention and intervention programs we need to every school in North Carolina at no cost. It is our responsibility to make schools safer and equip our kids with the life skills needed to prevent all forms of violence. With this federal funding available, it is time to act.

Natalie Malis

Waynesville

Have you moved, changed your name, mailing address or phone number since you registered to vote in the county, state and national elections? If so, you need to notify your local Board of Elections of your current information. 

The oldest metal truss bridge in the state of North Carolina has earned inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Bethel Rural Community Organization wants you to come help them celebrate at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 30, at Truss Bridge #79, on Lake Logan Road.

The Health Equity Coalition will hold a forum to explore new ways of connecting community to philanthropy. The $1.5 billion trust from the sale of Mission Hospital has created an opportunity to invest in life-changing initiatives for many of the 900,000 citizens in the 18-county Western North Carolina region.

By Katherine Bartel • Secretary, Haywood County NAACP

“My little brother Isaiah is, as you would call it, ‘a boy of color,’” said 11-year-old Alicia Matthews. “He is probably one of the smartest 6 year olds you’ll ever meet. One time we were playing in his room and all of a sudden he asks me a question just randomly out of the blue, ‘Alicia? Why do I have brown skin?’ At first, I didn’t know what to say to him because he is so young and he barely knew who he was. I said, ‘Because that’s who you are. So don’t try to be anyone else.’ He responded to me with a simple ‘OK’ because he is still very young and that’s just how he responds to those kinds of statements.” 

On Friday, May 3, Justin Scott Fuller, 31, of Waynesville, pled guilty to second-degree murder in the shooting death of Christopher Stewart Phillips. The two had been friends and neighbors prior to the deadly incident.

A new program will allow growers to map crops by herbicide-resistant traits. 

The 2018 Farm Bill resulted in higher farm loan limits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, among other changes.

The Brushy Ridge Trail near Linville Gorge reopened last week following successful containment of a 3-acre fire there April 30. 

To the Editor:

A letter to the editor in The Smoky Mountain News (Let’s All Embrace God’s Healing, March 27, 2019) indicated that members of the LGBTQ+ community are “broken” and in need of “healing and reconciliation.” This editorial essentially attempted to shame a high school student in our community for speaking her mind and having the courage to express her opinion (My Church Embraces LGBTQ Members, March 6, 2019). 

I don’t have a problem with freedom of the press or for anyone speaking their mind, regardless of their faith or orientation. However, when a person of faith believes they can determine who is broken and separate from the Divine, simply based on their interpretation of the Bible, well that is a different story. 

It is not those who Mr. Onder deemed broken that create the divisions in our communities and culture. The separation in our communities is caused by divisive, hateful rhetoric which attempts to shame and silence those who believe differently. It is the rhetoric that creates potentially threatening learning environments for students, and hostile work environments for employees. 

It is the rhetoric that creates tension between community members. It is the rhetoric of hate speech which minimizes the voice of a loving, articulate high school student whose article indicated simply that she believed in her community and that she has hope for the future. On this note, Ms. Dove provided us all with a true example of faith.

I would like to believe Mr. Onder’s intent was not to threaten or harm anyone. However, in a world where language can unite or divide a community, I hope we would choose to honor all members of our community, regardless of faith or lifestyle. It is often stated, “unity does not imply uniformity.” As Joel Goldsmith (1998) states, “you are no more outside of God’s government than the stars, than sun, the moon, the tides, the fish swimming in the sea or the birds flying in the air.” 

If we are all children of God, then the diversity surrounding us is a gift to be appreciated, not feared. 

Rev. Dr. Katherine R.B. Greysen

Canton

To the Editor:

On Saturday I went to the Jackson County Recreation Center for a workout. I was guided into the parking lot by some very nice young people and greeted by a number of vendors selling food and gifts. What is the celebration, I wondered, and learned that a well-known young lady, suffering from cancer, was being honored by a fundraiser to help with her health care expenses. What a wonderful example of our community pulling together to help one another.

Several years ago I witnessed in Haywood County a similar event with a BBQ sale for another person suffering from cancer. There are times I see a jar on the counter in a restaurant asking for donations for a person needing an operation. 

While these examples are to be honored and celebrated, they dramatically point out the insanity causing these events to take place. For every person fortunate to have someone raise funds for their healthcare calamity, there are countless other loved ones who are not so fortunate, who suffer needlessly and are indebted to the health care industry for life. A friend of mine was run off the road on his bicycle and seriously injured. He was rushed to Mission Hospital and is now fully recovered but owes the hospital over $24,000. No one is raising funds for him. Isn’t it regrettable so many lack adequate coverage with a health care system considered to be the highest cost system in the industrialized world?

Other wealthy countries spend about half as much per capita on health. Quality health care metrics ranks our country the worst. The U.S. experiences higher rates of medical, medication and lab errors versus other countries at 19 percent while Canada’s error rate is 15 percent and the United Kingdom’s error rate is 11 percent.

Why do our representatives oppose health care for everyone? Why do others call such ideas communistic or socialistic? I have looked and looked but cannot find in the New Testament any story of Jesus Christ asking sick, lame or blind persons about their insurance provider, copay, deductible and number of hours worked before healing them. Was Jesus practicing socialism? Was he a communist?

Enough. Isn’t it time to advocate for quality healthcare for everyone, not just a fortunate few? Jesus did. Isn’t that what religious leaders of all beliefs have advocated for centuries? What about billboards, social media, letters and social action to encourage discussion and solutions for creating an efficient and cost effective healthcare system that serves everyone and helps our local economies. No strings attached.

Ron Robinson

Sylva

To the Editor:

Imagine that you go to your general practitioner and she reminds you that it’s time for a colonoscopy. You have the colonoscopy and the doctor tells you that you have colon cancer. The surgery is scheduled. You get a CAT scan to see whether there is any obvious spread to the cancer. The surgery is completed and you are home two days later, missing about 11 inches of your colon.

While you are recuperating, the bills start rolling in:

• Colonoscopy office visit, colonoscopy, pathology: $6,624

• Pre-Op CAT scan: $2,080

• Physician office visit, surgery, pathology: $10,749

• Hospital: $45,288

The total is $64,741. This happened to me. I am on Medicare and have supplemental coverage. Of the total, Medicare paid $15,027 and my supplemental insurance paid $2,391. My out-of-pocket cost was about $200.

If I were under 65 and had no insurance, I would be liable for the entire $64,741. Few families can afford this kind of a financial shock. News reports claim that almost half of households cannot afford a $400 financial surprise.

I also looked at my drug costs. A 90-day supply of my four generic prescriptions has a list price of $905. I paid $92. Again, without the price reductions negotiated by my insurance company, I would be liable for the entire $905 — or I would do without.

My point is that an increasing number of people are one medical diagnosis away from financial disaster. This should not be the case in the wealthiest country in the world. After all, every other developed country in the world has figured it out.

There are numerous ways to solve this problem. With the exception of the millions of citizens who have poor or no insurance, our current mostly private system works, although it is the most expensive in the world and provides only mediocre outcomes. 

The first, and most important issue, is to cover the approximately 80 million Americans with inadequate or no insurance. Simply expanding Medicaid would cover several hundred thousand people just in North Carolina. Most states have done this. Modifications to existing programs (e.g. ACA, Medicare, Medicaid) could probably accomplish most of the rest.

Ultimately, however, we must provide universal coverage and address the outrageous costs and mediocre outcomes of our current system. Not addressing this problem condemns millions of Americans to premature death and/or financial disaster. 

Is that who we are?

John Gladden

Franklin

To the Editor:

Doubtless, most of you know about the tragic death of Riley Howell, and if you are like us, you are heartbroken for his family and friends and extremely frustrated and angry that another senseless tragedy has occurred. And this one hit very close to home.

Riley grew up participating in the youth activities at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville and he and his family are thought of as part of our church family. 

He was remembered as a hero at the memorial service for him. It is fitting that his service was held at Lake Junaluska, in Stuart Auditorium, because Lake Junaluska has a tradition of offering the facility to families of fallen heroes for their services. 

In Riley’s obituary, March for Our Lives is named as one of the organizations suggested for memorial gifts — which seems appropriate but so sad, a reminder that here we are again, mourning another young life taken too soon, but at the same time, recognizing that apparently this was a cause that had meaning for him. Riley sought to protect people. We must do the same. 

Just as we have said about all the young people who have died violent deaths, we cannot let his death — or the others — be in vain. 

Our obligation is to continue the good fight — working to make our world a less violent place where hate is not rampant. 

How we do that is the most pressing issue. 

Sarah and Bob Hunter

Lake Junaluska

More than 12,000 donors contributed over a five-year period to raise over $60 million for scholarships at Western Carolina University.