Opinion
Wars are justified but still obscene
To the Editor:
With deference to David Crane’s credentials (“The 7th Crusade — U.S. folly in Iran,” March 18 SMN) and respect for his opinions, I would offer a contrarian view.
If the Treaty of Versailles had been enforced as de Gaulle and many others vigorously advocated, then perhaps WWII could have been avoided. What would it have taken to enforce that? Could it have been accomplished? We’ll never know.
The endgame was always just to blow things up
The war with Iran is not only a perfect metaphor for Trump’s presidency and the MAGA movement in general, but it is also revealing of a basic truth that MAGA opponents can never quite seem to grasp: Trump’s supporters do not now, nor have they ever, looked to him for consistency, coherence, dignity, wisdom or even decency.
Facts must come before explanations
Who is to blame for North Carolina losing its industrial base over the past two decades? Misguided federal lawmakers who passed free-trade agreements? Foolish state policymakers who refused to invest in new infrastructure? Overzealous local regulators?
I’ve heard each of these explanations before. Perhaps you have, too. But none constitutes a valid explanation for North Carolina’s shrinking industrial base — because, contrary to popular belief, our industrial base hasn’t been shrinking!
Our nation is better than this
To the Editor:
In reading the official press release from March 31, “USDA Prioritizing Common Sense Forest Management, Moves Forest Service Headquarters to Salt Lake City,” one would think, “All right, common sense!”
Congratulations to GSMNP’s Charlie Sellers
To the Editor:
Last month, Charlie Sellers was appointed to lead the Smokies — an achievement well-earned. A Haywood County native, Charlie began his career with the National Park Service as a draftsman for the Blue Ridge Parkway. He later served as deputy chief of facilities for Great Smoky Mountains National Park — our park — steadily rising through the ranks to this latest leadership role.
Let’s stop asking kids what they want to be
When I was young, there were a handful of future professions that my friends and I aspired to be — doctor, nurse, teacher, actor, writer, artist, farmer, lawyer, journalist, astronaut, president, model, fashion designer, rockstar and famous athlete, among others. Personally, I vacillated among several of these through the years, until I ultimately became a teacher then a writer.
Trump demeans Dignified Transfer
To the Editor:
During the first Dignified Transfer of six fallen soldiers, I was stunned to see Trump wearing a baseball cap. He sells these online for $55, proceeds going to himself. You may have done a double take, as I did. Was Trump actually defying protocol and showing such disrespect to these grieving families?
Young Republicans want new members
To the Editor:
Why should Haywood County young adults consider joining and participating with the Mountain View Young Republicans? The reasons are many, but here are just a few reasons:
• The Mountain View Young Republicans will offer resources to enhance young adults’ political understanding and awareness of current issues.
The bar is low, but Trump slithers under it
They may be coming for just the signs, but the message is clear: let’s rewrite history while ignoring science. The disappointments of this administration just never stop piling up.
A leaked memo from the Department of the Interior contained a list of markers and educational signage at national parks that this administration may have a problem with.
