Opinion
Support shelter staff and animals in Macon County
This is my response to an article in The Franklin Press following the December 10 meeting.
The actions of John Shearl at the Dec. 10 Macon County Commission meeting opposing the hiring of a kennel attendant and chastising current staff at the Macon County Animal Shelter at best reflect ignorance and at worst reflect obstructionism and grandstanding.
Now, all lines are blurred
To the Editor:
I was judged rather harshly for a letter, by no less than six people in three newspapers, for doubting the average American voter's capacity to distinguish fact from fiction, truth from falsehoods.
Democracy’s guardrails are coming off
To the Editor:
Democracy thrives on rules that balance power and protect freedom. But recent actions by this new administration are tearing down those "guardrails," putting our democracy in real danger.
Are we safer after the pardons?
To the Editor:
In January 2021, Daniel Rodriques travelled to Washington, D.C., to take part in a gathering of supporters of the incoming president of the United States.
America’s golden age, or Gilded Age?
Did anyone else watch the inauguration? I mean, I’m sure it was the biggest, best and most-watched inauguration in the history of America, right? My eyes and ears were glued to my computer screen. It was unbelievable, more like a campaign rally speech where promises one knows they can never keep are bandied about like leaves falling from a tree.
Online boundaries might save our souls
During the early 2000s when I was first teaching middle school, I heard my mentor say to one of our students, “Garbage in, garbage out.” At the time, it was simply a passing comment because the teen was listening to music with foul language, but it stuck with me and often floats through my mind as I consume content or guide my children in their consumption of content.
Into 2025 with a few ancient principles
Even though we’re already a couple weeks into 2025, I’m still feeling the heightened energy that surrounds a New Year.
My parents were teachers and both worked second jobs. Dad was a night manager at the Roses in Asheville and Mom spent evenings organizing and sorting Avon inventory, and this was in addition to our practices and other activities.
Trump and the latest climate change red flag
Like a three-pack-a-day smoker who blames their chronic cough on allergies, or a recent flu shot — everything but their addiction — President-elect Donald Trump continues to embrace an absurd and criminally irresponsible brand of denialism on the subject of climate change.
Shame on U.S. corporations
To the Editor:
What hypocrites we are! As we honor President Jimmy Carter for his worldwide humanitarian efforts, American corporations are busily rolling back Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts.
