Opinion

 

This January 6, it’s back to the routine

It’s Jan. 6, 2025, and my mind was on established routines and rituals. The warm frenzy of the holidays is now behind us. Time now for my wife, Lori, and me to re-establish some of that routine. 

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The U.S. President Jimmy Carter shakes hands with a U.S. Air Force officer upon his departure in "Marine One" (a Sikorsky VH-3D Sea King helicopter), at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland (USA), in 1980.
 

Godspeed, President Carter

To the Editor:

Not being particularly tearful yesterday (Dec. 29) was a terrible moment for me. It was the day that marked the passing of President Carter, a man of unsurpassed moral integrity.

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Bill was a power grab
 

Bill was a power grab

To the Editor:

I’m not certain, Senator Kevin Corbin, R-Franklin, that your constituency thoroughly understands your characterization of Senate Bill 382 as an “historic legislative response.”  

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Here’s to a stronger sense of community in 2025

In listening to the tributes regarding the death of President Jimmy Carter, a phrase from his inauguration speech struck a chord: “…. individual sacrifice for the common good.” 

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Community support helps feed the hungry
 

Community support helps feed the hungry

To the Editor:

The Maggie Valley United Methodist Church wishes to thank the community for their overwhelming support of our Holiday Boutique and Bake Sale that was held on December 7. This fun annual event raised over $10,000. All proceeds will help sustain our two long-standing food ministries: Shepherd’s Table and the Food Pantry. 

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Holiday china and an ode to Christmas

Several weeks ago, I read an article listing a number of holiday traditions that are disappearing, such as caroling, writing Christmas cards, setting the table for a formal dinner and shopping for gifts in person as opposed to online. At the time, I’d just written a column about shopping locally, which is something I believe strongly in and put into practice as much as possible.

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Complaints aren't founded in truth
 

Complaints aren't founded in truth

It is very hard for me to continue listening to the ongoing issues of housing when I know we have codes to follow that are set forth by the international/North Carolina building, electrical, plumbing and fire safety codes. My general contracting company and electrical contracting company have worked with everyone to help with people affected to gain some type of normal life during and after the storm. 

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A lesson in how lies lead to dangerous outcomes

Facts, once unassailable, have become, well, difficult to quantify. People make up or repeat lies, especially on social media platforms and other online spaces, and people believe them, think what they read or hear is true, is a fact. As it turns out, those lies can be dangerous. We’ve all witnessed it at the national level, but it’s also happening right here in Western North Carolina. 

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GOP’s rationale for power grab just doesn’t wash

When they are challenged on their authoritarianism, North Carolina Republicans’ most frequent ploy is to retrieve grievances from decades ago. The party is run by a coterie of legislators who suffered years of irrelevance and disrespect at the hands of the eastern North Carolina Democratic machine, and these people still enjoy resurrecting Democratic misdeeds to justify their own malfeasance. 

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