I want to respond to your recent pieces on the Interstate 26 Connector [“Big Ideas,” Jan. 8 and “Connecting,” Jan. 15, Xpress]. Your first piece described the Connector as a “big idea.” I would argue that the I-26 Connector has been an idea that has not been big enough. As you implied in your second […]

We appreciate the Mountain Xpress’ acknowledgement of unconscious bias in the recent “Big Ideas” history of Asheville (Jan. 8-15). And we accept Xpress’ offer to engage the community in “ongoing civic dialogue.” However, we believe that this dialogue must be more substantial than a brief, unsigned response in the letters to the editor section of […]

In response to the last week’s letter, “Mountain Mobility Can Do More” [Jan. 22 Xpress]: There is a lack of connectability for people who do not have access to automobiles or other options in small cities and rural areas of America. There are ways to solve the local problem, in addition to expansion of the […]

I will preface the following comments with the full disclosure that I’m a white male. I sincerely appreciate and back constructive efforts on everyone’s part to erase social injustice such as racial and gender bias. But the Jan. 10 open letter chastising Mountain Xpress [“Big Ideas,” Jan. 8, Xpress] for apparent gender and racial bias […]

My name is Tyshaun Johnson. I am a senior at Asheville High School, an employee at Ingles market and a part of the youth staff of the amazing nonprofit organization known as Youth Empowered Solutions (YES!). In addition to these things, I am also among the numerous ART transit riders calling for a reform to […]

I have never been to any of your cultural events, small restaurants, craft fairs, films, etc. You name it, I haven’t been there. Ditto for places and events in Asheville Citizen-Time’s The Scene, or anything in the Mountain Xpress’ Go Local Guide. I have lived in Asheville for just over a year. Unfortunately, I can […]

We are writing to draw attention to the blatant bias evident in the “Big Ideas” history of Asheville recently published by the Xpress [“Big Ideas and Their Impact on the Community,” Jan. 8 Xpress] (written by Jake Frankel and David Forbes). The most egregious example of this bias is the “Big Ideas” timeline, which mentions […]

In response to claims made by Michael Ivey’s letter [“Carbon Dioxide Does Not Cause Global Warming,” Dec. 25 Xpress], I have provided some clarification from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Mr. Ivey states that “CO2 is not a pollutant and has never caused the atmosphere to warm.” From Climate Change 2007: Working Group I: […]

It’s good to see letter-writers countering the spurious claim that man-made climate change is a myth. But what is even more perplexing to me than the deniers are those who understand the necessity of reversing climate change, yet refuse to embrace simple lifestyle changes that scientists conclude are crucial. The Official Handbook for Live Earth, […]

It was good to see that “Rethinking Mental Health: Local Practitioners, Groups Reject Mainstream Treatment” [Feb. 6 Xpress] was your fifth most viewed post in 2013. In 1978, Judi Chamberlin published the book On Our Own: Patient Controlled Alternatives to the Mental Health System. In 2013, Allen Francis published Saving Normal: An Insider’s Revolt Against […]

This note is in reference to Michael Ivey’s letter “Carbon Dioxide Does Not Cause Global Warming” [Dec. 25 Xpress]. Mr. Ivey states, “Even the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change admits that there has been no warming over the last 16 years.” Please see the excerpt below, from the report “Climate Change 2013: The physical science […]

In response to the letter, “Carbon Dioxide Does Not Cause Global Warming,” [Dec. 25 Xpress] written by Michael Ivey: It was amusing to read that Mr. Ivey, speaking of the “Big Lie,” is himself parroting the lies promoted by the fuel industry. Ever since the 1990s, energy companies have been funding “studies” trying to cast […]

As a conservative, I have always maintained a small carbon footprint out of respect. Now that “global warming” has morphed into the politically correct “climate change,” the Sheeple continue the dance. Climate change is not a new, novel phenomenon. 20,000 years ago, the ice age covered half of North America. And it will happen again. […]

I’ve long been an advocate of careful wisdom around newfangled technologies, no matter how cool. Thus, I’ve not become accustomed to using cellphones much, and despite the feeling that I absolutely have to have access to a GPS if I’m out on the road, I tend to stay away from untrustworthy “gifts” from the proverbial […]

Your response to the letter titled “A Place for Poetry” [Dec. 5 Xpress] by Steven Manuel was somewhat surprising. In such an arts-based community, you do well to cover every single art that I can think of … except poetry. Poetry is not just for high schoolers or schoolchildren; poetry is universally expressive. I do […]

This note is in reference to Michael Ivey’s letter “Carbon Dioxide Does Not Cause Global Warming” [Dec. 25 Xpress]. Mr. Ivey states, “Even the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change admits that there has been no warming over the last 16 years.” Please see the excerpt below, from the report “Climate Change 2013: The physical science […]

In response to the letter, “Carbon Dioxide Does Not Cause Global Warming,” [Dec. 25 Xpress] written by Michael Ivey: It was amusing to read that Mr. Ivey, speaking of the “Big Lie,” is himself parroting the lies promoted by the fuel industry. Ever since the 1990s, energy companies have been funding “studies” trying to cast […]

Amid daily concerns about overpopulation, species extinction and global warming, it may seem soothing to be once again reassured by Michael Ivey that CO2 pollution is no big deal [“Carbon Dioxide Does Not Cause Global Warming,” Dec. 25 Xpress]. Not that he supports his position with any shred of evidence, but that he so firmly […]

This letter responds to the article “Breaking the Silence” [Dec. 18 Xpress] regarding sexual violence experienced by men. I applaud the comments made by John Langlois, who courageously speaks out against this heinous crime that affects both women and men. This issue has been raised in the military and was the subject of a Dec. […]