Debate over ‘big ideas’ polarizing

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 […]

Voice on transit

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 […]

Mountain Mobility can do more

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 […]

Clarificat­ion on climate change data

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: […]

Eating for the environmen­t

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, […]

Rethinking mental health

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 […]

The actual data on climate change

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 […]

Global warming is real and must be addressed

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 […]

Hot air

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. […]

What are we to do?

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 […]

Props for spirituali­ty and social justice article

I would like to extend a heartfelt fist-bump to Jordan Foltz and the Mountain Xpress for last week’s spirituality issue and cover story [“Sacred Activism,” Dec. 25 Xpress]. This topic could have easily been rendered a fluff piece; instead, it offered meaningful perspectives with salient implications for how to achieve self-fulfillment through compassionate activism. The […]

The actual data on climate change

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 […]

Global warming is real and must be addressed

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 […]

A balanced viewpoint

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 […]

Support men who experience sexual trauma

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. […]

A place for poetry

I wonder why there is no poetry printed in your paper, when it was once a common fact of everyday culture to have verses printed. Yeats was printed in local newspapers. Do you think it a virtue to have such possible genius stamped out? I don’t work in the newspaper business. I’m a poet, editor […]

Carbon dioxide does not cause global warming

Among the many false beliefs with which people have been brainwashed, the belief that human generation of carbon dioxide is causing the Earth’s atmosphere to heat up is one of the most pervasive. It’s disappointing to see public officials like Brownie Newman forcing this false belief on the rest of us [“Buncombe Commissioners Set Bar […]

Dangerous highway is a disgrace

Does anyone doubt that the 50 yards or so past Westgate on Interstate 240 west is the worst piece of highway in North Carolina? And every halfhearted attempt to patch it up only seems to make matters worse. My guess is that nothing serious will get done until a busload of clueless tourists goes out […]