The current campaign to scare people into getting flu shots reminds me of Toxic Sludge Is Good for You — the book that exposed some of the deceptive tactics used by the public-relations industry. According to Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, author of Saying No to Vaccines, the seasonal flu shot contains thimerosal, which contains mercury and […]

Not all of Montford shares the "no acceptable alternatives" that the Montford Neighborhood Association has adopted in regard to choosing among the alternate routes of the I-26 Connector. Many Montford residents who have followed the I-26 Connector saga through the last decade are distressed that Alternate 4B, designed by the Asheville community and adopted by […]

Let me see if I have this right. City Council recently accepted nearly a half-million dollars in federal-grant money to remedy flooding and watershed problems on Dingle Creek. Those problems were caused by development along the stream and its tributaries. Does this mean that our tax money is being used to remedy problems caused by […]

As a resident of Longchamps (the adopter of the street program for Macon Avenue), I want to go on record as a big fan of the traffic-calming measures that have been installed on my street. In fact, we need one more hump closer to the Grove Park Inn, so that last stretch doesn't get the […]

I am sympathetic to some of the concerns expressed by the irate letters bewailing the traffic barriers erected on Kimberly Avenue. Perhaps the design could have been better thought out, or maybe the curbs are not visible enough. However, these complaints, paradoxically, are an unintended argument for the traffic islands. Just substitute pedestrian or bicyclist […]

I have worked with Robin Cape and am excited that she wants to continue as Councilwoman. She has a unique ability to listen well in order to respond creatively and thoughtfully to constituent concerns. With her understanding of the issues, she is working to find common ground for achieving a sustainable future for Asheville. Write […]

I was disappointed when I heard that Robin Cape was not going to run for City Council: It would have been a tremendous loss to Asheville to not have her bringing her leadership to the city. She is smart, tough, really understands the issues and the city — and has a smart, comprehensive vision for […]

Of all the places I've lived, Asheville is the most progressive and open-minded, and that's one of the things I love about it. So I find it disturbing how much anti-barefoot sentiment there seems to be among local businesses. I avoid wearing shoes whenever possible, for reasons of health, comfort and convenience. Yet many local […]

Congressman Shuler likes to pretend that his rigid stand against health-care reform is a matter of principle, but a recent campaign mailing suggests otherwise. In a postcard sent to his constituents last week, Shuler is quoted bragging about his struggle against fundamental reform but also vowing to keep Medicare costs low for seniors. What he […]

Here in WNC, we have been hearing much from local Republicans, conservatives and the always-charming Carolina Stompers warning us that the USA is on the road to fiscal disaster. Our conservative Democratic congressman, Heath Shuler, voted against the economic stimulus and will likely vote against health-care reform because of budgetary concerns. Most conservatives blame Barack […]