As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches and many in our community prepare meals for their families, I would like to recognize the positive aspects of Widespread Panic visiting the Civic Center this weekend. Although some in the community will look upon this stop as another nuisance (see Molton cartoon from the Nov. 12 Xpress), Panic fans […]

Asheville won’t exactly re-enact the Christmas story, the original one of Bethlehem, though the main characters and theme of “homeless seeking shelter” will be there; and in this 2008 version of the ancient story, the hungry will have a role as well. No single star will be there to guide and give a measure of […]

Think economic woes are hitting your wallet hard? Try working for tips for a living. I am a server in a local restaurant and bar, and I am writing with the hope that my letter might make more people in the community think a little harder when it is time to tip your waiter or […]

I read with shock about the destruction of George Handy’s studio on Beaverdam Road. I remember, from my very first days in Asheville, his extraordinary colorful pots for sale in the windows of his small studio. Somehow, every time I would drive by and view his works, it would remind me of our local artistic […]

Thomas Rain Crowe’s newest book, The End of Eden—which focuses on the loss of personal space, even here in Western North Carolina—has caused me to come down from my mountaintop and reveal my guru-at-large wisdom to the multitudes. I can sum up and nail the solution to the world’s woes in one word: overpopulation. Do […]

Many thanks to the Mountain Xpress for illuminating my difference of opinion with the Manufacturers Executive Association [“Crossing the Line,” Nov. 5] on illegal immigration. Evidently unaccustomed to challenge, these savvy CEOs seem perplexed that a congressional candidate would dare risk alienating his base—the inference being that as a Republican I was expected to walk […]

I understand that many folks are really excited that Obama won the election. I admit, I am one of those people. But I know that out there are people who were as passionate as I was about Obama—but about McCain. Those people felt, with all of their heart, that he was the best man to […]

You have just elected a new president. Will that president send federal troops to Henderson County, N.C., to protect the civil rights of property owners, [as the government did in] Birmingham, Ala.? Henderson County has continually infringed on property rights that were guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. Now the autocrats propose an ordinance that will […]

Tuesday was a night of victories. Victory for the Democratic Party, certainly, but [also] I believe Obama when he speaks of fighting partisanship. It was a victory for African-Americans. However, the tears in Jesse Jackson’s eyes Tuesday reflected my own overwhelming joy, even as a young white male. This was a victory for America—but not […]

We face many challenges in 2009 and beyond. We also have unprecedented opportunity with new leadership to: create new jobs, stabilize our economy/energy prices and work towards freedom from dirty fuels along with their global warming pollution. WNC would support repowering America with 100 percent clean electricity as it will get us jobs and our […]

I want to pass this along to City Council because it’s high time they stand up and really start working on a living-wage ordinance in Asheville, instead of just talking about it. The situation for so many workers is worse than pathetic, and it keeps growing. I’ve been here for four years, and—coming from Santa […]