To say I was appalled to read Nina Smith’s disturbing letter [“Fries With That?”, Feb. 14] would be an understatement. I am deeply disappointed in the Xpress for printing something so blatantly juvenile and lacking any real substance. It was nothing more than an absurd threat to abused animals and a childish attempt to ridicule […]

We applaud the Mountain Xpress for delving into important issues like where to find the best chicken wings and democratic schools in Asheville. Buncombe County Early College [Commentary: “Education and Democracy,” Jan. 31; “Democracy in Action,” Feb. 7] deserves to be commended for striving to implement democratic structures that include students as a central part […]

Very recently, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, with hundreds of scientists from 113 countries, determined conclusively that man-made greenhouse gases are responsible for global warming. They predicted devastating droughts and hurricanes, and extensive flooding of coastal areas, displacing millions. A report released by the United Nations in November blamed animal agriculture for 18 percent […]

The setting was a familiar one to me as a vegetarian. I’m with a group of friends and work buddies eating dinner out on the town in Asheville, and the subject of my meatless plate comes up. “How can you live without meat?” is followed by “I would die if I couldn’t eat steak,” and […]

It is rare that I am moved enough by local events to feel the strong desire to write to the editor in hopes of writing to the general public. Recently, however, I have been following some of the reporting in The Charlotte Observer concerning statewide mental-health reform and efforts to audit providers. As far as […]

Recently you printed a reply [“Color My World,” Feb. 14] to being colorblind and not needing denotation of colors, especially when it deals with sports [“Tired of the Color Code,” Jan. 31]. We have not even begun to deal with the inherent institutionalized racism of this country. It seems an economic boon to foster and […]

I am writing concerning the article published on Carmel’s Restaurant and Bar [“The Straight Dish,” Feb. 7]. As one of the owner’s of Anntony’s Caribbean Café, I must say that reviews are an important part of showcasing a business. Your writer, Hanna Rachel Raskin, did a poor job reviewing even her thoughts of the new […]

I enjoy your publication and look forward to it each week. I rarely respond to any of the published material I receive, but the review of Carmel’s by Hanna Rachel Raskin [“The Straight Dish,” Feb. 7] demanded a response. I seriously question her ability as a restaurant reporter or food critic. I fail to see […]

I’ve been reading the Mountain X for a number of years now, … primarily because I love [movie reviewer] Ken Hanke. I find him intelligent, knowledgeable, incisive, human and most of all, a mighty fine writer. So when the Mountain X first began publishing restaurant reviews, I was excited to read what I hoped would […]

Nina Smith says she will eat a McDonald’s burger if I write another pro-vegetarian letter to the editor [“Fries With That?”, Feb. 14]). So be it; I can’t make her a compassionate person. Judging by the maturity of her statements, I’m guessing she’s probably too young to drive. Hopefully, her parents will take her for […]

As a professor of nutrition, I read with wonder Nina Smith’s promised strategy [“Fries With That?”, Feb. 14] for retaliating against the Mountain Xpress for printing letters from compassionate correspondents, Stewart and Terri David. Does she not realize that by making the choice to “purchase a double Quarter Pounder with cheese,” she only promotes an […]

In a recent letter to the editor [“Fries With That?”, Feb. 14], Nina Smith vehemently proclaimed that her decision to purchase or not purchase animal products will be solely determined by whether or not the Mountain Xpress chooses to print letters from Terri and Stewart David. Even after careful consideration of this letter, I still […]

I wanted to thank you for publishing such a nice article about See No Evil Films in December [Buzzworm, “Rolling Into Town: See No Evil Films,” Dec. 13]. Having opened our offices in Asheville recently, it was such an incredible joy to feel so welcomed in the community. Your reporter, Brian Postelle, did an excellent […]

Suppose we assume for a moment that Council member [Carl] Mumpower knows what he is doing. He appears to be trying to tackle the drug problem, even though this is the assigned duty of the Asheville Police Department. This leaves the rest of us wondering what he’s actually up to. Is he trying to embarrass […]

A nonbinding, antiwar, anti-Iraq-surge resolution is despicable and meaningless! Are the Democrats under the assumption that they were elected to simply assist the current administration in its crimes? What’s next, a nonbinding impeachment complete with pay raise and tenure? Didn’t America vote for a change last November? How quickly the newly elected succumb to the […]