Thanks for reading through to the end…
We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.
We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.
I usually find the columns of the Asheville Disclaimer fairly amusing, however this one I do not. Particularly, the “story” about the civil servants “attack[ing]” the streets of Asheville. There are 200-plus city firefighters who have never allegedly fired a gun at anyone. There are hundreds of county firefighters who have never solicited anyone for sex. There are dozens of law enforcement officers who do not run around town allegedly getting into road-rage feuds with private citizens. And the “EMTs” as you call them (actually they’re PARAMEDICS- there IS a difference) haven’t even done anything. I especially resent this column’s use of the Buncombe County EMS emblem as well as that of the West Buncombe Fire Department- two outstanding agencies whose members are not even involved in any of these “controversies.” Again, I realize this is meant as a joke (at least I sincerly HOPE it is…), but our public servants- who routinely sacrifice their time, skills, and sometimes unfortunately even their LIVES to help their neighbors- should NOT be treated with this disrespect. Shame on you, Asheville Disclaimer.