In response to Thomas Kelemen-Beatty’s Jan. 23 letter to Xpress, “Evacuation Should Be a Serious Concern”: I commend his commitment to a safe plan for disaster evacuation, but I can’t help thinking that we could alleviate the issue much less circuitously by finding alternatives to nuclear energy and weaponry.
I trust he's coming from a place of service, but I just can’t help but to feel irked by the irony in the suggestion that we turn to Homeland Security to settle the repercussions from a nuclear disaster that most likely would result from some corporate malfeasance which that department is designed to protect.
I also need to address Mark Strazzer’s letter, “A Medley of Responses to Mountain Xpress,” from the same issue. Now, if you’re for gun control, then power to you and may you lead an enlightened life. But I must say that if you think the Second Amendment has anything to do with deer hunting, then I think you should revisit your American history. It may be more comprehensive to take a quick look at world history, and the nearly unanimous pattern of governmental bodies to become ensconced in corruption and tyranny. The right to bear arms is about making a stand when voting and “free-speech zone” protests cease to be acknowledged.
I wonder also: Who are “drug lords or mass murderers”? It’s only arbitrary that some wear badges and others don’t. Where did all the guns, drugs and money go from the APD evidence room? Most happily forget the incident in favor of acquiescing to a comfortable status quo and the idea that we are protected. I find it intensely more threatening to see these farcical agencies of “justice” or “democracy” carrying weapons of destruction than my neighbors who want to maintain peace and prosperity for their families and retain the capability to resist a police state if push comes to shove.
The Constitution — Second Amendment and all — was created to limit the power of government, preserve liberty and protect the people’s power to shatter injustice. I love each and every one of you, but I am flabbergasted by seemingly sane people’s willingness to witness outright extortion, corruption and piracy from our government over and over again and still come to the conclusion that it is anything close to being trustworthy.
Controversy runs high in the nation today; what a blessing that we have a community forum to discuss our diverse viewpoints! Diversity is perfection, so thank you all for having the vitality to express yourselves.
— Fletcher Ravenstock
Asheville
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