Has Xpress lost its way?

I understand the Mountain Xpress is censoring Nelda Holder because she did not avoid a conflict of interest [see http://avl.mx/u6 for the story].

Holder was arrested for protesting injustice. Since when is it a conflict of interest to oppose injustice? This is too much. We live at a time when our country’s constitutional protections are being weakened and dissolved, one by one. Here in North Carolina, we have elected representatives who openly disregard their constituents, having been bankrolled for their perfidy with money and privileges.

In spite of this powerful steamroller that assaults the voting public, a few staunch citizens stand up peacefully to give voice to our dismay. By some chicanery of the lawmakers, these citizens are considered law breakers.

Adding to the abuse of Holder by the law, our local “independent” newspaper exercises its power to further silence her.  Kicking folks when they’re down we used to call it. Why silence the victim and allow the perpetrators’ voices to be heard?

We who enjoy the Mountain Xpress expect its writers to offer an alternative to the canned reporting of and by the powerful. Has this local voice for the freedom of the press and the rights of the citizens lost its way?

— Norma Warren
Asheville

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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.

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