It's been almost 30 years since I was moved to write another letter to a paper, but the urge to respond to the recent comments by Sen. Jim Forrester was just too much to resist.
I think we have been given a beautiful opportunity here to practice compassion for those less fortunate. One thing I've learned about human nature so far is that there will always be haters and usually it's not you they hate, but themselves.
Many people have suffered traumas in their upbringing that continue to manifest throughout their lives and frequently [they] target those around them. Just remember: When someone lashes out at you, it's not really about you at all. It's just their own demons surfacing.
I do have one issue with the title "Cesspool of Sin," however — it is just so awesome. I mean seriously, a marketing firm couldn't have come up with something that great. Out here in Black Mountain we're just the "Rocking Chair on the Front Porch of Western North Carolina.”
I invite Mr. Forrester to visit our little town to dig into the dark underbelly of sin and see if he can come up with a new slogan for us. Keep up the good work, Asheville. Where can I buy a T-shirt?
— Alan Healy
Black Mountain
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.