Vandalism makes a poor weapon in a clash of ideologies

I received a call from Asheville GreenWorks today, informing me that the Adopt-a-Street signs for the WNC Atheists, which are posted on both ends of North Lexington Avenue, had been vandalized and would need to be replaced. I was also informed that Asheville GreenWorks had received threatening phone calls demanding that the signs be taken down.

I was not surprised by this news, nor were any other members of our atheist street-cleaning crew. It is simply a matter of fact that, in the United States, pro-atheist outreach efforts are commonly met with this sort of response.

I would like to take this opportunity to ask the vandals: what were you hoping to accomplish? What does it say about your belief system that atheists are picking up litter while you deface city property?

The folks at Asheville GreenWorks spend a tremendous amount of time and effort to keep our city looking beautiful. New signs are already being printed. All you have done is waste the time and money of an organization that is trying to better our city.

I wish to extend an invitation to the vandals and to those making the threatening phone calls: if you truly believe that your worldview is superior, then prove it. There is no shortage of streets in Asheville that need litter control. Call Asheville GreenWorks and adopt a street of your own. Show us all that your convictions are so strong, and your constituents so dedicated, that you can keep a cleaner street than a ragtag bunch of atheists.

You’ll get your own signs, and we promise not to hurt them.

— James Childress
Asheville

SHARE

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.

About Webmaster
Mountain Xpress Webmaster Follow me @MXWebTeam

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.

3 thoughts on “Vandalism makes a poor weapon in a clash of ideologies

  1. Just imagine if the religionists had power in government. They wouldn’t need vandalism to suppress free speech.
    …………………

  2. mountaingal

    Very nice letter. Hopefully, your thoughtful inquiry will resonate in these vandals minds – if not now, perhaps in the future. Self-righteousnesis and ignorance are formidable forces … or maybe the vandals were just kids pushing the limits of order … In any case, keep up the good work that your organization promotes.

Leave a Reply to Barry Summers ×

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.