Freedom before incorporation

First, I would like to thank John Kelleher for this letter, "Not Buying the Swannanoa Plan," in the Aug. 12 Xpress, which starts out, "So let me get this straight." He did indeed get it straight. I hope that the people of Swannanoa Valley will read and re-read that letter until they know exactly what it means.

I would like to add another meaning to his comments: Freedom! On Aug. 4, I attended the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting. A lady held up a sign that said, "Everyone gave something, and some gave everything." I felt again the remorse that I felt 65 years ago when my brother died in the Battle of Bastogne in Belgium. In his last letter, written shortly before the battle, he wrote, "Mama, I have taken human life but I hope that God will forgive me because I did it so that the people of America can be free."

The day after the letter came, the telegram came that said he had given everything. … I'll remember my brother. You remember someone that you know or knew. The least that we can do to repay them is to vote "no" to the incorporation of Swannanoa Valley on Nov. 3.

One freedom lost is another step toward communism. Another government formed would be many freedoms lost. My home, my family and my life are not toys for other people to play with. What are these same things worth to you?

— Arnold H. Ferguson
Buncombe County

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.

Leave a Reply

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.