Asheville Daily Planet - November, 2011 by John North

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November 2011

Vol. 7, No. 12

An Independent Newspaper Serving Greater Asheville

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Occupy Asheville movement impacting city Activists seek, given free food, clothing, camping equipment

From Staff Reports After more than a month of operations, the activist group Occupy Asheville continues to makes its presence felt downtown, with protesters camping on the sidewalk next to the Federal Building along Patton Avenue and holding nightly General Assemblies in Pritchard Park. For a time in October, the City of Asheville allowed the OA protesters to camp in a city-owned parking lot along North Lexington Avenue under the Interstate 240 bridge. When City Council ordered that they vacate the site, some of the campers relocated to Patton Avenue. Group members have expressed concern about a number of issues, especially corporate greed, social inequality and a lack of compassion for the poor in America. Various area businesses and residents have given food, clothing, and camping and cooking items to the demonstrators. Several of the protesters have emphasized that they are acting in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street, a larger national movement based in New York City’s financial district that began Sept. 17. The local group began Sept. 27 with a Facebook page. In the latest developments, Asheville police arrested 24 OA protesters late on the night of Nov. 2, after a crowd refused to leave Pack Square. The city’s park curfew is 10 p.m. Earlier on Nov. 2, the protesters marched in solidarity with Occupy Oakland (California). Meanwhile, in Oakland, thousands

Occupy Asheville holds a General Assembly nightly in downtown’s Prichard Park. of protesters marched to the city’s busy port, halting operations there. Meanwhile, issues have arisen between the OA protesters and homeless people who are drawn by the opportunity to camp for

free downtown, free food and medical care. In one case, Anthony Benton, an OA camper, reportedly visited the Buncombe County magistrate recently to swear out an arrest warrant against a homeless man for

Daily Planet Staff Photo

assault and making threats. According to a media report, he contended that the man had been threatening to fight men at the camp all night and harassing women with inappropriate comments.

A-B Tech Foundations’ board accused of scandalous misuse of funds for campaign

Robert Malt speaks against tax hike.

By JOHN NORTH Local conservative activist Robert Malt alleged that A-B Tech Foundation’s Board of Directors — scandalously — has misappropriated $75,000 in funds for political purposes His allegation were voiced during a chilly mid-morning press conference Nov. 3 in front of the Buncombe County Courthouse in Asheville. “As far as I know, that’s illegal,” he said. Specifically, Malt contended that the money was used in the campaign to persuade Buncombe voters, including city residents, to support a referendum to impose a 25 cents per $100 local sales tax increase to finance new buildings and infrastructure improvements at the community college. To that end, Malt asked that the board correct the situation by noon Nov. 4. Malt is executive director of Sales Tax Opposition Partnership (STOP). He is a past chairman of the Buncombe County GOP.

As telephone call to Mona Cornwell, director of community relations and marketing at A-B Tech, seeking the school’s response to Malt’s remarks, was not returned to the Daily Planet on Nov. 3. Meanwhile, at the press conference, Malt asked that the A-B Tech Foundation board issue a written statement, asking that the $75,000 be returned by the Join Our Buncombe Solution (JOBS) Referendum Committee to the Foundation. Malt also asked the board members to: • “Clearly state that, they will personally cover any monetary shortfall, in the event JOBS can’t pay it all back, as they, as directors, are ultimately responsible for the safe caretaking of the Foundation’s funds. • “Clearly state that they personally, either didn’t vote to contribute this money, and had no knowledge of the situation, or in fact made a terrible mistake for which they are truly sorry.

For more Lindy photos, see Page 7 Daily Planet Staff Photo

• “Acknowledge that this matter has been handled poorly by the leaders of the pro-tax campaign, and that they will immediately conduct a full internal investigation of the facts, and cooperate with any and all outside investigations. • “Acknowledge that this entire situation reeks of scandal, and for that reason, they are asking people to vote against the tax increase, if for no other reason, than to protect the school, its directors, administrators, staff and students from further damage to their reputation because of this scandal, and that the critical needs of A-B Tech can be funded another way, either through a bond referendum or some other means in the near future.” Malt added, “We ask that each board member does this so as to protect their own reputation. Otherwise, they will be forever tainted by this A-B Tech tax scandal.” See A-B TECH, Page 16

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Agenda 21 (sustainable development) termed control move Constitutionally guaranteed freedoms eroding into un-constitutional regional governance, speaker claims

First in a series of two stories. • By JOHN NORTH In presenting a likely grim future for most of humanity, Neal Thomas addressed “Agenda 21 — Sustainable Development” in a speech to the Asheville Tea Party at Ryan’s restaurant on Brevard Road in Asheville on Oct. 26. About 35 people attended the program. Thomas, author of The Gaspee Gazette and a member of the Shelby 9/12 Tea Party, said that Agenda 21 is already present on the local and state levels, eroding Americans’ constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. Thomas said the agenda reaches into every household in America and that nobody knows the total cost to one’s livelihood. Thomas, who spoke for 80 minutes and fielded questions for 20 minutes, began by quipping, “I ask that you abstain from applause till after my presentation because it may make you sick to your stomach.” He then warned that references to “sustainable development,” “green growth” and “smart growth,” among others, are used to conceal what Thomas termed the dangerous nature of Agenda 21. “We’re replacing constitutional government with regional governance,” he said. “‘Sustainable’ is a word, but ‘sustainable development’ is an agenda.” Thomas said Gro Harlem Brundtland, a Norwegian whom he said was the vice president of the World Socialist Party “back in the ‘60s,” developed the concept of sustainable development in conjunction through her work with the United Nations in 1987. The Brundtland Commission, which she headed, provided the momentum for Agenda 21. He said it was a matter of “sustainable development by stealth.” Thomas added that those involved asked others not to associate terms like “U.N.” or “sustainable development” in references to it. “We can see they’re starting off — off the bat — by obfuscating.” He said Agenda 21 has gotten the support of both Democrats and Republicans — and

liberals and, to his chagrin, some conservatives. He said former presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, among others, were significantly involved with Agenda 21. While some political partisans hate the Republicans and others hate the DemoNeal Thomas crats, Thomas said, “At the top, they’re the same people and they want the same thing. “In the end, they’re all collectivists ... On the left, they call it ‘social justice.’ On the right, they’re going to do it with government-private partnerships,” such as Halliburton Company, Blackwater and General Electric. To that end, he noted that GE “paid no taxes last year.” Thomas added, “The one-world government thing will be a one-corporation thing,” ultimately. He lambasted former Charlotte mayor Pat McCrory for advocating for regional governance through the N.C. Metropolitan Mayors Coalition. Thomas charged that McCrory asked planners not to use the word “density” because it frightens people and touted regionalism by noting that “air and water pollution do not have political boundaries.” He also ripped McCrory for stating that

“we need a regional tree canopy policy that deals with the sprawl and works across political boundaries ... He’s saying this agenda will outlast you.” Agenda 21 advocates “want you out of your car — maybe on a bicycle or walking, or maybe (riding) on a train,” Thomas said. He blamed McCrory for creating Sustainable Environment for Quality of Life in 2002, which is a regional cooperative effort crossing state lines to include North Carolina and South Carolina and funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. “Why stop at a two-state border?” Thomas asked. “All states, cities and counties within the I-85 corridor will be one major region, regardless of political boundaries.” Further, he asserted, “Regional government has already replaced local government in North Carolina.” For Ashevillearea officials, “You don’t tie your shoes without asking the Land of Sky Regional Council how to do it — and how far to bend over.” The ATP crowd laughed. Thomas also contended that “greenways are a part of sustainability because they lock up land ... good land.” In firing a jab at the Asheville-based Land of Sky Regional Council, he said, “Members meet monthly to plan programs and set policies and goals to benefit the entire region,” including Buncombe County. After a pause, he asked, “Who elected them? I didn’t vote for them ... These guys decide on everything.” What’s more, Thomas asked, “Did anyone here sign up to be part of the Land of Sky Regional Council? You voted for your

commissioners to make decisions,” but they have ceded power the LOSRC. “You don’t have to be in the (various) regional councils. But, if you’re in one, you have to pay dues.” He added, “It’s already state law in North Carolina that we’ll support, with tax dollars, these” regional councils. About $22 million “ran through these” from local, state and federal taxes, according to the most recently available data. “A new government is being created and funded by you ... right in front of your eyes ... Why stop with a council of governments from Charlotte? Why not have a Council of Governors, which match the 10 FEMA regions” in the U.S.? He noted that N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue “just happens” to be the governor assigned to the Asheville area’s FEMA region. Upon mentioning Perdue, Thomas also took a jab at the governor for what she termed was a joking reference to suspending elections for two years, so that Congress can focus on economic recovery — and not just to the next election. He also mentioned ICLEA, which is an intenational association of local governments for sustainable development, noting that “Asheville used to be a member” of it. He said ICLEA espouses Agenda 21 and biological diversity, among other ideas. After wondering who in Asheville signed the ICLEA document, he noted that the association “advocates Earth Charter principles.” (The Earth Charter is a declaration of fundamental ethical principles.) See AGENDA 21, Page 5

MREs for earthquakes? Water filters? Google comet Elenin for updates ... Nov. 11, Nov. 22

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Asheville Police Department Chief Bill Hogan issued statement on property room investigation;

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Mission marketing chief resigns after foe plays audio clip

From Staff Reports Mission Hospital’s vice president of marketing resigned Oct. 21 following comments she made during a presentation at a marketing conference in Arizona. Janet Moore’s comments included referring to Mission as a “monopoly” and a “500-pound gorilla in Western North Carolina.” In the audio clip, she also characterized some Haywood County residents as “hillbillies” and mimicked “a Haywood County accent.” The audio clip of Moore’s comments were replayed by Mission competitor Park Ridge Health during a hearing Oct. 20 in Fletcher at a public meeting with a North Carolina House panel on renewing Mission’s Certification of Public Advantage. Park Ridge Health officials played the audio clip of Moore to support its case for stronger oversight of Mission and limits on the Asheville-based health system’s acquisitions. (The clip may be heard by clicking on www.wncchoice.com.) In a statement released late Oct. 21 Mission Hospital announced, “Janet Moore’s comments at a recent presentation to a professional audience were ill-advised, and she apologizes. Ms. Moore has tendered her resignation and it has been accepted. “Ms. Moore has tendered her resignation and it has been accepted. The views reflected in that presentation in now way represents the beliefs of Mission’s Board, leadership, employees or physicians. Mission remains committed to serving the residents of Western North Carolina with humility and respect.”

Socialists at UNCA decry exploitation, call for a revolution

From Staff Reports A program on “The Alternative to Capitalism: Socialism 101” — calling for a revolution in the United States with a radical change in the economic system from capitalism to pure Marxist socialism — was presented Oct. 25 in UNC Asheville’s Highsmith University Union. “Reforms are not enough,” meeting co-leader Michael “Trey” Kindlinger told the gathering. “It will take a revolution ... a socialist revolution!” With a note of sadness, he said there only have been “glimpses” of pure socialism in history, citing the Paris Commune of 1871 — and “the first few years of the Russian Revolution before (dictator Joseph) Stalin destroyed it.” To that end, Kindlinger said, “We need a revolutionary organization to combat racism, sexism and homophobia ... We cannot wait to start at building the socialist alternative.” About 15 men of varying ages, including a number of UNCA students, attended the 90-minute program. Among the attendees were several local libertarians, who argued the case for free-market capitalism, claiming that the “capitalism” to which the socialists at the meeting were objecting, is, instead, more of a mix of socialism, fascism and other “isms.” A few of the libertarians, proponents of the Austrian School of Economics championed by Ludwig von Mises, claimed that unfettered capitalism offers the maximum individual freedom and the greatest opportunity for prosperity. The discussion between the socialists and the libertarians was lively, but generally respectful.

Agenda 21

Continued from Page 4 “Guys, we’re not fighting people who just want you to drive fewer miles. These are not people wanting you just to recycle more. These are religious fanatics — it’s Mother Earth and Gaya.” Under ICLEA, he reiterated that “the first thing they’re going to do” is shift Americans, increasingly, from “local constitutional government to regional governance.” Next, he said other ICLEA changes will be implemented, including the following: • Reduce vehicle travel. • Shape the settlement patterns, via such options as greenways, which Thomas said, “once they get their hands on that land, it never can be used again” for anything else. • Ensure that every worker earns a living wage.

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• Engage all people from birth to adulthood with access to public education. • Ensure community food security and equitable access to food at all times. • Foster pro-social behavior. • Integrate physical education into people’s daily routines. After a pause, Thomas said, “To me, it sounds like ICLEA wants to replace a very special document (the Constitution) that already does those things.” He then cited Maggie Ullman, listed as an energy coordinator, works in Room 2008 in Asheville City Hall. He added, “When I said it’s in your backyard ... What’s an ‘energy coordinator?’” He said the elite group of people planning to control the rest of the humanity aspires to have a “sustainable” world population of 7 million, with a culture of agricultural peasants, or 1 million in an industrial culture. When someone noted that the world’s

population just has exceeded 7 billion, another person asked how that difference with the 7 million goal could ever be reconciled. “Don’t worry,” Thomas replied. “They have a plan.” “Obamacare!” someone in the crowd quipped, prompting laughter. On a serious note, Thomas said that, “if there are no volunteers” to die to reduce the world population to 1 million people, “then we’ll need to be agricultural peasants,” with an easier sustainable target. Thomas then cited Dr. Michael Coffman for his role in defeating the proposed BioDiversity Treaty, which would have taken much of the land in the U.S. out of use. Coffman devised a colorful map, showing how little land people could use, prompting the treaty to be immediately tabled. “I can only guess what would have happened if it passed and you lived in a red zone,” which included much of Western North Carolina, Thomas said.

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Obama rips Republicans, touts jobs bills during Asheville visit From Staff Reports FLETCHER — In touting his $447 billion jobs bill, President Barack Obama slammed what he alleged is the agenda of the Republican Party during a 25-minute speech that drew about 2,000 people Oct. 17 on a runway at the Asheville Regional Airport. The president said the Republican agenda includes dirty water, dirty air and fewer people with health care coverage. Specifically, he asserted, “You got their plan, which is: ‘Let’s have dirtier air, dirtier water, (and) less people with health insurance.’” (The new GOP plan calls for repealing the health care reform law and a balanced budget, among other provisions.) In speaking of his jobs plan, which is stalled in the Senate, Obama noted that it includes infrastructure projects and tax breaks. He said the plan is projected by “independent economists” to create nearly 2 million jobs and boost the economy by as much as 2 percent. In contrast, he said the GOP’s jobs plan could — according to the same aforementioned economists — actually result in job losses instead of gains. In another hard jab at GOP legislators, the president said, “Maybe they just couldn’t understand the whole thing at once, so we’re going to break it up into bite-size pieces.” Many in the crowd laughed at Obama’s implication that his plan is too complex for the minds of Republicans. Conversely, Dave Boyer of The Washington Times reported shortly after Obama’s speech that “House Republican leaders have noted that they originally proposed in early September breaking up the president’s jobs bill into pieces that could

Daily Planet Staff Photo

The president wins applause from the friendly Asheville-area crowd. receive bipartisan support, but the White Virginia. (Obama’s sleek black bus reportHouse insisted first on Congress acting on edly was manufactured in Canada.) From the full proposal.” Asheville, he was headed to a speech at After his speech, the president shook West Wilkes High in Millers Creek. Traffic hands with the crowd members for about problems were reported to the Daily Planet 10 minutes, before starting on his threefrom the airport, to Asheville — and even day bus tour through North Carolina and to Boone.

Attendance was limited at the ticketed event. The tickets were free, but those wanting to attend had to spend an hour or more in a long line on the previous evening in the parking lot of the WNC Ag Center, near the airport. The attendees rode free shuttle buses, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 17, from the Ag Center to the gated outdoor runway area, where they then had to line up to go through airport-like security. The area was guarded by special security, including two men on a rooftop with rifles and binoculars, and a heavy local police presence in the crowd itself. Afterward, a number of crowd members walked back to their cars in the balmy weather, instead of waiting on the shuttle buses. For efficiency’s sake, the event organizers went through the invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem, well before Obama’s arrival. After his jet landed and the president appeared and waved to the crowd, a young African-American boy with a bird’s-eye view from sitting on a man’s shoulders, declared jubilantly — and repeatedly: “Obama is here! Obama is here! Obama is here!” The many Obama enthusiasts in the crowd laughed or cheered. As the president walked from the runway to the podium, a large number of attendees chanted, “Four more years! Four more years!” Obama waved and smiled. “Hello, Asheville,” the president said. “It’s good to be back in Asheville, North Carolina. I love Asheville ... In fact, I should be on the Asheville Tourism Bureau” because, the president asserted, he always is asking people if they have visited the city. “It’s a nice place to be.”

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Asheville Daily Planet — November 2011 - 7 The Heart of Downtown Asheville...

Mark Cates

Saul Chase

Jan Davis

Lael Gray

Marc Hunt

Chris Pelly

Six candidates vye for three seats on Asheville’s council From Staff Reports Only one incumbent, Jan Davis, is among the six candidates seeking three seats on Asheville City Council in the Nov. 8 election. The other two seats are held by Vice Mayor Brownie Newman and Councilman Bill Russell, neither of whom chose to seek re-election. The winners will join three other council members who have served only two years each. In an Oct. 11 primary, which narrowed the field from eight candidates to six, the leading vote-getters were Marc Hunt, Chris Pelly and Lael Gray. They were followed by Jan Davis, fourth; Mark Cates, fifth; and Saul Chase, sixth. A record low of 10 percent of eligible voters cast ballots in the primary. On Oct. 30, the Asheville Citizen-Times endorsed Davis, Hunt and Pelly in an editorial. Davis, who has served for eight years on council, is the owner of a downtown tire store. He played a major role in the refurbishment of the Asheville Civic Center and in attracting the Southern Conference basketball tournament back to the city. Hunt, a land preservation specialist, is promoting smart growth to prevent suburban sprawl, which he calls the “greatest environmental challenge.” He backs density bonuses for affordable developments near major roads with bus service. Pelly, a real estate broker and president

of the Haw Creek Community Association, is known as a proponent of building sidewalks and greenways. In an e-mail statement titled “You won’t read this in the Citizen-Times,” Gray stated that she is for “environment, equality, education.” In a jab at the AC-T, Gray asserted, “I’m not a sound-bite candidate. The Asheville Citizen-Times has relegated my entire work and community service record down to three words: ‘Montford Neighborhood Activist.’ But there’s a lot more you should know about me. Meanwhile, Cates, a Florida-raised business consultant, is the only Republican running in the race. Cates, 42, a former aerospace engineer, is running on a platform of “jobs, jobs, jobs ... There is no other issue right now.” Besides jobs, other top issues for Cates include developing the economy in a way that protects, preserves and promotes the city’s unique culture and addressing basic needs, such as clean water, clean air, hunger, poverty and homelessness. Chase, 59, served on Boone Town Council for eight years in the 1980s and ‘90s. He is a retired North Carolina public school teacher and administrator. He currently works part-time as an SAT coach. If elected, Chase has plans for improving the streets and sidewalks in Asheville’s neighborhoods and, with his perspective as a public school educator, believes he can help Asheville City Schools.

From Staff Reports Buncombe County voters, including those within the City of Asheville, will vote on a referendum Nov. 8 that seeks to approve a 25 cents per $100 local sales tax boost to finance infrastructure improvements, including three new buildings at A-B Tech. Educators and their supporters have

staged a strong campaign, mainly contending that the services of the community college are especially needed for training and retraining workers during hard times. To the contrary, Robert Malt, executive director of STOP — Sales Tax Opposition Partnership, has said the funds would not be earmarked for the school and that the plan would result in a permanent tax boost.

Two sides square off over referendum seeking sales tax increase for A-B Tech

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Asheville native Joshua P. Warren travels the world, investigating paranormal phenomena. He is the author of 10 books. His team made the cover of a science journal in 2004 for its work on the Brown Mountain Lights and other rare plasmas in nature.

‘Speaking of Strange’ wins reprieve from cancelation Spooky show to reincarnate on Nov. 19

From Staff Reports With a final Halloween hurrah, the local paranormal radio show, “Speaking of Strange,” ended its eight-year run on Oct. 29 on Asheville’s WWNC-AM (570) — or so it had been announced. However, Shelley Wright, a paranormal investigator and frequent co-host of the show, notified the Daily Planet on Nov. 3 that “‘Speaking of Strange’ is now syndicated and will be carried on WWNC 570-AM and KHWK-FM in Nevada, as well as other stations on Saturday nights. “The show will be bigger and better and can be broadcast from anywhere. We will return to the airwaves Nov. 19.” As a result, only two shows will be missed during the hiatus. Meanwhile, the show’s host, internationally acclaimed paranormal expert Joshua P. Warren, stated in a press release later Nov. 3 that “last Saturday was the ‘farewell show’ for that incarnation of my popular ‘Speaking of Strange’ radio progam. “And it was done earnestly; I did not know what the future held. It was not a publicity stunt. I mentioned that I was looking into some options to continue the show, and I’m delighted to tell you today that those options have worked out great!” To that end, Warren asserted, “Not only will the show return, but it will now be heard on both the East and West coasts, as well as streaming on-line. Plus, any local station can ow carry the show for free.

They simply have to ask for it!” He confirmed Wright’s statement that the show will return on Nov. 19, broadcast at the following stations at the following times: • New Radio 570 WWNC-AM, 9 p.m.midnight, Saturdays. • AM 1400 The Peak, Waynesville, 9 p.m.-midnight, Saturdays. • Alien Radio KHWK-FM 92.7, Kingdom of Nye, Nevada, 10 p.m.-1 a.m. (PST) Saturdays. In addition, Warren said fans can hear the show streaming on-line via www. WWNC.com and www. AlienRadio.us. In a previous statement about the canceled incarnation of the show, he noted that it “had a great run” at WWNC, adding, “We have consistently retained high ratings and a huge amount of web traffic. What began as a local show now has fans all over the world, thanks to the Internet. Warren also advised listeners that, “soon, all the podcasts of ‘SOS’ will probably disappear from the WWNC site. Therefore, I hope all of you will help in the process of downloading and backing them up somewhere on your computer. Just download and back up whatever you can. “Later we’ll create a board where everyone can pitch in and re-post that stuff for posterity. We’ve had some unforgettable moments on the air! You can begin downloading old shows for free,” Warren said.

Daily Planet Staff Photo

Zombie outbreak occurs

Asheville Zombie Walk 2011 drews hundreds of costumed characters Oct. 22 to Biltmore Square Mall in Asheville. Activites were held inside the mall earlier in the evening, including a costume-judging contest. Later, when the mall closed, the Zombie Walk proceeded around the outside of the mall, drawing a large crowd of Zombies and curious onlookers.

At last, Pack Square restroom construction begins From Staff Reports Following a groundbreaking on Nov. 1, work began on the long-awaited pavilion that will house public restrooms and the visitors center at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority presented a ceremonial check of $500,000 to Pack Square Park Conservancy. In addition, a recent anonyous donation financed the remainder of the $525,0000

budget for the pavilion. The pavilion is considered the final piece in the park project, which dragged on for five years and cost more than $17 million in public and private money. The city is still owed about $2 million by the conservancy, which has performed as an intermediary in a contract between the conservancy and the company that finished work on the park last year. The separate pavilion budget will be covered by the money from the TDA and the

anonymous donor. Construction is expected to last from four to five months. The conservancy originally had planned to construct a $2 million facility, which would have been twice as large as the currently projected building. The project was downscaled as fundraising issues delayed construction for several years. The one-story building will cover about 1,200 square feet, with the public bathrooms connected to the visitors center via a breezeway, which will be illuminated at

night. The restrooms will include two women’s and two men’s toilets. The visitors center will be staffed by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. In June, City Councilman Cecil Bothwell asked that the Buncombe County TDA be redirected to the city because the conservancy had “repeatedly demonstrated an astonishing inability to complete projects on time or within anything like original estimates.”

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Alumni band lights up MHC

The Dynamic Imperials, a 10-piece beach music and rhythm and blues band comprised of Mars Hill College alumni, perform during the school’s

recent Homecoming Dance. The band entertained MHC students in the 1960s. The bandmates lost touch with each other after graduating from col-

Daily Planet Staff Photo

lege, but are now performing together some 40 years later. All 10 members are MHC graduates, with degrees in music, business and math.

Asheville Chamber of Commerce drops out of U.S. chamber From Staff Reports The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has quietly decided not to renew its membership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as of October 2011. The announcement, placed at the bottom of the Asheville Chamber’s FAQ section, stated, “The Asheville Chamber is a

non-partisan organization focused on job creation. We find the discussion of membership in the US Chamber to be a distraction from that goal. Therefore, it was the staff’s recommendation that we not renew our membership with the US Chamber as of October 2011. This is not a political statement but one of expediency to remain

focused on the attraction and creation of jobs.” The number of local chambers quitting or not renewing their memberships continues to gain momentum nationwide over a wide range of controversial U.S. Chamber policies — from its stance on climate change to financial reform to general partisan

electioneering and politicking. Asheville’s chamber has about 2,000 members, while the national group claims about 300,000 members. Meanwhile, the U.S. chamber said it a nonpartisan group and that it also solely focuses on job creation and economic growth.

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Wood energy possibilities demonstrated David Kobler and Scott Hunt, who run Practical Preppers, LLC, specialists in emergency preparedness from Pickney, S.C., demonstrated ways that wood may be used to generate energy during Customer Appreciation Day on Oct. 26 at Carolina Readiness Supply in Waynesville. At left, is a thermo-electic generator (top in tray), heated by wood-burning stoves. The generator, available from TegPower.com for about $400, converts wood heat into electricity, which may be used for recharging batteries and other such uses. Above, an old Ford pickup truck has been converted to wood power, with a woodburning apparatus in the back that feeds the gas emitted by the

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wood — and a little bit of oxygen — into the carburetor, enabling the truck to run without gasoline. Several hundred people attended the event, which also included a demonstration by Doug Knight of Waynesville, who taught how to start a fire without matches. Among the fire-starting methods he showed were using a magnifying glass to ignite kindling — useful only when the sun is shining — and wrapping dryer lint in steel wool and touching the steel wool with a 9-volt battery, causing the lint to ignite into a fire. Among numerous other features at the event were free refreshments and samples of Mountain House foods and a book-signing by Michael McCarthy, author of “The Noah Option.”

property for Americans is the dollar 10 - November 2011 - Asheville Daily Planet

Calendar

Send us your calendar items

Please submit items to the Calendar of Events by noon on the third Wednesday of each month, via e-mail, at calendar@ashevilledailyplanet. com, or fax to 252-6567, or mail c/o The Daily Planet, P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 288148490. Submissions will be accepted and printed at the discretion of the editor, space permitting. To place an ad for an event, call 252-6565.

Friday., Nov. 4

AUTHOR’S PRESENTATION, 6 p.m., Vicki Lane will present her book, “Under the Skin,” at Accent on Books, 854 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville. AUTHOR’S READING, 7 p.m., Montford Books & More, 31 Montford Ave., Asheville. Marijo Moore will read from her book, “A Book of Spiritual Wisdom — For All Days.” DANCE PROGRAM, 7:30 p.m., Lipinsky Auditorium, UNC Asheville. UNCA’s Dance Program will host its 14 annual benefit performance, “Everybody Can-Can.” Admission at the door is $5, or four cans of food. All food donations will be given to Manna Food Bank and cash proceeds will benefit UNCA’S Dance Program. More than 70 dancers from UNCA and the community will perform in a wide variety of genres.

Saturday, Nov. 5

GREEN PARTY MEETING, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., The Fortune Building, 727-729 Haywood Rd., Asheville.The Buncombe County Green Party will meet. MOUNTAIN MUSIC/DANCING, 8 p.m., Stompin’ Grounds, 3116 Soco Road, Maggie Valley. Mountain music and dancing will be featured.

Sunday, Nov. 6

AUTHOR’S READING, 2 p.m., Zebulon B.

Vance Birthplace State Historic Site, 911 Reems Creek Rd., Weaverville. Sharyn McCrumb will read from her new novel, “The Ballad of Tom Dooley.” CONCERT, 3 p.m., Trinity Presbyterian Church, 900 Blythe St., Hendersonville. The Community Orchestra of Hendersonville will perform its fall concert. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. CHAMBER CONCERT, 3 p.m., St. Matthias’ Church, 1 Dundee St., Asheville. Eric Scheider will conduct a 15-piece ensemble in a concert of music for chamber orchestra. Featured will be the works of Purcell, Bach and Monn. The ensemble will include strings and harpsichord, featuring soloists Arnold Brown, Lew Gelfond and Ben Smith. A free-will offering will be collected for the restoration of the historic church.

Monday, Nov. 7

CONCERT, 1:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Brevard, 325 N. Broad St., Brevard. The Brevard Music Center will offer its “First Monday” concert series. WEST COAST SWING CLASSES, 7:30 and 8 p.m., The Hangar, Clarion Hotel, Fletcher. Free beginners’ lessons for West Coast Swing will be held at 7:30, followed by intermediate lessons at 8 every Monday. The lessons are free. After the lessons, an open dance will be held. CONTRA DANCE, 8 p.m., Bryson Gym, Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa. A contra dance is held weekly, preceded by beginner’s lessons at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $6.

Tuesday, Nov. 8

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Sat A scene is depicted above from the film “The Economics of Justice,” which will be shown at 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. which are $10 for adults and $3 for children, call 694-1743.

Wednesday, Nov. 9

TEA TIME SOCIAL, 6 p.m., Ryan’s Family Steak House, 1000 Brevard Rd., Asheville. The Asheville Tea Party will hold its weekly Tea Time Social. All interested are invited to attend. SHAG DANCE, 7-11 p.m., Shifters, 2310 Hendersonville Rd., Arden. The Mountain Shag Club will offer free shag dancing lessons with a DJ. Admission is $5.

Thursday, Nov. 10

GREAT QUOTES PROGRAM, 7-9 p.m., Smoky Mountain Auditorium, Lake Pointe Landing, Hendersonville. The speaker will be James Ward and his quote is one of novelist William Faulkner’s most famous lines, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past” from “Requium for a Nun.” Ward will explain the quote, including its background and will suggest how it could apply to individuals’lives. The program’s format begins with a 30-minute presentation by the speaker, followed a 15-minute question-and-answer ses-

sion, a 45-minute audience-only discussion and concludes with the speaker getting the last word. The program will be moderated by Don Emon. A donation will be requested. CONTRA DANCE, 8 p.m., Bryson Gym, Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa. A contra dance is held weekly, preceded by beginner’s lessons at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $6.

Wednesday, Nov. 9

AUTHOR’S READING, 7 p.m., Laurel Forum, Karpen Hall, UNC Asheville. Melissa Range, author of the award-winning book of poems, “Horse and Rider,” will read from her work.

Friday, Nov. 11

LECTURE, 11:25 a.m., Lipinsky Auditorium, UNC Asheville. Humanities lecturer John McClain will address “The Rise of Totalitarianism in the Interwar Years.” The event is free and open to the public. ELECTION TALK LUNCHEON, 11:30 a.m., Reuter Center, UNC Asheville. UNCA political science professor Bill Sabo will address “The Coming Battle” — the 2012 election at a brown-bag luncheon.

See CALENDAR, Page 11

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Page 11

Asheville Daily Planet — November 2011 — 11

Wednesday, Nov. 23

Calendar

Continued from Page 10

Friday, Nov. 11

SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM, 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. The Social Justice Film Series will feature “The Economics of Happiness”by Helena NorbergHodge, Steven Gorelick and John Page. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. CONCERT, 8 p.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, Pack Place, Pack Square, downtown Asheville. Julie Fowlis will perform “Music of the Scottish Isles.” For tickets, which are $30 for adults, $25 for students and $12 for children, call 257-4530.

Saturday, Nov. 12

POET’S LECTURE, 4 p.m., Canon Lounge, Gladfelter Student Center, Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa. Poet Holly Iglesias will give WWC’s annual Harwood-Cole Memorial Lecture on “From Bruegel to Snapshots: Framed by the Prose Poem.” The event will be preceded at 3 p.m. with a reception, featuring music by The Dixie Darlings. Lecture admission is free. CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, downtown Asheville. Joshua Bell will perform in the Asheville Bravo Concerts series. For more information or tickets, visit www. ashevillebravoconcerts.org.

Sunday, Nov. 13

CONCERT, 3 p.m., Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2101 Kanuga Rd., Hendersonville. The Community Orchestra of Hendersville will perform its fall concert. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

Monday, Nov. 14

LECTURE, 11:25 a.m., Lipinsky Auditorium, UNC Asheville. Melodie Galloway, a UNCA assistant professor of music, will address “Can We Know Them By the Songs They Sing?” Admission is free and open to the public. LECTURE, 7 p.m., Humanities Lecture Hall, UNC Asheville. The story of Jonah, as considered by Judaism, Christianity and Islam, will be the focus of a lecture on “Jonah’s Whale of a Tale” by Dr. Katherine Peters. ECONOMIC SUMMIT, 7:15 p.m., Diana Wortha Theatre, Pack Place, Pack Square, downtown Asheville. The annual AdvantageWest Economic Summit will feature a panel discussion, moderated by DG. Martin, a newspaper columnist and UNCTV host. Preceding the discussion will be a 5:30 p.m. networking reception. The event is open to the public. For tickets, which are $50 and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and the panel discussion, visit www.advantagewest.com. WEST COAST SWING CLASSES, 7:30 and 8 p.m., The Hangar, Clarion Hotel, Fletcher. Free beginners’ lessons for West Coast Swing will be held at 7:30, followed by intermediate lessons at 8 every Monday. The lessons are free. After the lessons, an open dance will be held. CONTRA DANCE, 8 p.m., Bryson Gym, Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa. A contra dance is held weekly, preceded by beginner’s lessons at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $6.

Tuesday, Nov. 15

TANGO LESSON/DANCE, 6 p.m., The Boiler Room, Grove House Entertainment Complex, 11 Grove St., downtown Asheville. Tango lessons will precede a dance. SWING LESSON/DANCE, 6:30 p.m., Club Eleven, Grove House Entertainment Complex, 11 Grove St., downtown Asheville. A lesson will be followed by a dance, with live music. LECTURE, 6:30 p.m., Grotto, Highsmith University Union, UNC Asheville. Leanna Joyner, author of “Hiking Through History,” will speak. His book is a hiker’s guide to Civil War and Underground Railroad sites along the present-day Appalachian Trail. CONCERT, 7 p.m., Chapel of the Prodigal, Montreat College, Montreat. Arundo Donax, a reed quartet, will perform. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. MILES DAVIS TRIBUTE CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Bardo Fine & Performing Arts Center, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee. “The Miles Davis Experience: 1949-1959” will be presented. The show includes music performed in the manner in which it was first presented, with era photos and film clips brought together by a beat poet-

Thursday, Nov. 24

CONTRA DANCE, 8 p.m., Bryson Gym, Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa. A contra dance is held weekly, preceded by beginner’s lessons at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $6.

Monday, Nov. 28 “The Miles Davis Experience: 1949-1959” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Bardo Fine & Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Admission is $10 for adults. style narrator. Jason Palmer, one of Downbeat Magazine’s “Top 25 Trumpeters of the Future,” will lead an ensemble of performers. For tickets, which are $10 for adults and $5 for students, call 227-2479 or visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu. LECTURE, 8 p.m., Lipinsky Auditorium, UNC Asheville. Frank Warren will speak during a program titled “Frank Warren and PostSecret.” Warren is the creator of the PostSecret project and the postsecret.com website, which receives 7 millions visits per month. Strangers send Warren postcards containing their secrets, which Warren posts online and has published in a series of books. Discussion may contain disturbing or adult content, so UNCA is warning that the program might not be suitable for all ages — or for everyone. Tcikets are $20 for the public, $7 for area students with identification.

Wednesday, Nov. 16

Monday, Nov. 21

WEST COAST SWING CLASSES, 7:30 and 8 p.m., The Hangar, Clarion Hotel, Fletcher. Free beginners’ lessons for West Coast Swing will be held at 7:30, followed by intermediate lessons at 8 every Monday. The lessons are free. After the lessons, an open dance will be held. CONTRA DANCE, 8 p.m., Bryson Gym, Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa. A contra dance is held weekly, preceded by beginner’s lessons at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $6.

Tuesday, Nov. 22

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Tuesday, Nov. 29

Wednesday, Nov. 30

Thursday, Nov. 17

CONCERT, 4 p.m., Lipinsky Auditorium, UNC Asheville. Student ensembles will perform, including the String Quartet and Brass Quintet. Admission is $5 for the general public and free for students and children. CONCERT, 4:15 p.m., Reuter Center, UNC Asheville. A pre-concert lecture will focus on the Nov. 18 performance by the Calder Quartet. DEMOCRATIC DINNER, 6 p.m., Buncombe County Democratic Party Headquarters, 951 Old Fairview Rd., Asheville. The Buncombe Democratic Women’s Dinner will be held. CONTRA DANCE, 8 p.m., Bryson Gym, Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa. A contra dance is held weekly, preceded by beginner’s lessons at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $6.

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SYMPHONY TALK, 3 p.m., Reuter Center, UNC Asheville. Daniel Meyer, music director of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, will discuss the ASO’s next concert. Admission is free.

Sunday, Nov. 20

LECTURE, 2-3:30 p.m., YMI Cultural Center, Eagle and Market streets, downtown Asheville. James R. Tobin, M.D., will present a lecture titled “MIrror Neurons and Empathy: Why People Are Good With or Without God” to the Ethical Society of Asheville. The retired pediatrician and statistician, who has lived in Asheville since 2003, is a member of and treasurer of the board of the ESA. His talk will cover non-self-centered compassionate behavior and its connection to empathy. A discussion period will follow his presentation. After the meeting, time will be afforded for informal conversation. All are welcome. Admission is free. CONCERT, 4 p.m., Lipinsky Auditorium, UNC Asheville. The UNCA Symphony, under the direction of Milton Frotts, and the University Singers, under the direction of Melodie Galloway, will perform in a concert titled “Mozart Mosaic. Admission is $5 for the general public and free for students and children.

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UNCA students

Jane Bilello

12 - November 2011 - Asheville Daily Planet

Daily Planet’s Opinion

A jobs deficit or a skills deficit? The United States unemployment rate was 9.1 percent in September, with millions of Americans looking for work, while there were scads of jobs that employers were unable to fill. The problem, as we see it, is a mismatch between job openings and the skills of those looking for work. In economics jargon, this is termed a problem of “structural unemployment,” in contrast to the “cyclical unemployment” caused by a downturn in the business cycle. “As businesses adapt to a shifting economy, they leave behind a glut of unemployed workers from waning industries who are not qualified for the new jobs being created,” Minn. Gov. Mark Dayton said recently.

The problem is serious because joblessness continues to be relatively quite high. From 1948 to 2010, the U.S.’ unemployment rate averaged 5.7 percent, reaching an historical high of 10.8 percent in November 1982. (A record low of 2.50 percent occurred in May 1953.) Regarding possible solutions, we like the ideas of Peter Cappelli, management professor at the University of Pennsylvian. Cappeli urged turning to some old-fashioned methods that companies used to use, including apprenticeships and on-the-job training. Then figure out ways to make them both attractive to job-hunters and affordable to their employers. The idea is time-tested and could pay off for savvy employers.

The GOP nominee? It’s going to be Rick Perry CHAPEL HILL — Don’t write off Rick Perry. You ask, why not? Because he is going to be the Republican nominee for president and will give Barack Obama a heck of a race next fall. You are laughing, aren’t you? If I had made this prediction six weeks ago, you would not have laughed. No, you would have said something like, “Well maybe” or “probably so.” You would not have been laughing like you are now. You might have let me know that I was stating the obvious and given me a big “So what!” Not now though. The last few weeks have not been kind to the governor of Texas. After his near coronation as Republican nominee when he formally entered the race in August, it has been mostly downhill for Perry: • The surfacing of remarks made in 1992 in which Perry disparaged North Carolina barbecue, saying that Texas road kill was better. • Calling Social Security a Ponzi scheme. • Poor ratings from the media on his performance in the debates with other candidates. • Press reports about a sign that used a racially charged word to identify his family’s leased hunting ranch, • The meteoric rise of Herman Cain in the polls and the imaginations of conservative voters. • Perry’s collapsing poll numbers. The political pundits have declared him to be road kill. (Remember: North Carolina barbecue is better!) They have moved the conversation from Perry to their current view that Mitt Romney is the almost certain Republican nominee. So, why do I think Perry will rise again? First of all, remember John McCain’s campaign for the 2008 nomination. Starting out strong, his campaign faltered in the summer and early fall of 2007. His poll numbers declined. Money ran out. Staff left. Like they did Perry, the pundits wrote him off. In the early winter, he came back, beating Romney in New Hampshire and surging to the nomination. Today, Perry has strengths and resources that put him in a better position for a comeback than McCain’s situation in October 2008: • McCain had run out of money to conduct his campaign. Perry, on the other hand, raised

D.G. Martin $17 million in the last quarter, more than any other Republican candidate. • Like McCain in 2008, Perry is not Mitt Romney. So far polls show that 75 percent of Republicans are still unwilling to register support for the current favorite to win the nomination, even though they know him well. While establishment Republicans have lined up behind him, Romney does not excite the “non-country club” voters. Thus, if and when there is a single credible opponent facing Romney, that opponent stands a good chance of winning the nomination. • None of the other announced candidates are “credible.” Herman Cain is exciting and provocative but will not survive the spotlights that blind an inexperienced candidate. The others are already toast. Perry has been singed but is still very much alive. • As governor of a large state where money talks, Perry can squeeze more money to fund his campaign. • Most important, as former White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told me a few weeks ago, Perry is “comfortable in his boots.” He talks and acts like the kind of person you would be happy to sit down with and drink coffee---or beer. In this respect, he compares to Ronald Reagan, who, even if you did not like his policies, you liked him. Romney might be just as nice, but he projects stiffness and superiority. In a close contest, the nice, comfortable candidate wins. So there you have it. Perry will be the Republican nominee. But before you place your bets, I need to tell you something. Four years ago I was just as sure Fred Thompson was going to run away with the Republican nomination because he was the only candidate who was “comfortable in his boots.” • D.G. Martin hosts UNC-TV’s North Carolina Bookwatch, which airs at 9:30 p.m. Fridays and 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information or to view prior programs visit the webpage at www.unctv. org/ncbookwatch/

Letters to the Editor To return pride to city, end crassness, distortion

We have often heard that Asheville had men to match our mountains. Our city has historically taken great pride in being a reflection of our mountains. In recent years, the reflection has been distorted by endless unkempt street and sidewalk gardens, graffiti, clutter and boob demonstrations. There seems to be a migration away from class and a celebration of crass. It is likely that our lucrative attraction to tourists will follow. Tourists seem to appreciate clean, neat streets, maintained plant gardens and a safe environment. It is unlikely that the endless daily migration from our homeless shelters to the streets helps to enhance the visitors’ experience. Asheville possesses all of the basics to maintain, enhance and expand our wonderful heritage. Taking pride in commitment to the basics of traditional beauty and class will enrich the process and will service all, including the homeless, well. DON BOONE Asheville

To return pride to city, end crassness, distortion

It is tragic that our nation has lost its moral compass to such an extent that a tiny minority is so empowered as to cause great harm to our nation and to the vast majority of our citizens. However, while enhancing their short term benefits, they will eventually cause even greater harm to themselves, as all humans on our planet depend upon the resources that sustain everyone. Congress enacted legislation guaranteed

to worsen our nation’s economy by increasing joblessness through the mismanaged effort to balance the budget by draconian cuts that will impoverish millions more people so they cannot spend money to help our economy grow. It now appears essential for our elected officials to tax the billionaires, the megacorporations and Wall Street Banksters whose transactions produce nothing to benefit anyone except themselves. Besides, in order to reduce spending, they should cut the military’s waste. Examples include preparations for, conduct of and dealing with the aftermath of unjustified wars, maintenance of hundreds of world-wide military bases and billions lavished upon military contractors for which there exists no responsible accountability. There are other monstrous items, such as Star Wars, so called missile defense, which threaten other nations and so encourages new arms races. We should eliminate all expenditures for nuclear weapons, as required by our Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. We should end subsidies to energy programs that threaten the lives of all human beings, nuclear and fossil fuels. Our limited capital must be spent in more economically productive ways as through creation of green energy jobs that will increase employment and curtail global warming, which has tragically dropped off the radar screen. Why shouldn’t we join with the Wall Street protesters, who appear to represent the interests of most of us? Why shouldn’t we urge Congress to enact legislation which would support these measures? LEW PATRIE Asheville Continued on Page 13

The Candid Conservative

Occupiers’ crony socialism ripped

The boys and girls camping out on Wall Street have successfully illuminated the reality of cronyism. Unfortunately, like most angry groups, they’ve thrown the baby out with the bath water. Real capitalism, characterized by a dedication to liberty, opportunity and responsibility, has little in common with Crony Capitalism, a scam to rob our fellow man. But Wall Street’s “Me Party” members’ biggest mistake may be their advocacy for socialism as the antidote for their legitimate social concerns. Their “rob Peter to pay the Paul of our choosing” dedication is nothing more than Crony Socialism in disguise. Think physicians milking Medicaid and Medicare, entitlemen addicts milking the system, union’s milking political candidates they fund for office, and green technologies — a la bankrupt Solyandra — milking Obama and company. Crony Socialists and Crony Capitalists are birds of the same feather. America will not benefit from exchanging one stinky bird for another. Screwtape is alive and well Conservatives thinkers looking for a positive role model can’t do much better than C.S. Lewis. We lost this gentleman in the 1960s, but his smart touch lingers persuasively. Robotic religious exposures in his youth and the hardness of combat in WW I briefly recruited Mr. Lewis to atheism. Thank goodness, it didn’t last. By his early 30s, this bright, intellectual light developed a deep Christian faith. Out of that faith he penned a book every conservative should read — “The Screwtape Letters.” Screwtape is an imagined demon busily seducing people to the dark side. You’ll recognize his method, his madness, and his mascots in today’s screwy social slide. Lewis noted Screwtape’s influences on the left and indicted their liberal fantasies – “Of

Carl Mumpower all tyrannies — a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive.” Lewis would see Screwtape’s corruptive touch on today’s America. So should we.

America needs small thinkers

Big dreams are made real through the execution of small steps. In today’s America, we’re constantly being told that everything needs to be a big deal or it doesn’t really count. If you’ve not yet got to the point of automatically turning Obama off when he’s speaking, pay attention next time. You’ll find PBO always talking in bold broad terms. In that the devil is persistently found in the details, big talkers mostly are posers dodging accountability. Real achievers, in contrast, almost always know how to think small. They take immediate action on the steps that can be accomplished rather than obsess about unrealistic big fix fantasies. Political blowhards take the all or nothing approach to solving problems which leads to waste, paralysis, and failure. In the conservative model, big dreams are not confused with big fantasies. The difference is determined by persistent small steps versus the grand and hollow gestures common in today’s big talking politicians. • Carl Mumpower, a former member of Asheville City Council, may be contacted at drmumpower@thecandidconservative.com

Letters

Continued from Page 12

Support urged for tax boost to benefit A-B Tech

I have worked at A-B Tech since 1992. I see the difference A-B Tech makes in people’s live. If you have not taken a class at A-B Tech, you probably know someone who has. And now I am asking for your help. On Nov. 8, vote FOR A-B Tech by voting for the last item on the ballot. You won’t see A-B Tech on the ballot; by law; the item will be listed as a county sales and use tax. The cost is low — 2-1/2 cents on a $10 purchase. Medicine, gas, services and most groceries are not affected by this tax. According to the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, visitors shopping in the county will pay more than 30 percent of the tax. But the benefit to A-B Tech is critical. This money will be used for renovation, improvement and expansion of educational facilities in Buncombe County. So please on November 8, exercise your right — vote FOR A-B Tech. PAMELA J. SILVERS Asheville

Oppose tax for A-B Tech, county voters advised I am concerned that the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has misrepresented the sales tax referendum “supposedly” earmarked for AB-Tech. The reality is that, in spite of the commissioners’ resolution, any county tax collected goes directly into the general revenue fund. By law, it cannot be desig-

Asheville Daily Planet — November 2011 — 13

nated for any specific purpose, including AB-Tech. Secondly, I am concerned that ALL the voters in Buncombe County may not have been informed or even be aware that this is a countywide referendum. It seems that the commissionerss are trying to sneak this vote in at a time when people who live outside the municipalities do not normally vote. I have spoken with many of my friends and neighbors outside city limits who had no idea that the entire county is voting on this, nor do they know the facts about the tax and how funds cannot be legally promised to A-B Tech. Additionally, the commissioners cannot promise a “sunset” date on the tax, since that is contrary to N.C. law, unless the General Assembly passes legislation to that effect. An attempt was made recently by the N.C. General Assembly to do just that — bind the sales tax increase to AB-Tech — but it was thwarted by Sen. Martin Nesbitt in a manipulation of the rules of the Senate. I wonder why he did that? The county commissioners have deceived the public, and perhaps even ABTech, regarding these issues. I hope all county voters will vote NO on the county sales tax referendum. BETTY JACKSON Leicester

A-B Tech CFO visualizes only good from tax hike

Now is the time for voters in Buncombe County to separate fact from fiction regard-

ing the vote for A-B Tech. A handful of political activists formed a political referendum committee to oppose the one-fourth of a penny sales tax investment. The name of the committee is STOP, an acronym derived from sales tax opposition project. Numerous inaccurate statements about the referendum issue have been spread by individuals with hidden personal and political agendas. Consider the source when evaluating such statements. A cross-section of community leaders formed a political referendum committee to encourage voters to support the sales tax investment. The desire is to improve the quality of life for all residents of Buncombe Coun-

ty. The name of the supportive committee is JOBS, an acronym derived from join our Buncombe solution. Committee members comprehend the economic and social impact of A-B Tech. The bottom line is that A-B Tech fosters the recruitment, development and retention of jobs in western North Carolina. Why should Buncombe County residents suffer from the political ideology that no tax is a good tax? Join our Buncombe solution by being a voter for A-B Tech now. Why would anyone want to stop JOBS? SCOTT MCKINNEY Candler Continued on Page 14

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Letters to the Editor 14 - November 2011 - Asheville Daily Planet

On the left The Progressive-Libertarian

Occupy America!

Democracy requires responsible citizens who care about each other and act on each other's behalf. We work together for personal benefit and for the good of our families and our community. We form democratic governments to enact the will of the majority while protecting the rights of everyone. At best, we create a level playing field where we all have a shot at life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Concentration of national wealth in a few hands tends to skew democratic governance, particularly in a society where campaign spending is unregulated and heavy media saturation tends to determine electoral results. The rich can literally buy elected officials and therefore determine national, state and local policies. Control of government by the rich, and by huge corporations, has perverted our democracy. Economic and trade policies have accelerated the accumulation of wealth at the top and systematically impoverished working Americans. Furthermore, enforcement failures of remaining regulations have allowed criminal abuse. Wall Street banksters have ripped off our system and been rewarded with bailouts and bonuses, while unemployment, foreclosures, poverty and hunger reach more and more of our citizenry. First the tea party and now Occupy Wall Street emerged in reaction to this perversion . The tea folks identified the danger we face, but were misled by their funders to direct anger at puppets in office rather than at the puppet masters pulling the strings — puppet masters including the financiers of tea party organizations. OWS, on the other hand, directs it's ire at the real culprits, and is calling for a new governing morality and accountability. OWS is protesting the systematic theft of middle class wealth that began with Reaganomics—which instigated three decades of declining wages, fraudulent free trade agreements, tax cuts for the rich, undercutting of organized labor and deregulation of

Letters

Continued from Page 13

Participation urged in Move Your Money Day

I am writing to alert your readers about an important event happening Nov. 5 called Move Your Money Day. This nationwide event is dedicated to encouraging people who bank with the “too-big-to-failers” to yank their accounts with these institutions and switch to the local option of a credit union or community bank. In that spirit, starting at 1 p.m. in Pritchard Park, we will have representatives from credit unions on hand to answer your questions. We will enjoy some lively music and street theater, and people will be able to share personal stories about how the financial crisis has impacted their lives and livelihoods. While Move Your Money Day is certainly a reaction to the irresponsible, unethical, and illegal behavior for which the big banks are now infamous, moving your money is not simply about expressing hostility. Rather, it is about supporting local lending institutions that have always existed as

Cecil Bothwell financial markets. This conservative mindset has delivered repeated investment bubbles and collapses, resulting in more and more concentration of wealth. One percent of Americans now control 42 percent of our national wealth, while their corporations send our jobs overseas. They work in league with China which offers huge incentives to lure manufacturers while keeping the value of its currency 30 percent below market value. This makes Chinese goods artificially cheap and American manufacturing plants can't compete. Such behavior on the part of the super rich is nothing less than traitorous, and coupled with corrupt financial practices should be landing many Wall Streeters in prison. None have been prosecuted. Anger at this systematic theft is entirely reasonable. Those who criticize the Occupy movement as a rabble or claim that OWS goals are obscure are simply not paying attention. OWS is on your side if you work for a living, if you own a small business, if you have children, if your home is mortgaged, if you're a renter, if you are a student or teacher, if you are a tradesman, a bank employee or a small town stock broker. You are the 99 percent. Your wealth is being stolen by the crooks and liars and gamblers on Wall Street. Occupy, Now! • Cecil Bothwell, a member of Asheville City Council and a self-proclaimed progressive-libertarian, is running for the Democratic nomination for the seat now held by U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, DWaynesville.

an excellent banking option for people who care about economic development in their towns, and who want to be more than an account number to their banks. Local lenders remained fiscally prudent with their depositor’s money while the big guys gambled (and lost); they’ve kept up lending to Main Street while Wall Street foundered; and most importantly, they strengthen our community every day by reinvesting our dollars into our town instead of immediately sending our cash overseas or using it to speculate. The stats don’t lie: while small banks hold only 11 percent of consumer deposits, they make 34 percent of small business loans! We invite anyone who is interested in moving their money out to Pritchard Park this Saturday (Nov. 5) at 1 p.m., and even if you have never considered moving your money, come chat with us and check out the information we have to offer! You may find that local banking is for you, after all. JULIE SCHNEYER Asheville Continued on Page 15

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LETTERS POLICY

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Letters

by the likes of George Soros, MoveOn. org, the AFL CIO and the National Education Association, to name a few. They want to destroy the very institutions that have contributed to their socialist programs and redistribute wealth they did not create. The Tea Party movement came to life to save this nation from insolvency by championing the principles upon which this great nation was founded: individual rights, limited government, fiscal responsibility and free markets. JANE BILELLO Chair, Asheville Tea Party/PAC Hendersonville

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Moderate aims to remove Republicans from power

My daddy idolized Franklin Roosevelt. He was far from being a liberal, but he believed in FDR’s basic idea that government has responsibility toward the poor, the elderly, the powerless. I’m not a liberal either. Liberals seem to have narrow causes. I inherited my creed from my father — a basic sense of fairness. My son told me once that he learned fairness from me. I’m moderate, but in today’s world I seem liberal because of the beliefs of the alternative crowd. The Republican Party is run by people who want “low taxes”(which really means “let’s tax working people and let rich people keep their dividends”) and “small government” (which means “let’s keep government from interfering with big business so they can make all the money they want, and never mind their employees and the environment”). Today, I regard myself as keeper of the world that my grandchildren will inherit. So for the next 12 months, politically, I’m going to work for one thing — removing Republicans and their terrible philosophy. Next November, I want to feel relieved– that Republicans can do no more harm. I love America — the America my grandchildren will never know if Republicans keep power. LEE BALLARD Weaverville

BCGOP staying out of sales tax issue, chief says

Recent media reports have indicated the Buncombe County Republican Party has taken an official stance on the proposed Buncombe County sales tax increase. The Buncombe County Republican Party has not taken an official position on the suggested county sales tax currently on the ballot, nor has the Buncombe County Republican Party contributed to either group of the sales tax debate. We have been approached by local media outlets advising that a report filled by the STOP PAC regarding contributions has listed the Buncombe County GOP as having donated $219.00. This election report is in error. At our Sept. 26 meeting of the Buncombe County Republican Party Executive Committee, a motion was made to donate $1,000.00 from our county party funds to the STOP Political Action Committee. After a vigorous debate, this motion was defeated and no funds were given from our Buncombe County Republican Party accounts. At this meeting, representatives with the STOP PAC did solicit contributions from those in attendance. The funds donated to the STOP PAC came from individuals in attendance at the meeting who were acting in their individual capacity and not as a representative of the Buncombe County Republican Party. The Buncombe County Republican Party has encouraged an open debate on the merits of the proposed county sales tax. Dr. Hank Dunn, president of A-B Tech, spoke at one of our executive committee meeting in September as an advocate for the proposed county sales tax increase. As well, Robert Malt, member of the STOP PAC, spoke to our Executive Committee in October in opposition to the tax increase. Let us be clear, in general the Buncombe County Republican Part is opposed to ANY and ALL tax increases. However, we

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Libertarian chief claims Occupiers missing mark An Occupy Wall Street activist holds a banner advocating “Eat the rich.” recognize that there are Republicans in the county who favor this additional sales tax as well as those who oppose this increase. Again, we are encouraging open and fair debate amongst the citizens of Buncombe County and will let the vote count on November 8th reflect the will of the people. We applaud the effort by N.C. House Rep. Tim Moffitt, R-Arden, to introduce HB 326, which would have placed North Carolina State legal restrictions on the proposed county sales tax allowing the funds to be exclusively dedicated to A-B Tech capital projects, it would not supplant other county funding currently dedicated to A-B Tech, and would have allowed a sunset on the increase that is now only promised by the proponents. Unfortunately, N.C. Sen. Martin Nesbitt, D-Buncombe County, chose to kill this legislation that would have legally guaranteed these funds would be been spent to the benefit of A-B Tech. We encourage the citizens of Buncombe County to listen carefully to the debate on the merits of the proposed tax increase and exercise one of the most precious rights given to us in the United States of America, the right vote and let your voice be heard. HENRY D. MITCHELL Chairman Buncombe County Republican Party Asheville

Occupy protester crowd projected to produce evil

The (Occupy) protest crowds of New York and other major cities are like functional drug-users leading dysfunctional drug addicts. Those representing the movement with restraint performing interviews, and giving speeches aren’t drug addicts. They’re the purposeful protesters that agrees and enables the use of illegal drugs. The lower-level protesters rarely embraces responsibility, hiding their element of failure. Instead of living under bridges, they bounce around a network of others like themselves. These gatherings help annul their guilt through accusation. The protesters resemble The Grateful Dead followers of the ‘70s and ‘80s. These people traveled around the nation, selling homemade crafts, generating enough money to attend the next concert. Many of these protesters are just re-establishing a sense of accomplishment, which reminds them of the traveling groupie days. The protesters aren’t overly concerned with tomorrow, and they’ll never envision the uses of their contributions. An accrued head count is very important, providing the protest coordinators strength and purpose. We’ve all heard the saying the more the merrier, except in this case it’ll be, the more the angrier.

The rich CEOs that are backing this protest will reshape the event, taking full advantage of the mounting masses. The contributed provisions, the feel-good environment of a Grateful Dead concert will eventually end, and also will any calmness. Spurring outrage within the protesters is necessary for success. Any disruptions during the event will be redirected toward the city fathers and law enforcement. Do New Yorkers actually understand what’s happening? Did the state governorship bother to envision a chaotic city beyond control? With today’s population nearly doubled, law enforcement and the New York judicial system will be overwhelmed, costing taxpayers millions (of dollars). The protesters have engaged in a very dangerous game. Internet narcissists have played this game for 10 years, but now it’s public and viral. The ‘70s protest lacked communing organization. The Internet has organized third world nations, as we’re witnessing in the Middle East. For 10 years, progressives have organized this uprising. Unlike like the ‘70s riots, this event is fully funded, politically creditable and advertised. A partisan belief within Americans and its leadership has birthed and grown public instability. Most still think this is a game, blind to the seriousness to come. If the protesters believe life is unfair now, they’ve not seen nothing yet. Wait until the rich activists behind this protest expose their evil heads. JERRY SOESBEE Asheville

I have been following the Occupy protesters, who call themselves the ‘99%,’ with interest. It’s true that 99 percent of Americans do not enjoy the special benefits of crony capitalism. Crony capitalism is very different from real capitalism. In crony capitalism, government hands out special favors and protections to politically well-connected businesses. The TARP bailouts, Solyndra, and the military-industrial complex are all facets of crony capitalism. Libertarians love free markets and hate crony capitalism. Unfortunately, hypocritical Republican politicians have taught a lot of Americans to think that “free markets” means freedom for government and big business to engage in crony capitalism. That’s not what free markets are. A free market is where the government leaves businesses alone, does not attempt to pick winners and losers, does not stifle competition, does not hand out corporate welfare, and does not absolve businesses of liability for their actions. Most of our economy today does not resemble a free market at all. It’s unfortunate that so many businesses today go to the government begging for handouts and special treatment. I wish they wouldn’t. But the real problem is the politicians who choose to give those favors to them, at everyone else’s expense. I hope the Occupy protesters will start to direct their anger away from Wall Street and big businesses, and toward our government, which has done so much to destroy free markets and entrench crony capitalism. MARK HINKLE Chairman, Libertarian Party Washington, D.C.

Story termed example Occupy protesters termed of phony ‘journalism’ latest Asheville Daily Planet story in need of a history lesson onThe “climate change” misrepresents my Do the genius Occupy Wall Street protesters know they rail against the “evil Wall Streeters” who backed (President Barrack) Obama, their iconic hero? They need a history lesson. Fact: Obama took the biggest haul from Wall Street in history in 2008. Fact: Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Citigroup were the top three campaign donors to Obama, Joe Biden and Rahm Emanuel. Fact: Credit Suisse Group, UBS AG, Morgan Stanley, Lehman Brothers, Bank of America, and Merrill Lynch were among the top 30 Obama donors. Donations of nearly $1 million from Goldman Sachs employees were only topped by donations of ten times that much by the employees from the University of California system. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, via their friends in an over-bloated federal government, forced politically correct lending policies on banks which successfully imploded the economy. The Wall Street protesters are supported

question ( my only one reported on complete with name and photo while others, including a atmospheric scientist, and meteorology professor from a local college went unidentified) on whether the World Meteorology organization (which the speaker admitted the National Climactic Data Center works for as a WMO “World Data Center”) compensated him, and which he also admitted PAID FOR HIS TRIP. (Reporter John) North claimed I asked if the U.N. (not mentioning as I had the WMO as a U.N. subsidiary) compensated him, while stating the “scientist” said they were “not compensated by the UN” (despite his having said so indirectly). Phony “journalism” at it’s best. JIM REEVES Weaverville EDITOR’S NOTE: The Daily Planet stands by the accuracy of its story. When specifically questioned by a reporter after his talk, program leader Derek “Deke” Arndt said he was not compensated by the United Nations for his trip.

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Letters to the Editor 16 - November 2011 - Asheville Daily Planet

A-B Tech

Continued from Page 1 Malt began the press conference by asking the news media “to report it as a county sales tax — and not as an A-B Tech tax.” To some of the reporters, who appeared startled at Malt’s dressing down, Malt explained that he has been irritated by what he termed a mischaracterization of the tax. In excoriating A-B Tech Foundation’s board for giving $75,000 to JOBS, he also questioned whether the board voted — or unanimously agreed — to authorize the transfer of the $75,000 to JOBS. “Did every dollar of the $75,000 come from private donors who were informed (before they donated) that their donation was to be used for political campaign purposes?” Malt asked. “And, if so, who are these donaors and how much did each give? Were any of these donors advised that the tax deductibility of their donation to a 501(c)(30 organization could be in jeopardy since their donation was earmarked for a political campaign contribution?” He also asked, “Did you voice or express concerns about the legality of this transfer? Did you get legal advice? If so, from whom, and what was the substance of that advice?” Further, Malt questioned if the board members voiced or expressed concerns about the transfer — and it they got legal advice on it. “If so, from whom, and what was the substance of that advice? “Did you voice or express concerns about the morality of taking funds away from student scholarships or the potential of circumventing the intent of North Carolina finance laws? Did you talk to any students, faculty, administrators, or anyone outside of the board to get their reaction to this planned political contribution? “Who requested that this money be contributed to the JOBS Referendum Committee? How was this request made — in writing, verbally, etc.? And when was it made?” Malt directed Betty Jackson, a STOP member, to give out press packets, including his remarks and various items cited as evidence of wrongdoing at A-B Tech. The packets included: ª Two A-B student e-mails received through the A-B Tech student e-mail system, containing what STOP members

contended is “biased information and/or marketing materials for the campaign.” • One A-B Tech student’s e-mail to Jackson, regarding his classroom experience with biased screen-savers on college equipment. • A screen capture of A-B Tech’s home page (abtech.edu), with a direct clickthrough link, leading directly to the tax campaign website. “The above are violations of conduct by A-B Tech,” Jackson noted. “Also, I noticed on the JOBS Campaign Report no indication of rental being paid by the tax campaign to A-B Tech for the use of facilities.” During a 15-minute question-and-answer session with the media after Malt’s 15-minute statement, a reporter asked why Malt was coming out with his accusation at this late juncture before the election. “The campaign finance report just came out last Friday (Oct. 28),” Malt replied, noting that he and his group needed almost a week to critique it. A Daily Planet reporter asked Malt if he had any additional comments about the revelation that A-B Tech and its political action committee agreed Nov. 1 to return $10,000 donated by AB Tech’s Student Government Association. “It’s all part of the ongoing scandal,” Malt replied. “It smells bad. This is part of the corruption people are sick and tired of.” Beyond all other aspects of the referendum, a reporter asked Malt to specify his objection to the sales tax increase plan to finance A-B Tech improvements. “It’s not automatically guaranteed to A-B Tech and its not absolutely ‘sunsetted,’” Malt answered. He said the money is not earmarked to A-B Tech and could be used for other purposes. He also noted that the referendum is billed as a “temporary tax,” but he predicts it will become permanent. If the A-B Tech Foundation board does not respond, as he is asked, what will Malt and STOP do? a reporter asked. “There are local options and an option by petition to repeal the tax” in the next election, he replied. For the latter, Malt acknowledged that “it would take a lot of signatures.” In general, Malt asserted, “We knew we’d be outstaffed by 50:1. They have all the money, all the staff and all the cronies.” Nonetheless, he said, “I’ve had people across the political spectrum who’ve expresed outrage” over A-B Tech’s campaign tactics.

Guest viewpoint/Robert Malt

Daily Planet Staff Photo

Talk-show host Matt Mittan works with his award-winning produder-sidekick Agnes Cheek during happier times in the WWNC-AM studio in West Asheville.

Departures of talk-show duo questioned, irks some listeners

From Staff Reports Fourteen-year veteran local radio talkshow host Matt Mittan and his producersidekick Agnes Cheek parted ways with their employer WWNC-AM in West Asheville on Oct. 27. According to the official statement from WWNC, issued on Oct. 27: “Matt Mittan made the decision to leave WWNC. We wish him well. Our listeners are our top priority, and WWNC will continue to serve our local community to the best of our ability. The official statement from WWNC on Oct. 28 added to the aforementioned: “Sean Hannity will air from 3 to 6 p.m. until a new host is named.” Mittan did not respond to an e-mail from the Daily Planet on Nov. 3, seeking an update on his job status. However, various media reports have noted that Cheek was let go in a corporate downsizing by WWNC’s owner, Clear

Channel, prompting Mittan’s resignation. In the meantime, Mittan and Cheek have launched a website, mattandagnes.com, enabling the duo to keep in contact with the community. They also have assembled a professionalgrade broadcast studio and are productiong daily podcast shows that are available free on-line. Jane Bilello, chair of the Asheville Tea Party, was angry about Mittan’s departure, sending out an e-mail titled “Muffling of Mittan, Loss of Local Free Speech Venue, Anger Tea Party.” She noted that Mittan’s resignation “created significant backlash from the general public, and especially from members of the Asheville Tea Party.” She said Mittan had said two factors prompted his resignation, including pressure from station management to avoid controversial issues that might scare off advertisers and Cheek’s dismissal.

Our message is being heard; help still needed to win Nov. 8

EDITOR’S NOTE: Malt is executive director of STOP — Sales Tax Opposition Partnership — and lives in Arden. • Many of you have been working hard, putting out signs, handing out fliers, making phone calls and supporting our grassroots effort financially. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Because of your efforts, Buncombe County voters are beginning to hear our message.... NO COUNTY TAX HIKE .... VOTE NO TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8. People don’t like tax hikes to begin with ... and the more they hear about this one, the less they like it. Let’s review the facts about this proposed $130 million sales tax hike: 1) By state law, the money raised from the tax doesn’t go to A-B Tech ... it goes to our county commissars (er... I mean... commissioners), to spend how they please. 2) It is an indefinite (and likely permanent) tax increase. It never expires! Anyone who says it is temporary is uninformed or lying to you. 3) If passed, this tax will create large

Robert Malt unfunded liabilities for Buncombe County taxpayers to build and maintain these new construction projects ... which means higher taxes for you in the future. 4) If passed, the money would be wasted on dumb projects such as a 24,000-squarefoot gym ... what does that have to do with education! 5) More money will be wasted on much higher interest payments than if Buncombe County passed a simple bond referendum. 6) Jobs will be lost. The John Locke Foundation says that many jobs will be lost if $7 million dollars a year is taxed out of the private economy. 7) It’s just plain wrong to vote on a county-wide tax increase in an off-year election. You can thank shady backroom dealing by (A-B Tech President) Hank Dunn and our county commissars (er ... commissioners)

for that one. Unincorporated Buncombe County voters are effectively being disenfranchised. How can you vote if you don’t know there is an election! What happened to the concept of fair elections? The opposition’s campaign of lies and distortions is beginning to unravel. But we have only 16 days left, so we need to ramp things up. Here are 10 easy things you can do to help: #1) Forward this to your Buncombe County friends, family and co-workers. Many people in unincorporated Buncombe County don’t even know there is an election this year, so you would be doing them a favor. #2) Put a “No County Tax Hike” sign in your yard or on the corner of your busiest neighborhood street. #3) Distribute information fliers to inform voters. A great way to do this is to walk your neighborhood, and stick them between the mailbox and mailbox flag (not in the mailbox) for all of your neighbors. #4) Stick post-it notes (we have them ... preprinted with our message) on every gas

station pump, retail stand, and shop you visit in the next two weeks. Works well on mailboxes and car windows too! #5) Call 10 friends and relatives, tell them why the tax is a bad idea (use the attachment for talking points), and ask them to promise to vote NO, Tuesday, Nov. 8. #6) Participate in a rush hour “Sign Rally”! Stay tuned for more details .... #7) Election Day Polls — We need volunteers to stand (holding signs) on the sidewalk or intersection at or near key polling locations to remind people driving by to turn in and vote. You would be amazed at how many people forget to vote on election day. #8) Knock on five doors and talk to your neighbors about the tax. Remember to bring an information flier. #9) Drive someone to the polls on election day. #10) Recruit one friend or relative to do one or more of the above (it will really help) Thank you to all of you who have supported, and continue to support, our cause.

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Faith Notes

Presbyterian Church, 690 Haywood Rd. at Virginia Avenue, Asheville. Karen Hawkins will do live chalk illustrations of the hymns as part of the worship service.

PREVIEW PARTY, 5-7:30 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 766 N. Main St., Hendersonville. A preview party for the Gifts of Hope Holiday Fair will be held.

WORKSHOP, 2-4:30 p.m,, Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Mills River. “Mandala, The Template of Consciousness: Bringing it Home” will be led by Susan Lovejoy. Participants will experience another in a series of workshops about the power of the Mandala, its power to heal and make whole. The workshop will explore more about the history and significance of this powerful spiritual, psychological, life-purpose, healing tool as well as some of the ways individuals instinctively use it to heal and to “center.” She will introduce different ways to bring it home, such as building a daily ritual in the form of a personal mandala-a-day notebook, dancing, creating a personal-size labyrinth, a home altar, medicine wheel garden, etc. Materials will be provided. The suggested donation is $15. HEALERS’ PROGRAM, 7-8:30 p.m., Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Mills River. Participants will experience a potpourri of minisessions offered by several of Unity’s healers. Admission is free, but a love offering will be taken..

Friday, Nov. 4

Saturday, Nov. 5

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Emma United Methodist Church, 55 Adams Hill Rd., Asde from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 6. Featured will be items from Ten Thousand Villages. A $5 donation is requested.

Sunday, Nov. 6

PERFORMANCE, 11 a.m., West Asheville Presbyterian Church, Haywood Road, Asheville. Jamie Laval will perform Celtic-Irish music on violin. PERFORMANCE, 11 a.m., Mars Hill United Methodist Church, 201 S. Main St., Mars Hill. The Mars Hill College Choir will perform. JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL, 1:30 p.m., Congregation Beth HaTephila, 43 N. Liberty St., Asheville. “The Matchmaker” will be screened for free. DINNER/AUCTION, 5:30-8 p.m., First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St., downtown Asheville. The third annual Eat at Mike’s dinner and auction will be held. Proceeds will benefit Life o’ Mike, a nonprofit that does health care advocacy. Food will be donated by area chefs, farms and restaurants, including Hickory Nut Gap Farm. Auction items include massages, kitchen baskets, antiques, crafts and more. Tickets are $25. CONCERT, 7 p.m., Jubilee! Community, 46 Wall St., downtown Asheville. Patrick LittleJohn, a pianist, will perform. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

Wednesday, Nov. 9

QUANTUM TOUCH PROGRAM, 7-9 p.m.,, call 891-3255 for directions, Mills River. “Quantum Touch: The power to heal” will be presented by Pam Hurst. This is an introduction to quantum touch; how it came about and how it works. Quantum touch will be offered to anyone who chooses. Folks have said they have healed sitting in the audience. Quantum touch is done sitting or standing and is a light touch or no touch. It will effect emotional, physical, spiritual and mental levels. Admission is free, but a love offering will be taken.

Friday, Nov. 11

CHRISTMAS CRAFT BAZAAR, noon-7 p.m., Weaverville United Methodist Church, corner of Main and Church streets, Weaverville. A Christmas craft bazaar will be held. The bazaar will conclude from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12. Attendees may have their photos taken with Santa Claus. BOOK CLUB MEETING, 1:30 p.m., Congregation Beth HaTephila, 43 N. Liberty St., Asheville. The book club will show a DVD movie of “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi. SCHOOL REUNION, 6-9 p.m., St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 768 Asbury Rd., Candler. The St. Joan of Arc Church/School Reunion will be held. It will conclude from 2 to 9 p.m. Nov. 12. SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM, 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. The Social Justice Film Series will feature “The Economics of Happiness”by Helena NorbergHodge, Steven Gorelick and John Page. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. WOMANSONG CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Mills River. “Womansong Concert: Everything is Music” will be presented. The concert will conclude on Nov. 12. The concert will feature music from around the world (including women composers from our own backyard), celebrating women’s lives: empowerment, spirituality, the Earth, healing and humor. Tickets for adults are $15 paid in advance and $18 day-of-show. Children’s tickets are $5.

Saturday, Nov. 12

BENEDICTINE DAY, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Calbary Episcopal Church, 2840 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher. Benedictine Day will be held, featuring lunch and a focus on development of a personal Rule (or “trellis), led by the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Canham.

Sunday, Nov. 13

CHALK PROGRAM, 11 a.m., West Asheville

Wednesday, Nov 16

Sunday, Nov. 20

THANKSGIVING SERVICE, 6 p.m., Black Mountain United Methodist Church, 101 Church St., Black Mountain. The Black Mountain-Swannanoa Ministerial Association will host a community Thanksgiving service at BMUMC. Chaplain Carol Dalton of the Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women, will speak and music will be offered by a choir and Father Gerard Freeman of the Church of the Incarnation.

Wednesday, Nov. 23

THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE, 7:30 p.m., Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Mills River. A Thanksgiving Eve service will offer attendees an opportunitytogetintouchwiththetruemeaningof Thanksgiving. A Communion Service will also vbe held and all are welcome. The service will celebrate individuals’ gratitude for many blessings in words and music. Admission is free, but a love offering will be taken. Childcare will be provided.The service will be followed by a dessert potluck, food and fellowship. Attendees are urged to bring a dessert or snack to share. “

Thursday, Nov. 24

THANKSGIVING DAY FEAST, 1 p.m., Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Mills River. A Thanksgiving Day Feast will featured dinner and companionship. Attendees are asked to sign up — or call to make a reservation — and tell Unity what favorite food they will bring to share. Those unable to cook may bring $5 each toward the cost of the turkeys.)

Wednesday, Nov. 30

LABYRINTH WALK, 7 p.m., Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Mills River. Sam Richardson will lead a Walk of a 5-Path Labyrinth and how to discover the healing, magical power of this ancient energy pattern, placed on the ground for people to walk.

Asheville Daily Planet — November 2011 — 17

18 - November 2011 - Asheville Daily Planet

‘Joe Blackberry’ feels more comfortable breaking up via texting

This girl I’ve been dating for a couple months really likes me, but I’m not feeling it. Because we’ve done a lot of texting, I’m thinking of breaking up with her by text. It would be a lot less uncomfortable. — Departing Getting dumped is bad enough; it’s worse when your soon-to-be-ex not only won’t spare you face-time to do it but stiffs you on vowels. (If your girlfriend doesn’t have unlimited text messaging, it could even cost her 20 cents to find out “its ovr.”) Smartphones make life easier, but not everything in life should be. Once you’ve spent more than a few naked hours with somebody, you can text them to tell them you’re late, but not that you’re never coming back. As for this girl, even though you’re “not feeling it,” breaking up in person will be hard for you, and she’ll see that, making the experience less dignity-eating than if you used your phone as a buffer. In other words, compassion, not cellphone technology, should be driving your breakup behavior. But, if compassion’s not really your thing, at least consider your text messaging limits, and maybe keep your phone in your pocket and program your Roomba to go tell her it’s over.

Disappearing ‘boyfriend’ deserves to be dumped

I have a good relationship with my boyfriend of a year except for how he ignores me when he’s stressed. The first time this happened, he disappeared for a week and didn’t respond to texts or voicemails. He later explained he’d been swamped with work and apologized repeatedly. Last weekend, he again disappeared for a week. After I texted and left voicemails, he finally texted, “Work is big right now.” He has told me he likes me because I don’t complain or try to get his attention when he’s busy. Actually, I’m a wreck when he disappears. My ex would also ignore me for weeks and then text like nothing had happened. Stupid me for staying around for two years, as it ultimately ended when he texted me that he couldn’t talk to me anymore because he’d gotten married. — Scared Of History Repeating Itself When a guy you’re dating ignores your texts and voicemails for weeks, you don’t call him your boyfriend; you block his number so he can never call you again — and long before his excuses go from “I got a little busy” to “I got a little married.” Men do seem to have more of a “fight-orflight” response to stress, but the impulse to drop out is just a tendency, not a biological mandate. If a man cares about you, he will somehow manage to overcome his teensyweensy feelings of discomfort to stay in touch with you, even through tough times in his life. Sure, now that messages are no longer delivered by the Pony Express, letting you know that he still cares can sometimes take some effort — perhaps even tapping his finger eight times on a tiny wireless gadget and hitting “send.” And yes, I did see your boyfriend’s excuse above: “Work is big right now.” Right. Besides being your “boyfriend,” is he also known as “Barack Obama” and “The Leader of the Free World”? History is repeating itself because you’re repeating yourself. Like one of those robothings in “The Terminator,” no matter what indignity a guy blasts you with, you drag what’s left of you upright and go back for more: “Hey, just call me when you have some free time — maybe between marriages.” You probably even take it as a compli-

The Advice Goddess

Amy Alkon

ment when your boyfriend admires how you’re all “I am victim, hear me roll over” when he ignores you. Beverly Engel, in her terrific book “The Nice Girl Syndrome,” cautions that the motive for being “nice” in the face of cruel treatment is often guilt, shame, fear of confrontation, fear of rejection and an intense fear of being alone. Being so compliant is pretty counterproductive because men are into the thrill of the chase, not the thrill of a woman who’s on them like a tick on a dog no matter what they do. To be treated with respect, you need to be the disappearing one; disappear from the dating scene until you develop the self-respect to express your needs like you have a right to have them. You’ll be ready to date when you require only one person in your life to feel whole — and it isn’t some guy who does with your dignity what other people do with Quilted Northern.

Woman finds self between a walk and a hard place

I’ve had a seven-year crush on an acquaintance despite how, whenever I see him, he barely remembers he’s met me before. I’m now eight months into a relationship with a wonderful man. While at a bar with him, I ran into my crush. He was all over me and e-mailed later to ask me on a hike. On one hand, it’s just a hike. On the other hand, I’m terrified to risk losing what I have. — Conflicted Sure he wants to go on a hike — a hike your skirt up over your head. It’s tempting to have your shot at the one who got away. That one’s usually more sparkly and exciting than the one who holds your hair back after a few-too-many at a party lands you on the roadside, giving what’s left of the grapes back to nature. The question is, who really wants to go on this hiking date, you or your ego? You determine that by laying out the qualities you find essential in a man and seeing whether your boyfriend has them. Also consider that a relationship takes more than finding somebody with a blast of bar charisma; it’s a “culture” two people create by being together. If your relationship is really good, you’re gambling a lot. Much as you want to believe your crush has finally “seen” you, maybe he has just seen that you’re taken and wants to engage in a little poaching — the kind where the thing you bag in the woods gets to ride back in the truck cab instead of roped to the hood.

For entrepreneurial couple, it’s all work, no foreplay

My husband and I are entrepreneurs, developing a new product. We’re both working long hours. He’s miserable because he has no time for his art (painting), and our sex life is in shambles. There isn’t a lot of blame or anger. We simply go about our entire days with little or no flirting and fall into bed completely exhausted at night. Even if we crave sex, we’re too tired. We kiss goodnight and promise it’ll be different tomorrow or on the weekend, but it never is, and I see no reason to believe things will change. We used to race home from work to have wild sex and then do silly things together in the evenings. People always called us “the sensual

couple” because we couldn’t keep our hands off each other. How can we get the zing back? — Accidental Celibate Eighty percent of sex is just showing up. (The other 20 percent is remaining conscious while you’re having it.) Of course, you’d need to leave work at a reasonable hour to make your role-play in bed more dirty doctor/naughty nurse than adjacent coma patients. I know, that’s not what it says you’re supposed to do on your printout of the Puritan Work Ethic. Former Harvard psychology professor Shawn Achor writes in “The Happiness Advantage” that we’re taught that we have to sacrifice happiness for success and told that only when we’re successful will we be happy. Achor counters that happiness isn’t something that falls in your lap when you attain some level of accomplishment; it’s “a work ethic.” He cites a decade of research suggesting that happiness “raises nearly every business and educational outcome: raising sales by 37 percent, productivity by 31 percent, and accuracy on tasks by 19 percent, as well as (leading to myriad) health and quality of life improvements.” Remember, people called you “the sensual couple” because you couldn’t keep your hands off each other, not because you couldn’t take your eyes off the clock. Ditching the clock for at least some of the day is essential. It’s activities that make you lose track of time that make you happy — activities like sex (and painting) that also make you forget yourself and that package your husband neglected to bring to the post office. To put this in entrepreneurial terms, you need to relaunch your sex life and take it as seriously as you would a business launch.

Look at sex as a mandatory meeting you need to have naked. And as unromantic as this sounds, you need to put “flirt with husband” on your daily schedule — until it becomes a habit again. Implied in that is “be fun!” Be silly like you used to. Make an effort to leave work well before the cows not only come home but start watching “Seinfeld” reruns. And replace any motivational posters decorating your office with ones that reflect your newfound knowledge of trickle-down happy-nomics, for example: “As you climb the ladder of success, be sure to stop every now and then to let your husband look up your dress” and “Behind every successful woman is a man with his pants down.” • (c) 2011, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved.

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