FREE RIDE FOR THE UNDOCUMENTED

Undocumented gets college okay", article in the AC-T today on-line that now the states community colleges feel that to comply with the Administrative Code's, "open door policy" it is illegal for the colleges to turn away the undocumented illegals. WAIT A MINUTE, is this not encouraging more of a practice of "fraud". They are getting an education at taxpayers expense. It was noted that "they would pay out of state tuition, and the state would make money". HOLD ON, if they are getting forged citizenship documents, why couldn't they do the same and be a resident and pay in-state tuition?? AND, if the State Board Community Colleges is allowing the practice of undocumented illegals in their classrooms aren't they guilty of "aiding and abetting", "conspiracy to commit fraud" and in violation of the Federal Governments statutes concerning immigration??? Citizens, taxpayers and voters, you need to WAKE UP. Someone in the the community college system has a bean sized brain, which tells me it must be on of the "bean counters" that are looking at the "windfall" profits of out-of-state tuition. Legal residents of North Carolina should file a Federal lawsuit against the Governor, State Attorney General, and the Community College System Administrators, for violating the federal immigration laws, Constitution of NC, and the United States.

What do you think?

YOUR CHANCE TO HELP YOUR SCHOOLS, www.donorschoose.org

A humble individual with the right spirit forwards the information below. These are needs our local school system have, now.

Just a reminder of the chance for Swain citizens to help or schools to fund projects listed at www.donorschoose.org .
There are at least 5 projects proposed by Swain teachers, some of which will expire as early as March 2008 :
1. Swain East : Author Study Books for Kindergarten, $627.00 needed by 27 Mar 2008.
2. Swain West: New Math Old Way: $416.00 needed by 1 Apr 2008.
3. SCHS: Intergration+ Interconntectedness... $975.00 needed by 5 May 2008.
4. Swain West: Making Meaning out of Math: $509.00 needed by 26 Jun 2008.
5. Swain West: Math Matters: $433.00 needed by 1 Jul 2008.

I hope all Swain citizens who can contribute in whatever level will do so for the schools.
Thanks again for your blog.

Who is worthy?

My fellow americans of SWAIN, it is with humble spirit and much resolve that you as citizens of this esteemed County should have the honor to nominate to the court of public opinion candidates for the upcoming election in Swain. This election on a local level shall consist of no less than two seats for the Swain County Board of Education. While it is apparent these individuals now holding these seats are capable and duly qualified, are they and their veiws consistent with the people of Swain County?
Please place your nominations in the comment forum, with a brief statement of recomendation.

THE DREADED PET TAX?

Especially in this weeks SMT paper dated 11/22 there was one letter to the editor trying to slip just under the radar that wins the award for just down right clever. Basically a dear john letter to his constituents, to say I'm sorry but I had to break it off in you one more time and here's why I'm proud of it.


I thought it was great to present such a caring and thoughtful way to enact and justify the "PET TAX". It is as shameful as playing on the backs of our children for the "HOME TAX" that our elustrious representative finds a new mark and is playing on the backs of the pet owners.
Will they do anything for money?

In all fairness below are only portions of the letter but it is the bottom line.


Rabies tag fee will help with population.

“A fee of $.25 was added to the cost of a rabies tag, with $.05 to fund rabies education and prevention programs and $.20 credited to a Spay/Neuter account for statewide programs.”

“It is the intent of this fee to reduce the numbers of unwanted dogs and cats and improve the safety of the citizens and our pets by reducing the threat of rabies from these unwanted or feral animals; and to reduce the operating expense of county and city animal shelters. It is a good law, perhaps overdue, and I was pleased to vote in favor of its enactment.”
Phil Haire

Letter's this week

Commentary on this weeks letters.
I would ask your indulgence as well as your thoughts.
Topic #1
-Road is last defense against wilderness.
What is the big deal about wilderness? Isn’t the park already untouchable?

Topic #2
-How about some balance.
The letter to the editor is dead on!

There is an apparent liberal twinge to the SMT which plays to the masses.


Topic #3-Educating pols.
Again the note is dead on!

However there is a since of power in increasing the government and the excuse of using education has always been a good place to hide that intent. As for future votes, the people of this fair land must be on guard against the vial enemy of complacencey otherwise they and all of us will be lost.

We must turn out and be heard with our vote! This last election was proof of that.

All arguements have two sides

This note was emailed to the e-mail address for response. It is only fair that those who can comment should produce the answer to this question. Are there positives aspects to our county?

I am a Retired American Citizen who is interested in a move to Swain County, but it seems that everything I read in your local paper is negative about the County. Can someone please tell me something positive about this county. All arguements have two sides.

The Rabbit

WHY IS THIS PLACE SO SPECIAL?

What makes our County the best place on Earth? What makes it a special sancuary we call home, where most know each other and our problems are not special?

It's the PEOPLE! It's our HERITAGE! It's our HONOR!
Consider the words below, of a man who was not a native to this area, but none the less a man who in trying days lead his nation through difficult times.


"This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense."

Winston Churchill

Exactly which Presidential Candidate is in your corner?

The link below is a tool for finding the Presidential Candidate which most identifies with your concerns. The tool is for your use in seeing just exactly which candidate represents your interests. It would be advised to take your time and consider not what answers are correct for your party but rather what answers are correct for you. If you doubt the poll then try it again and allow your answers to stray and see just what results can be brought about by other answers.


http://www.wqad.com/Global/link.asp?L=259460

Questions regarding the well fair of our Felonious County

A email correspondence post regarding two pressing issues in the county.

Has anyone heard of additonal information of the Voting Irregularity issue of our November "06" Election concerning our County Official (s)?

And is there any truth that O.J. Simpson is looking to head up the "machine" in Swain County?

Only time will tell

This was submitted through email and was found to be of such quality that it is an item which needs rebuttal.


Well, well, well, what a strange turn of events that time brings. Could it be with the defeat of the land transfer tax, (for our children) and now the resignation, or rather another retirement of the Superintendent of Schools, maybe an end of contract, could it be that in order to keep the power with the powerful, he and some seperating from the school adminstration, are eyeing a couple of seats on the school board in the fall of 2008. We must keep our ears to the rails to see if the train is coming. Had the "machine" had the absentee votes from 2006 they would have only lost by a 2 to 1, instead if the embarrasing 4 to 1. But, with the persistance of some individuals those absentee votes that always seemed to sway the elections were "not a sure thing" this time around, and probably never again. And, boy are they steamed.

Another DINOSAUR's time has come.

Have you ever noticed some special cases where people of our present are much like Dinosaurs of OLD? They have continued to struggle against the passing of time until they reach an undeniable point of extinction.

Just hanging on until their objectives regardless of consequences are either complete or they find they are completely out of reach?

Or until they find that their usefulness and influence has slipped away in time much like that of the dinosaur.

Were these beasts of the past and present of some use? Were they part of a chain of events that benefited us today? And finally is the future now better off with their demise?

YES! in all cases.

History most always seems to repeat itself and thank goodness, in such special moments it even transcends species from the dinosaur, to in this case man.

Is it fitting that this thought would come to mind when reveiwing the front page of our local paper, November 15, 2007 edition.

What do you think?

Have we placed the cart before the horse before?

Per a previous practice of moving comments to the front. The comment below appears to warrant comment. Being that it was itself a comment others may not have been able to consider it. It is placed in a post for consideration.

Anonymous said...
Have we not had to surplant money form the General fund to special projects and do budget amendments to cover such actions while awaiting funding? I agree we probably haven't operated in a dificit, however have we put the cart before the horse in the past so as to begin something before the funds were in place. Basically stepping off the boat before the dock was in reach. Ya, we didn't get wet yet but that's because of a gamble not responsible planning. What happens when we step off and the luck isn't there? Are we talking about creative finance now?The Rec. Park Projects are a fine example aren't they? As well as others? Just exactly how would score the present administration in logic and overall committment to the Whole County? And then the same question in regards to special interests? Have they operated with the best interest and intentions of the County as a whole in mind, for the better? If so please enlighten.

NOW THIS IS A PATH TO HELP OUR SCHOOLS!

This site wishes to recognize the effort of a compassionate individual in Swain County in giving a path for individuals to circumvent our local bureaucracy and put the money in the spot it's needed.
THANK YOU

"I hope you will put up this site: http://www.donorschoose.org/ as a legit place for people to contribute to specific needs in Swain County Schools.
This site lets teachers from all over the US, including Swain County, to write proposals for projects, materials needed to cover specific educational objectives.We members of Donors, then select projects we want to help with. Let me state again from my experience that this is a great program which includes feedback to donors, who may remain unidentified if they choose. There are several good classroom projects listed in our Swain schools as we speak that
need assistance from the people.
These donations are legal tax deductions and the sires provides detailed info on each donation as to school, date and sum of donation.
This is a way we can all put our money where our collective mouths are in helping individual classrooms get materials the county cannot or will not fund.
I do not have anything to gain from this so I hope you will place this on your site!!
Thanks for your work on the blog ."

It's our pleasure.

SWAIN COUNTY UNOFFICIAL RESULTS 11/06/07

Mayor Bryson City

Brad Walker
102_______ 38.20%

Ron Harless
67_________ 25.09%

Alan Brown
52_________ 19.48%

Jeramy Shuler
43_________ 16.10%


Alderman Bryson City

James Gribble
173________ 37.28%

Kate Welch
161________ 34.70%

Jeff Myers
127_________ 27.37%


Land Transfer Tax Referendum

AGAINST
1458________ 78.81%

FOR
392__________ 21.19%


The People have spoken.
Now we'll wait on the other shoe to drop.

In response to pay them now or pay them later

The response below was of such a nature that it deserves to be posted rather than as a comment. In order to consider the response you must understand that it is referencing the post below it. The blog finds it it be informative and responsible in it's content. Thank you for the input.


Get Real said...
I'm no more in favor of a property tax hike than the next person, but to suggest that Swain County is by any means unfairly taxed is incorrect. According to data on the National Association of Builders website, which tracks property taxes nationwide, Swain County has the 2nd lowest property tax rate in North Carolina. Some counties, such as Durham, Orange and Cumberland counties, have tax rates nearly 2 1/2 times higher than Swain.Accusing a public official of a desire to raise taxes simply to cause foreclosures is an extremely inflammatory statement. Back your statements up with facts. The fact is, Swain County is taxed less than all but one other county in North Carolina. Coupled with the fact that only 15% of Swain County is taxable property in the first place, you should count your blessings that so far the county government has been able to operate on this small of a revenue stream.

PAY THEM NOW OR PAY THEM LATER?

Currently there is a story being leaked apparently that if the LAND TRANSFER TAX FAILS that our ESTEEMED COUNTY COMMISSIONERS shall look toward re-evaluation of property values for the money they need.

Can anyone shed light on this rumor?

If it is correct, why would they ask the Voters of the County to decide on raising taxes since they plan to do it anyway? Is it because they don't have the guts to do it up front and would rather go around our backs.
Right now many elderly, and those on fixed income, as well as those on tight budgets can barely pay the taxes being levied now by this Nottingham Bunch. How long will it be before they begin foreclosure on people's property in the name of the County. How long will it be before King Glenn and his hinchman take bread from your table?

Have they wrote Checks they can't cash?

Think about it. Why else would our County Government want to get you to give them additional tax money? They saw the Lottery coming and began post dating checks, making plans for all that CASH but when the rubber met the road and everybody woke up the streets of gold just weren't there.
Fearing reprisals from just such areas as the Western Counties the General Assembly then in it's infinite wisdom allowed these counties to have the power to get money from it's own tax base through Transfer Tax Fees instead of the Lottery.

What a joke!

Now is it the local levels fault for not having the funds to cash the checks or fill the promises made? NO! It is their fault for spending or promising the funds they didn't have.

Stupidity at it's finest!

Isn't it time somebody stood up and looked around? We couldn't possibly run our family budgets like this. It's like the old addabge of "keeping up with the Jone's".
Rather than try to always run around in a new car or have a new house, how about let's make sure the car or in this case, the school we've got runs well before we junk it. Do we need new buildings? Or just get a handle on what we do have and manage it better. Oh things wear out, but a fine example of a building that the county abandoned once upon a time just because it just wasn't worth saving, is now one of Southwestern Tech's best satellite Facility. I don't guess it was as big a problem as it was made out to be, considering that the old Almond School will probably be around even now for years to come.

Can Economic Development and the Environment coexist?

Some would say absolutely not. However it takes Planning, Commitment and Good Stewardship. All of which are evident in the western part of our county.
Speaking explicitly of the Nantahala George and the associated businesses of this area it appears that Development and the Environment can coexist.
Has the area changed? Absolutely.
Would it have changed over time anyway? Absolutely.
Could it be being managed, maintained, and cared for better? That's debatable, but in all honesty that decision would have to be made at ground level while in the game and not from the sideline.

It's a cinch that progress and development effects our environment everyday and is in all likelihood inevitable. The big question is, can these changes be managed and yet satisfy the common goals of all parties involved.
In this particular situation it appears that they can.
The Nantahala Gorge Area looks to be a Shining Light of Development coexisting with our Environment, exhibiting the three critical points, Planning, Commitment, and Good Stewardship.

What do you think?

And then there was only "ONE"

Recently there was a meeting concerning TVA and Lake Levels in Swain County, at the Fine Arts Center. At that meeting people talked about Fontana Lake Levels and a 1.5 million dollars increase in Swain County's economy which was trown away this year. Evidentally TVA has done a study to show a 1.5 million dollar boost to Swain County's economy with a 30 day longer summer lake level, which we are now being denied.
I attended this meeting where over 150 people attended and voiced their opinion on how TVA was drawing down Fontana Lake, There were other Elected Officials from other Counties, as well representatives from Senator Burr, Senator Dole, and Congressman Shuler offices. My question is why was there only ONE Swain County Commissioner there? With this kind of potential revenue being taken from Swain County's economy shouldn't we as a county have not been better represented? Were they busy? sick? or just didn't care?
Thanks, Mr. Monteith for your interest in Swain County.

WHERE WERE THE OTHERS?

THERE ARE IS A TOTAL OF FIVE, RIGHT!

Fontana Lake User

Land Tax Transfer from the view point of the Teaching Staff of Swain County

The following is a statement of concern from a Staff Member of the EAST SCHOOL who heard the summary of the TAX Referendum as portrayed by the off duty County Administator today. In the words of those who would benefit in some fashion it appears the staff has the best interests of the County at heart more so than others. From the verbal summary the questions posed by the Staff could not be answered since there was no answer to be given which would endorse the positive position for the Referendum.

Staff Member:
"The Land Transfer Tax is merely another way for the Commissioners in our county to acquire additional money to use anyway they see fit. The children/educational system are being used as a device to get voters to agree to another tax. The problem is that there is no written agreement stating that this money is going to used for education only, and there lies the problem. If the referendum passes the commissioners will have the final say, and the taxpayers will be paying tax. It is a shame that our commissioners have had to stoop to using our children to acquire more money, if they would manage the funds we have a little better maybe they wouldn't need as much money. Another thing puzzles me , if the real estate marketing is dropping - How are they going to collect land transfer tax money? and if they don't get enough won't they just raise the other county taxes we all pay? It seems like the commissioners acquire the property for the new school without taxpayer approval- so I think they can do almost anything they see fit without our approval-
-We need to vote for a change in commissioners in the next election-"

Very Concerned about Us All

Captive Audience

Is it true, under the guise of Called Faculty Meetings in which teachers are REQUIRED to attend, that representatives of the School Administration as well as others are LOBBYING the teaching staff to support the up coming LAND TRANSFER TAX referendum?

Have we shrunk to a new level? Granted if they are explaining both sides of the referendum then this would be nothing more than voter education and a service to the community. However if it is one sided and being billed under the false pretenses, by school personnel and county leadership, then it definately should be considered to be not only Distasteful but possibly, Intimidating.

IS THIS OUR COUNTY AT WORK?

PS
If it's such a good thing why worry, it should pass on it's own merit, right?

Appreciation to those who are DESERVING

While this blog has critical aspects to it in which you the patron have submitted or brought forward or even commented on. It is not the purpose of this median to be one sided, criticism is also complimentary.
It would be the intent at this time to take a moment to appreciate some of the wonderful people which make our local area great!
Specifically, the people who lend their abilities as well as time and energy in sacrificing for us all. That go above and beyond without hesitation or regret.

-Our First Responders, who tirelessly make the most impossible situation manageable.

-Our Police, Sheriff's Office, State and Federal Authorities, who keep us safe from the harm that is to and fro in our world today.

-Last but certainly not least the ones that literally craft our future, who put their lives into every moment of the day trying against all odds to see that success or the possibility of success is delivered to every shoulder willing to bare it. With little support from any side, these individuals tirelessly pursue a calling much more than a simple profession. Silent Heroes to those who look back, these people are the mentors of the children of today and leaders of tomorrow.
OUR CLASSROOM SCHOOL TEACHERS!
God Bless them and look over them, keep them from harm and give them the strength to carry the burden of being a direct influence on our tomorrow.

The North Shore Road

THERE SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ANY OPPOSITION TO THIS ROAD PROJECT!
What a shame it is that the center core of the community has had to struggle for a
completion, that by peremptory rights is already ours, which was placed into our hands by the foresight and integrity of our forefathers. The completion of the NORTH SHORE ROAD
(sometime locally referred to as the ROAD TO NOWHERE) is a simple legal binding contract supported by laws of the nation, state, and county.

WHAT GOOD IS TEMPORARY MONEY TO A COMMUNITY THAT IS LOSING ITS VOICE? This community is being systematically shunned by the majority of its elected officials. The question becomes WHY. WHY is financial retribution more important than this government's commitments to its people? the collective group within a community provides a support system. We should not have to live without this. Have we not been patient with the government? Have we not waited for you to come through on your commitment with completion of honor?

The removal of our moral vaues that contain the integrity of this nation is tearing this country apart. We are not ignorant of the consequences in the direction of corruption that influence thes nation's actions. The loss of America's cornerstone is truly a leap backwards into the dark ages. The amount of hatred directed against this country is a good measurement of the dissatisfaction at home and abroad. WHY IS THE GOVERNMENT NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THIS?

This nation is a juvenile compared to the age of other civilizations. Often, the struggle to achieve a concept is taken to a point of destruction instead of productive stability. There within lies the new age thinking of todays marketable trade of repersentation. The overall lack of intervention on the part of our government's representation is not acceptable. DAY IN AND DAY OUT, we the people, for the people, by the people work to maintain the supportive structure of this great nation. HAS THAT CONTRIBUTION BECOME SO MI-NUTE THAT WE HAVE BEEN DISMISSED FROM IMPORTANCE? If our congressmen and an handfull of citizens cannot convey understanding, HOW WILL THE WHOLE FIND REASON?

This nation's birth of rights, sacrifices, and past achievements represent a remarkable migration of circumstances that created the strong foundation of this country. Attainable equality was established by the displacing and discarding of individuals from the roots of old civilizations. Our ancestors contruced a higher quality of life for all citizens of this nation.

This government's legislative power determines through established law how you will proceed on the issue of the NORTH SHORE ROAD. THIS WILL INDICATE YOUR RECOGNITION OR ABUSE OF THESE LAWS. You, our representatives, are responsible for using the wisdom passed down to us by our forefathers.

REMEMBER, YOU ARE CHARGED WITH PERFORMING YOUR JOBS WHICH WE ENTRUSTED TO YOU BY OUR VOTES.


Mrs. Big-Gun

It's Election Time Again!

SNOOPE DOG on the trail

Let's hear it for the SNOOPE DOG! Sounds like he's on the trail once again!
Invoices for TAX Bill Boards going to the School Board's mail box?
Various people of notoriety maybe just a little too close to the flame?
Just what is the age to be putting out signs on the road?
The trail is getting hot!
When hunting is good, look out for the SNOOPE DOG!
By the way, could anyone tell if the Board of Education actually lobbying for the referendum?

Local Realtor

As a Real Estate Broker, our office was visited by a county administrator today to educate us on the Land Transfer Tax. I was not in the office at the time.This tax will not take money from our pockets as is being told by county administrators and commissioners and the school system. As a land owner it will effect me, if I wish to sell or even deed my property to my children someday. I am strongly against it as a resident and native of Swain County. WE DO NOT NEED A NEW TAX.
October 24, 2007 7:26 AM

LITTLE SALESMAN

It's shame out of the multiple candy bar salesmen I saw over the weekend not one had a clue what the money being earned was for in Swain County Schools. Not one knew much more than they needed to sell candy to help the school. Out in traffic and in the public wandering the roads and streets trying to help our poor, poor school system.

GIVE ME BREAK!

Who in the world is taking responsibility for placing these children in the position they are in? Who's going to take the responsibility for just one of them being hurt or God for bid something else happens, all in the name of Funds not provided by the State of Federal for the schools. Maybe we need to prioritize our needs and let the wants go.

Where's the leadership we pay or elect? Laying up in some retreat, picking out athletic equipment, maybe just playing a fiddle while our Rome burns? Looks like we've got our own Sadam Husein that needs to get off the stick and go to work, it's time somebody did their job!

Freedom of Speech & Public Meetings

Freedom of Speech is not dead!

This site wishes to thank the efforts of two distinguished county leaders for their unselfish sacrifice to allow the people of Swain County to voice their opinions over the North Shore Road issue.
Against the majority of the Swain County Board of Commissioners after the issue was once passed in a prior meeting to go forward after it was revisited and killed by a board reversal. These men stood up.
They went forward to allow Freedom of Speech in troubled times.

Your courage and compassion shall not be forgotten.
Thank you, Commissioners, Philip Carson and David Monteith. You are both honorable members of the Swain County Board of Commissioners unlike others.

Land Transfer Tax for who?

The note below was forwarded as an opinion which is subject to interpretation of the facts that the individual was exposed to. It is put forth to inspire thought and comment and nothing more.

A tax for the Blind Deaf and Dumb.
What intelligent human being would vote for a Transfer Tax that a bunch of misfits just happen to come up with, when they can't even manage what they already have. Was it in some dark corner they got together in a huddle and made up a Ballot item that allows them to not only, not designate the money's generated but gives them an open hand to carry it forward until eternity!
The way the Ballot item is worded they could buy pencils for the school system or condoms for the County Board Meetings. Isn't it time we held someone accountable? They hold you accountable when tax time comes around, don't they? They hold you accountable when a permit fees are due, don't they? They hold you accountable when they need fees for garbage, don't they?
They're depending on a low turn out on Election Day to see this thing pass. Wouldn't it be a shame to see this pass with just a few votes cast. The out come, you will have to live with like it or not. Who knows maybe we'll need a condom if they get their way.
Thank You,

Students turned into fund raisers. Where's the logic and who's "Surplanting" funds

To whom it may concern,

My son came home with permission slip to sell candy for items not covered by State or Federal Funds for the middle school, per the permission slip. NO MENTION OF WHAT THE MONEY WOULD COVER.
What is this about? What cut does the school get out of the candy? What assurance does the parent have that the child will reap the benefit of the funds gained? Who administrates the funds once they are collected and the bills are paid? Does the child get credit for lost homework time or an extension of a school sponsored activity? Why doesn't the school have enough funds to operate the issues it wants to? Why are we funding building projects when the school needs other things? Should we keep the lights on in house we have rather than look to have a larger one?
The whole thing looks wrong. Granted the school has done it for years but in thinking about it, I'd rather give the school the money in the name of my child rather than teach him how to pan handle or put up with begging in the streets.
If we're looking for money why don't we put jars in the convenient stores and the ABC store churches and beg for donations.
What's this all about?
I guess we're taking the first step to putting them in the mindset to get a piece of card board and looking for a busy intersection "HUNGRY NEED MONEY".

Land Transfer Tax just exactly where will the money go?

The entry below was put forth by an individual who has strong feelings on this subject. It is up to each individual to gather the information they need to make a responsible decision on this subject.

LAND TRANSFER TAX

Where is it wrote in stone? I can't find it, could someone help me please! I've looked all over and it's just not there. Oh! Please someone! Please help me! Where does it say in the Tax Referendum Ballot Item it is to raise money for the Schools. It's just another WINK and NOD to rake in some cash. Oh it can be said, we meant well. But where is it on paper.
I think I can answer that, NOWHERE!
This is nothing more than a billboard scam by a bunch of greedy bureaucrats who want you as tax payers to feel good about digging just a little deeper. In the real world, it would boarder on fraud! Ho, hum, only in Swain County, right? Let's get real for once and quit trying to tell us that it's for the kids!
It will be the kids that will pay for it in the future. The majority of the adults here have what they have and will pass it to their children. That's when they'll get to ante up. "TRANSFER TAX", forget trying to get around the word "sale". You can't even give it away now.

The North Shore/EIS/ Assumptions

Reply to story released Asheville Citizens 10/18/07.

I find it alarming that Mr. Kidd arbitrarily would decide the matter is now settled. While the EIS is completed it shows little detrimental effect to the park as a whole and surely no more than the already established roadways throughout the present Great Smokey Mountain Park system. It is well understood that the Park itself is charged with conserving the assets it has regardless of whether it's a road or an additional parking area and for that they have my gratitude. The Park's stance over preferring a monetary settlement was certain before it started. However the contract is there for the road along the North Shore, which was formulated and executed by the Federal Government and others which in turn is the overseer of the Park and takes precedence over the Park's position.
This area, culture, heritage has been literally wiped from the face of the Earth to be forgotten and is a human tragedy at the expense of the people the Park is hear to serve as well as others. To trivialize it with a price tag only denigrates the issue even further. I reference the following link for those who might not know or understand the nature of the culture which has been extinguished, http://aam.wcu.edu/grant/Photographs.html
Was this heritage worth something? Absolutely, and those people who gave their "all" asked for access to their past by way of a road along the North Shore. This was agreed by all parties including the Federal Government. Does it have monetary worth? I'm not sure how to consider this. Just exactly what is the price we should place on a culture or a heritage? Should we even try while we are now in the process of extinguishing even the memories of this moment in time. A shameless tragedy.