"THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER, BLOOD MONEY"

This article was copied from the local opinion column. It couldn't be said any better. This blog takes no position represented but places this opinion piece out there so as to spark public interest. Mr. Herrin appears to be a great AMERICAN.

Cash settlement is ‘Blood Money"

While I applaud the progressive actions of a North Carolina politician, as well as The Hon. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, I would ask three simple questions that could very well help my own feeble mind in understanding, if only they can be answered:

1- What is the timeline for the remaining compensation regarding the unpaid balance totaling $46 million, and just exactly what are the penalties for non-payment in the future?

2- What effect will this decision to receive a cash settlement have on designating the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or a portion thereof, as Wilderness, along with the creation of buffer zones concerning Swain and Graham counties?

3- Finally, in the past, the elected officials of Swain County have proclaimed their position on the issue of the North Shore Road both for and against, until now. The present position indicated was not made by the sitting administration and has not been officially endorsed by this administration, either by vote or affirmation.

How, exactly, should this particular point be construed, since the present administration has not yet embraced the question?

With these very menial questions answered, I'd pose a more in-depth part to my quandary which is vastly more important to me: That I cannot believe in my wildest dreams that such an issue was so important that this small portion of the total ($6 million or 11.5%) had to be hidden, not just in any omnibus bill, but in a bill that includes funding for our troops who are presently in harm's way. Hidden as an "earmark," as if it was something to be ashamed of.


Granted, there are some who should be ashamed for giving a new meaning to the term "Blood Money." Not only is there now an attempt to sell heritage and honor, i.e. "mountain values," but as well to do it at the expense of our very own troops who are defending the same concept of heritage and honor abroad.

It appears we have truly been working very hard for our share of the pot, haven't we?

May I suggest a corporate epitaph for the supporters of a cash settlement: "Thirty pieces of silver ain't so bad."