On any day when the sky is clear as one drives over the mountains headed south from Newfound Gap, or from Clingman's Dome's vantage points you can view just what Swain County once was. Oh, one could say, there's other counties out there in the "VEIW SHED" but over 85% of everything you can see is what was once Swain County.
And what about along Hwy 28 going toward Graham County, as you drive along you can look to the north and see just what was once Swain County as well from another angle. Simply breath taking, mile after mile of Swain County undeveloped in raw form.
From an environmental stand point heaven on earth. From a human stand point concerning those who once lived in this heavenly place simply an open wound which is salted from time to time by a simple broken promise.
Let's put it in prospective.
They, those who once owned and flourished in this land gave there all or it was simply condemned and taken for a simple pittance, along with a small insignificant promise to build a road so that the burial sites of their ancestors could be visited from time to time, and as well to allow these people to return and remember for only a moment of what once was.
As time has went on the priorities of this mighty nation changed and little thought is given to this small insignificant promise since the prize of an INTERNATIONAL BIOSPHERE has been accomplished. Priorities to live and let live is given over to the environmental aspects with little concern to the Americans who surrendered to what they thought was a worthy and respectable cause in duty to their Country. All they want now is what they were promised. All they want is that this Country simply live up to its responsibilities and commitments.
We as a Country in times of peace as well as in war spend billions of dollars abroad to live up to commitments made over the years, its very troubling to understand why we can't live up to commitments made at home just because they seem to be politically incorrect now when it wasn't politically incorrect then. Why have our priorities, responsibilities changed? Why have we forgotten our own who came before us? Remember they gave what they had, it may not have been diamonds and gold but it was all they had.
When you cross over the mountains or stand at Clingman's Dome or drive along Hwy 28 and look upon this beauty, I would hope it weighs heavy on your mind that all of this scenery once belonged to those who gave all they had. For a pittance and a promise that is now politically incorrect.
In the overall scheme of things a simple road to allow people to return and visit their heritage, their beginning.
We should be ashamed of this injustice upon our own.
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24 comments:
I don't think anyone will deny that Swain County and it's citizens were mistreated, abused, and cheated in regards to the road. Your statement that the citizens were given "a promise to build a road so that the burial sites of their ancestors could be visited from time to time" is wrong. The promise of a road had nothing to do with the cemeteries, only a promise to replace flooded NC 288. The road proponents have added the cemeteries issue to further their cause; it is not a part of the 1943 agreement.
The issue now is simply that for many reasons, the road will never be built. If you want to have a guaranteed right to visit the cemeteries, you need to get busy now, before the opportunity diappears. The only way for this to happen is for the road proponents to quit opposing the settlement, and get a guarantee added as part of the settlement. If road proponents cannot or will not accept the facts, they will lose not only the road (already gone), but the Park Service will sooner or later have insufficient funds to continue the voluntary access program.
Quit with the rhetoric and try to accomplish something. If not, you have no one to blame but yourselves.
What do...
Big Bend National Park, Big Thicket National Preserve, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Channel Islands National Park, Congaree National Park, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Death Valley National Park, Denali National Park and Preserve, Everglades National Park (with Fort Jefferson NM), Gates of the Arctic National Park,
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Glacier National Park,
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Haleakala National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Isle Royale National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, Noatak National Preserve, Olympic National Park,
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Point Reyes National Seashore, Redwood National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park,
Sequoia National Park,
Virgin Islands National Park and
Yellowstone National Park
...all have in common? They are all International Biosphere Reserves. And despite what the writer of this blog and other road supporters would like you to believe, the world hasn't come to an end just because of these designations. In fact, most of the most popular and highly visited parks in our country are on this list. Obviously, being an International Biosphere isn't quite the problem it's made out to be.
Could we could stop with the foreign fear mongering?
>>When you cross over the mountains or stand at Clingman's Dome or drive along Hwy 28 and look upon this beauty, I would hope it weighs heavy on your mind that all of this scenery once belonged to those who gave all they had.
As someone whose family heritage includes WESTERN CHEROKEE (you might remember them, they are the one's who got shoved out of here at the point of a gun in order to make room for your ancestors), I find that you couldn't have said it better. Only just about the wrong people.
"To remember us"
Agreed. History did not begin with the GSMNP. That is an over sight clouded by emotion. The hurt runs deep through both peoples, not as far back as the Cherokee but still deep.
Anonymous
Since you are so smart, and think you have all the answers maybe you should proof read your comments. The last sentence you wrote doesn't make any sense and I quote it. "Could we could stop with the foreign fear mongering."
To Anonymous
YOU might think you are pretty smart but we don't think so. When you said the 43 agreement does not talk about cemeteries you are right, but did you know that in 1941 TVA workers came around and told the north shore citizens that when the north shore road is completed that the road would provide access to the cemeteries.
The citizens of the north shore do not have to further their cause. They have a legal contract to build the northshore road.
Also we have an agreement signed by the NPS in 1933 which guarantees cemetery access we do not have to further that cause either. Maybe you should just talk to some of the north shore citizens and you would be a lot smarter.
to Lone Wolf-
I'd be grateful if you could post the 1933 agreement.
to anonymous
we have done the most of your homework for you already, you seem to know so much about the problem look it up for yourself.we have already given you the date, I will carry your books to class one more time the month is November, the rest is up to you.
lone wolf
There's no need to be so ornery about this or any other topic. I honestly have no idea where to even start looking for that agreement, whereas you obviously have it readily available. Why not just post it? If folk could just learn to dialogue without all the emotion, these two sides might find they have more things in common than they realize.
Lone Wolf said >>The citizens of the north shore do not have to further their cause. They have a legal contract to build the northshore road.
Thus lies the crux of the issue. The 'citizens of the North Shore' do not have a contract. The Swain County government does. As bad as North Shore residents got mistreated, as much bull-hockey they may have got fed by the federal government, as unfortunate the personal stories may be....
It doesn't matter. The contract wasn't with you, or your father, or your grandfather. It was with Swain County.
If an agreement between multiple parties is not fulfilled, it is the prerogative of the parties involved to negotiate a settlement. This settlement may take other forms than what was originally contracted. It is highly unfortunate that 60+ years after the original contract was signed, that no middle ground has been found to help put this issue to bed once and for all.
No one wants to see access to the cemeteries limited. However, I agree with the original commenter above who suggested that now is the time to insure that the form of access (i.e. Park Service shuttles) is continued or even improved. Guaranteed access, and the method of access, are two entirely different things.
If cemetery access is the real issue, couldn't some form of improved transportation be worked out that would satisfy the needs of the families? I'm not trying to be facetious here, but why not use interest from settlement money to buy a fleet of Hummers and negotiate with the Park Service to allow monthly visits. Negotiate with the county to charter the helecopter out of Cherokee to airlift people to clearings near remote cemeteries. Be creative. Focus on the possible to satisfy your needs, rather than the highly unlikely.
To Mr. Anonymous
WHO IS SWAIN COUNTY???
It is NOT the three commissioners that got into office by hook and by crook. they belong to the MACHINE. No matter if you want to face it or not the CHAIRMAN is under federal investigation right now. He definately DON'T represent the majority of the citizens of Swain County. He did not get the position by my vote, and anyone that says he is their leader is guilty of the same things that he is.
"To another anonymous", it is clear that you are not familiar with the "Wilderness Act 1964" which suppelements the NPS's basic statuatory authority and has the following legal effects on adminstration of the 1916 Organic Act: NO permanent roads are allowed: NO temporary roads are allowed except for adminstration of the area: With the same minimum requirment exception, NO use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, motorboats, landing of aircraft, mechanical transport, structures or installations are allowed. This is directly from the NPS Wilderness Action Plan, National Steering Committee, page numbers one and two. This information is not a fabrication, it is from the NPS, and is considered a pre-1964 park, and is subject to have "potential wilderness and assess removal of non-conforming elements to allow for FULL wilderness status. The GSMNP was a park that was established by Preident Cooliage in May 1926 and the park was dedicated by President Roosevelt in Sept. 1940, as a "national park for all people of the country". And for them to enjoy the Park, The park movement was directed by motorists,not hardscore conservationists, or back packers, but motorists, who were interested in good roads through the beautiful scenery on which they could drive their shiny new cars" (GSMNP webpage-Stories), even some lands were condemned in court, all because Laura S. Rockefeller Memorial fund donated $5m to purchase lands of 300,000 acres. Some people had to just walk away from their homes. Only 5%of the GSMNP is actually used in facilities, to build the North Shore Road would only increase development by 2%. A small percentage to allow for "a national park for all people of the country to enjoy". Don't you think??
To Blue Bird:
Did I say anyone was my leader?
No.
So what is your point?
I am capable of independent thought. If I step outside and notice that it is raining, and one of the commissioners does the same thing, and we both agree that it is indeed raining, does that make me 'guilty' of what ever criminal act they may be accused of?
No.
So what is your point?
Is Glenn Jones under federal investigation?
No, the State Elections Board is looking into the matter of improper handling of ballots. He has not been charged, so is he considered guilty?
No.
So what is your point?
What is worthwhile to note is that no one has even attempted to refute the points made above, just a bunch of noise about who supports what politican or not. Also, a majority doesn't exist just because you say it does. Prove it.
To ANOTHER ANONYMOUS
Sir you are behind times, the State has already sent it to the Feds. KEEP UP IF YOU CAN.
This seems to be the way road supporters operate. Give them facts, and their inevitable answer is to question the integrity, intelligence, or motives of the fact-presenter. They don't address the issue at all. The original discussion here had NOTHING to do with the election brouhaha, but since they couldn't refute the logic or reasoning behind the argument, their response is to attack people. It's a real shame that this is their response. It alienates the very people that they try to persuade to their cause.
To Anonymous
Since you are the only person with the facts, spill your guts and tell everything you know.
The election has a lot to do with this issue. The three commissioners that stole their way into office went against the contract. Did you help them???
This is fact, accept it.
Salamander-
I'm not sure which anonymous you are referring to, so I'll take this question.
First of all, I really wish some single one discussion that has to do with the road could have some reasonable discourse without the name-calling and slander that always seems to come. You, sir, must face the fact that in EVERY single case where the pro-settlement folks have spoken out, they have been polite, respectful, and sympathetic to the cause you represent. We simply accept that the road will never be built, and are ready to move on, for the good of the county.
On the other hand, some of the road supporters (not all, of course) slander, belittle, and smear anyone who disagrees with them. I grew up in Bryson City, and my mother and father would kick my ass if I treated people like that. In EVERY case where names are called, or mud is thrown, it has been a road supporter that starts it.
If you want people to respect you and listen to what you say, you've got to show the same respect that you expect to get.
As far as the Commissioners and whether I voted for them or "helped" them. Yes, I did. Proudly.
If you are so proud of voting the way you did, why don't you post your real name????
You are guilty of calling people names too!!!
Sorry you are not perfect either.
Sir I beg to disagree with you, we have been called lots of bad names, like ignorant, hillbillies, not intelligent,just to name a few.
Some of the kids went to a table where some environmental people had refreshments at the scoping meetings, they refused those kids, and told them it was just for the cash settlement people. In my opinion, God was not pleased with that.
The story about the kids being turned away is a fairy tale. And quit using the Lord's name in vain, please. As far as posting my name....I don't post mine for the same reason you don't post yours.
To Blue Bird:
Please point to a single example, from any comment on this blog - not just from this post, but from all of them - where a road supporter has been called any of the bad names you mention.
To 'The Conscience of Swain County':
I really think it's time for the moderator of this blog to take a stance on the constant 'name calling', which is overwhelmingly one sided. You claim to be the 'Conscience of Swain County'. However, by allowing comments, you have some responsibility for what is posted on your website. By not taking a position, or providing guidelines, you are helping to foster the ongoing rancor that this debate is generating. There is absolutely no justification for the constant insults that appear in the comment section of this blog.
To Anonymous
I RESENT GREATLY, you said and I quote "quit using the Lord's name in vain". This is the first time anyone in this whole big world ever said I was doing such a thing. I have never since birth used the Lord's name in vain. I strive every day to do what is right. Shame on you. Remember God is listening and watching.
To enough already
Sir if you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen. No one is forcing you to answer anything. Why are you so angry????
To Blue Bird-
I quote you: "God was not pleased with that."
To bring the Lord in this discussion is using his name in vain. Don't presume to know what God thinks on an issue that has nothing to do with religion.
Another quote: "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and render unto God the things that are God's"
The Road to Nowhere issue belongs firmly in the "Caesar" category. You may have prayed about this issue and came to your conclusions. I may have prayed about it and came to an entirely different conclusion. God gave us minds to use to make decisions based on our own best judgement. I don't think you're evil because you think differently than I do. Please extend me the same courtesy. The Lord has no "side" in this issue.
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