"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."

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