Former public servants send a strong message

We folks over 70 often make mistakes — forgetting and confusing names, places, dates. So when Joe Biden mistook President Sisi of Egypt as the president of Mexico I didn’t worry too much about it. Woops! 

Trump doesn’t deserve our support

To the Editor:

Recently the world lost one of the most honorable and bravest advocates for democracy that we have ever seen.

Quiet western Primaries signal November's partisan battles, voter frustration

While the March 5 Primary Election was relatively quiet in the west — with few races and even fewer competitive races — results from state and national contests not only solidified partisan matchups for November’s General Election but also highlighted growing dissatisfaction with major party candidates. 

GOP seeks to divide, not to lead

To the Editor:

Nikki Haley, in a February 21 interview with National Public Radio, said: “I think what’s really important is to know that the majority of Americans dislike Donald Trump and Joe Biden,” she said. “So we think that there needs to be an alternative.” 

It’s ‘Trump first’ for Republican Party

To the Editor:

The Republican complaints about the southern border are just political theater. When presented with a bipartisan bill with billions of dollars for border personnel and enhanced infrastructure along with policies they say they want, they block the bill.

Let first principles guide us

To the Editor:

A Google search reveals this simple concept: First principles thinking (or reasoning from first principles) is a problem-solving technique that requires you to break down a complex problem into its most basic, foundational elements. The idea: to ground yourself in the foundational truths and build up from there. 

Reflections in an election year

To the Editor:

Beginning a new year during a cold winter, and an election year, I find myself soulful and introspective. 

Here’s to being woke rather than a MAGA

Several months ago, I was having lunch with a friend and the topic of politics came up, specifically how bitterly polarized and angry the country has become in the last ten years. 

GOP once knew what honor meant

To the Editor:

I recently finished reading Liz Cheney's book “Oath and Honor.” Liz Cheney represented Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2017 to 2023.

A sickness in the soul of America

To the Editor:

The Eagles rock band has interpreted life in America over the last five decades. Yet, the lines that fit the last two decades best may be: “Now it seems to me some fine things have been laid upon your table. But you only want the ones that you can’t get.” 

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.