Another Day In Asheville

Honorable Madam Mayor:

I am a veteran and I vote. Many of my family still live in Asheville and they vote. We never miss an election day. Ever. You see, we take the Constitution of the United States and its Bill of Rights quite seriously.

I grew up in Asheville but now live in Greensboro. Yesterday I was shocked, saddened and dismayed beyond amazement at the patently unAmerican, even fascist actions of Officers Crisp and Riddle in the case of their harassment of a man holding a protest sign. You see, though I don't currently live in Asheville, my ear is still to the ground.

Sadly, it was through a national medium that I learned of this incident. My family have been strongly Democratic, staunch defenders of the Constitution and proudly military for generations. I have been on the phone since yesterday, calling every family member back home. We agree absolutely: Immaterial of whether we agree with Mr Phillips' sentiments, we have and will continue proudly to defend his First Amendment right to have his say. Further research into this incident revealed to us that, by all accounts, Mr Phillips broke no laws and governed himself within the local statues for protest.

Across the nation (even across the state), this is being viewed as an open and shut case: Mr Phillips' rights were clearly violated by a pair of cowboy vigilantes whose lack of understanding and respect for the laws of these United States puts them at odds with the badge they wear. Their actions are clearly at odds with the Constitution of the United States. There is no legal question here, no fine points, no grey areas, end of story -- except for the matter of redress.

Officers Crisp and Riddle, in their unAmerican, even storm-trooper zeal are clearly out of line. I respectfully suggest that they review their civics courses at a minimum. It is also painfully obvious that they should hand in their badges. This is America -- not nazi Germany. If they cannot abide within American standards of law, then it is clear that they have no business in law enforcement, QED.

The very thing that makes this nation great is her Bill of Rights. In fact, that is the one and singular thing that makes America "America"; not a flag, not a cross, and certainly not intolerance and the trampling of civil and Constitutional rights. I served this country -- twice -- to defend that very Bill of Rights. I expect our elected officials, who swear the same oath to uphold the Constitution, to do no less. Period.

The stench of this incident has gone nationwide. It is an embarrassment for me to admit that I was born and raised in Asheville. I trust that you will seek to put Asheville back on a footing based upon the Constitution of the United States, and redress this outrage and embarrassment.

If not, I hope Mr Phillips sues the living shirt, socks, pants and shoes off the city.

Most respectfully and in hopes of positive action,

Reverend James W ("Bill") Westley-Farrell

Asheville does not have stormtroopers roaming the streets in search of hippies.

We have an excellent police force by and large, and it's not fair to reduce them to this imaginary level. The policeman who cited the "Impeach" protestor (Jonas Phillips - his blog is here) was totally out of line. The officer involved with the Kuhns acted entirely irresponsibly.

In the Kuhns case, all charges were dropped. Sheriff Van Duncan is going to take questions from callers on Asheville's most popular talk radio show "Take A Stand" with Matt Mittan.

Anyway, what I'm saying is that everything hasn't gone all to hell out here in Asheville. It's two wrongheaded cops with a good police force to bust their chops for harassing political protestors.

Here's hoping that the good cops don't see your cartoon.

Yes, I was at that rally. I wrote about the incident extensively.

Here in Asheville we've had a lot of protestor/police run-ins over the years. Sometimes they go very well. You won't be hearing about those.

I'm saying there's not a systemic problem in the force. There are a few numbnuts whose temperaments would be better suited for gym coach or driver's ed instructor, but our new Sheriff, Van Duncan, is a good man and a good Democrat. Our Police Chief has made great strides in updating the force and prioritizing.

You say whatever you want, dude, I'm not defending the cops who behaved badly. I'm saying you're misreading the situation and making yourself look offensive for its own sake.

Just trying to help.

I stopped reading for a while after your last 'over the line' incident. Looks like I'll be better off stopping again.