Free Republic

As is often the case, (Jan 8, 2006) the Charlotte Observer carried an interesting article that left out significant facts. Still, I have to give Jack Betts some credit for even admitting the fact that his employer, the Charlotte Observer, along with the Raleigh News and Observer and the Wilmington paper, provided much of the impetus for the racist campaign that led to the "Wilmington Riot" and brought the Democratic Party to power at the end of the 1800's, a power they have held ever since. Since few people have even heard of the "Wilmington Riot," permit me to quickly...

(snip) Today, Asheville, [NC] is one of a handful of boroughs from St. Paul, Minn., to Manhattan that top the destination lists of ex-addicts wary of returning to the siren calls of their former haunts. These cities tend to be gritty, but artsy, places where the harsher realities of city life are on display alongside art openings and late-night cafes. Here in Asheville, there's also a strong religious backbone, a growing number of available service jobs, and a broad community of recovery support groups and counselors. What's more, the cost of living is relatively low, with lots of free things...