Free Speech Violated in Asheville

An Asheville couple was arrested on charges of flag desecration. The Kuhn's had pinned signs to an upside down American flag along with pictures of Bush with the text "out now". The couple plans to plead not guilty. Their lawyer plans to ask for a dismissal.

The world becomes a dangerous place when you cannot speak out against the actions of the government that supposedly represents you. You can read more about the story here:

Asheville Couple Arrested

Another taxpayer funded, state (mis)managed boondoggle in NC

The new section of 540 in Wake County is open, and the results are not impressive. Poor planning by NC DOT engineers has resulted in even more traffic headaches for traffic exiting 540 for I-40 East or West.

Now the DOT is talking about spending even more tax-money to try and fix the mess. But to make matters worse, they're saying they don't know if they *can* fix it, because the exit ramp which needs to be expanded is bordered by water.

It makes one wonder what would happen if highways were run by private companies without the ability to subsidize their mistakes by collecting tax money. One supposes the need to make a profit (or go out of business) might encourage better planning; as opposed to the DOT who can (and do, routinely) screw up everything they touch, secure in the knowledge that the taxpayers of NC will continue to absorb the cost of fixing their mistakes.