Dear Ms. Lunelle,
The Asheville Daily Planet Newspaper would; in its publication of October 11- 24, 2023 Vol.19, No. 23; headline Mayor Esther Manheimer's State of the City Address before the Council of Independent Business Owners (“CIBO”). Her claim was that Asheville officials were “working for a secure future”.
Her proclamations would fall on deaf ears as a Past President of CIBO, and one of the most powerful persons of the City in the same Newspaper article would proclaim that Asheville is in chaos and deserves an “F” for poor governance. He added among other things that until the citizenry gets involved and makes government - City, State, and Federal - accountable for their promises nothing is going to happen.
Ironically for me, he, as did I in the Daily Planet “Guest Commentary” recognized the Vice Mayor, the Honorable Sandra Kilgore as the only elected official for the City who is trying to do things right for the City. If not for her, I would have given this City Council an “F” Rating like Mr. Swicegood; I delivered a “D-”.
Manheimer, whose real claim to fame was to lead her Council peers, with the exception of Kilgore, to illegally tear down the City’s Crown Jewel, " the Zebulon Baird Vance Cenotaph ". Vance’s illustrious career included service as a Member of the North Carolina House of Commons, Member of the United States House of Representatives, Colonel in the Confederate Army, three times Governor of North Carolina (the first time during the War Between the States), and three- time United States Senator.
He still remains the most decorated citizen of the State. During his law practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, all the stores in the town of 3,000 closed whenever he appeared in Court-there was no need to be open because everyone was in Court or trying to get in to hear Zeb Vance.
While in Charlotte, he prepared a Lecture "The Scattered Nation, " an ardent appeal for friendship with the Jewish people. Vance said: "...there remains among us an unreasonable prejudice of which I am heartily ashamed. Our toleration will not be complete until we put it away..." And further: "...I consider it a grave reproach not only to us, but to all Christendom that such injustice is permitted anywhere." Over 15 years he delivered the Oration in all the principal Cities of the United States. It has been acclaimed his greatest Lecture. This led the Jewish people to say that they would never voice a no vote of any kind against Vance. Esther Manheimer would break that vow and betray the trust of her people.
Address at Dedication of Monument at Asheville
The Monument in memory of Zebulon Baird Vance on Pack Square in Asheville, North Carolina, was dedicated on May 10, 1898. An Address was delivered by R.L. Taylor, Governor of Tennessee. Here are excerpts from his Address:
...Never again will his people be entranced by his eloquence, nor the enraptured multitudes listen to the music of his voice. Never again will solemn Senators turn away from their dignity to delight in the glow of his genial spirit. The warmth of joy has departed from his lips; the star that once shed glory upon the old North State has set forever. A coffin, a winding-sheet, six feet by two of Mother Earth, a Monument, and precious memories are all that is left of the orator and actor, the humanitarian, the Statesman and patriot... It would be presumptuous folly in me to parade in your presence today the noble traits of his character and the thrilling events of his life, which have enriched the history of his State and made his name immortal. They are throughly known to you all........................
Governor Zebulon Baird Vance lived and loved and laughed and labored for his people and for humanity. He planted the flowers of mirth and joy in the hearts of others, and labored on until the winter of age whitened his head with the snow that never melts. But there was no snow upon his heart: it was always summer there.
God bless you!
Your brother
HK
Chairman Board of Advisors Emeritus Southern Legal Resource Center
Member Save Southern Heritage Florida
Honorary Life Member Zebulon Baird Vance Camp 15 Sons of Confederate Veterans
Honorary Life Member Jackson Rangers Camp 1917 Sons of Confederate Veterans
Honorary Life Member Dixie County Historical Society Inc Cross City Florida
Honorary Life Member Maria Baker Lemmon Tennessee Order of the Confederate Rose
Honorary Life Member Simonton- Wilcox Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 257
Honorary Life Member North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia Orders of the Confederate Rose
President Southern Heritage 411
