Representation Reform – Every Voter Deserves a Voice In Every Seat on City Council

Seven seats on Rocky Mount’s City Council, along with the City Manager and the Mayor, have a lot to say grace over. These leaders are responsible for decisions that affect our financial footing, our neighborhood stability, and the decisions that shape whether Rocky Mount is a place where families can thrive and businesses choose to … Continue reading Representation Reform – Every Voter Deserves a Voice In Every Seat on City Council

Bloody Hell!

This has a nice ring to it. If you are addicted to English mysteries as I am, you are familiar with the expression. In British, and other Commonwealth English, 'bloody hell' is an informal, mildly offensive expletive used to express surprise, annoyance, disbelief, anger, or frustration. Like, "Bloody hell, I can’t believe we missed the … Continue reading Bloody Hell!

Outgrowing the Past in Rocky Mount, NC

Wendell Berry reminds us: “The past is our definition. We may strive with good reason to escape it, or to escape what is bad in it. But we will escape it only by adding something better to it.” Citizens are rightly infuriated that the “fix” for this financial hole put forward for Rocky Mount’s $30 … Continue reading Outgrowing the Past in Rocky Mount, NC

Never Giving Up on Rocky Mount

There are days when it feels like Rocky Mount is under judgment, its name dragged low. The wrongdoing has left marks, and it would be easy to declare the whole city unredeemable. Wendell Berry draws the line more carefully: “There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places.” Desecration can be … Continue reading Never Giving Up on Rocky Mount

Monday: This is How We Remain Believers

We can admit it plainly: this is a 'mell of a hess.' Accounts hidden, money misused, trust broken. It has gone on too long without justice. And yet, what matters is coming to the other side of prosecuting those to blame without becoming unbelievers. Wendell Berry once wrote: “It is not from ourselves that we … Continue reading Monday: This is How We Remain Believers