No Wal-Mart, keep it that way

So Wal-Mart, the big bad wolf, the mega super store, the one [about which] everyone said, "it's going to get in anyway, so what's the point," turned with its tail tucked between its legs and left the fight. We won! We the people affected public policy and the landscape of our community. To everyone that took the time to do something about it, good job, keep it up! To all those who were too apathetic to care, please remember that the government and corporations get their power from one place: YOU. If you sit by and give them that power, they will (and do) take it, and won't give it back unless you make them. They don't want anyone to realize this, but remember we the people have all the power and we decide who to give it to. Now is the time to make sure NO more big box stores are allowed to desecrate our community, environment, and economic viability. I hereby challenge both the citizens of Asheville and the City Council to limit all new development to a reasonable square footage (20,000-50,000). Other small towns and communities in the US have done this, and it's time we do this as well. We need a public discourse on this topic, and now is the time to start. I challenge everyone who cares about our town to start talking to their neighbors, writing letters to the editors, and writing letters to City Council members about the future of our landscape. If you love Wal-Mart, speak up; if you hate Wal-Mart, speak up; and tell the rest of us why you feel that way. In short, start TALKING! David Braverman Asheville, NC