The president is supposed to be staying at the Grove Park Inn. Other presidents have stayed there while I’ve been living here, and I have no recollections of even 1% as much hubbub. Maybe a lot of us are dumb enough to think the president is acting alone. Maybe a lot of people want Joe Biden to become president, or maybe a big plot is underway to make Nancy Pelosi the first woman president before Mrs. Clinton has another chance. Maybe the president is going to be keeping company with controversial figures, or maybe the Chicago political lifestyle is getting messy.

Anyway, I received the following message on my answering machine today from Code Red.

Code red alert message. Press any key or hold the line to listen.

This message from the Asheville Police Department is to advise those traveling in the north Asheville area this Friday through Sunday to be prepared for traffic congestion, delays, and certain travel restrictions. The areas most affected will be Country Club Road, Macon Avenue, Kimberly Avenue, Edwin Place and Charlotte Street. This message also serves as a reminder to those residents that have been previously notified not to park their vehicles on the street to please respect this request or their vehicles will be towed at their expense.

We appreciate your cooperation and thank you

I thought one had to sign up for Code Red messages. After all, the city’s web site states:

By registering, you’ll be added to the emergency call list.

I didn’t register.