The role of government is now to stimulate your medulla oblongata.
Like other North Carolina cities, Asheville does not allow open alcoholic beverages on most public property without special permission. And so when there is a festival, council has to vote to approve the sale of beer and wine in paper or plastic cups. The latest proposal, to allow the sale of beer at Rockin’ the River, states that the activity will provide not only fundraising opportunities, but “additional quality cultural programming and diversity.†If that’s the city’s attitude, there are a whole lot of other cheap thrills we could sell in lieu of creative, artistic entrepreneurship. If one must be drunk to enjoy the festival, it should be called off. Tax funds are allocated to clean up the litter, urine, and vomit of those who have one too many. I’m not sure how foolish and even lewd behavior can be an economic incentive.
