Mark Bloom, Author at Asheville Blog

Mark Bloom

Mark is a freelance writer, editor, and videographer who has spent his life playing with words and pictures. He used to think tourists were “endlessly entertaining,” but lately their driving habits have tested his patience. He writes on every subject from parking in Asheville to choosing SEO keywords. He edits fiction and nonfiction. He produces website content, including video. He’s lived in Asheville for ten years, which means he’s a third of the way to being considered a local. You can reach Mark at markhenrybloom@gmail.com or through his professional website at rayaccess.com.

Honking at the Vance Monument

November 6, 2013 3

Welcome to a new regular feature here at AshevilleBlog.com., where I spill the beans and let the cat out of the bag without hanging around long enough to clean up the mess. Here is what you need to know. Asheville is a friendly place. People smile here. They wave to each other. Parking lots are littered with loitering companions, either unwilling to leave each others’ company or unable to find a gap in the conversation long enough to say “Goodbye.” Honking your horn in this town is just plain rude. But what if someone asks you to? Pack Square has long been the city center … and a rather confusing intersection. I suppose that’s the reason dissidents flock there. It’s an inviting and visible place to exercise your constitutional right to free speech, and drivers must slow down to navigate the traffic lights. But outspoken protesters aren’t satisfied unless they can coerce you to exercise your rights as well, assuming you agree with them: “Honk if you love Jesus.” “Honk to stop the war.” “Flash your lights if you’d rather be hiking.” “Flash your breasts to annoy the conservatives.” I’ve seen (and heard) my share of drivers join the protests, but while civil disobedience can be the seed of …