You heralded the coming of the downtown Lenoir City brewery in a recent edition of the News-Herald. The article should have been rimmed in black.

The leaders who voted for such a facility should be ashamed of themselves. Moonshine stills used to be considered evil, not something to be proud of. Alcohol is the source of many troubles, including traffic accidents and marital problems. Alcohol is another drug that impairs judgment and creates tensions among people.

To be pleased to have such a negative influence downtown shows how economics override good sense.

I want Loudon County to prosper. I am proud to live in Lenoir City among the good people who call this their home. Adding facilities to encourage drinking does not make the city a better place in which to live and raise children. Shame on all of those who put economics ahead of the welfare of the community. Wouldn’t our forefathers who built this city be appalled at this decision.