Fear of violence sends gov’t workers home, but tourists, locals fail to get forewarning

From Staff Reports

After its Nov. 9 protest rally at Pack Square in downtown Asheville, the Western North Carolina Party for Socialism and Liberation — under the headline of “Asheville shut it down for Palestine!” — declared it a victory, issuing the following statement on Facebook:

“Hundreds gathered today in Asheville at Pack Square as part of a national day of action to SHUT IT DOWN for Palestine!

“Today, Buncombe County and the City of Asheville closed all downtown offices in anticipation for our demonstration. After seeing the historic march on Washington attended by more than 300,000 people last Saturday (Nov. 4), the ruling class fears the movement for Palestine!”