Mr. Basketmaker Speaks: Possum

possum-stuffed-brassstown-north-carolinaEvery now and then, I feel like I have something important to say. This is one of those times. It also happens to be a good example of our ever-increasing PC world spinning out of control. I just had to speak up.

Brasstown, an extremely small town in western North Carolina with a population of 240, is mostly known for two things: One is that it’s the location of one of the most respected folk art schools in the country, The John C. Campbell Folk School; and Secondly, their Annual New Year’s Possum Drop. That’s right, I said Possum Drop!

Clay’s Country Store in the center of town places a possum in a decorated and cozy cage and slowly lowers the possum as if it’s the crystal ball in Times Square. This town of 240 residents had 3,000 people show up for this event last year. The Possum is not hurt in any way and is released after the event. I’m an animal lover! I would not support anything that would harm an animal.

But PETA wasn’t hearing any of it. They have spent much money to get a judgment to stop this event and have succeeded. The powers that be from New York have managed to spoil a harmless tradition in rural North Carolina. Will they be going after Punxsutawney Phil next and banning groundhog day? I guess I will have to step on a few extra ants in solidarity.

Editor’s Note: To see the complete article on the Brasstown Possum Drop Ban Eric is talking about, click here. And if Clay’s Country Store needs a stuffed Possum, they can buy one at the link below!

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