Barnes describes his failed effort to establish a radio station, owned and operated by the people, in Wautauga County, North Carolina, as part of his work with the North Carolina Fund. According to Barnes, the plan was shot down by Jim Gardner, then a conservative state legislator, who feared putting too much power in the hands of mountain people traditionally known for their Lincoln Republicanism. Barnes's description of how the issue unfolded is indicative of deep-seated political tensions in the state.