Living History

Mr. James Armstrong. 80yrs old and still self employed

Today I had the privilege to meet and talk with Mr. James Armstrong. Mr. Armstrong has been a self-employed barber for decades. Mr. Armstrong is the father to first successfully integrate Birmingham Public Schools. He first filed his petition in 1957, but it was not until September, 10, 1963 when his sons Dwight and Floyd entered Graymont Elementary. We talked in his barbershop for over an hour about that day and events that followed. Among the comments that stood out was when he said that numerous people and all his siblings had encouraged him to leave Birmingham, but of those people he was the only one still alive. It was an amazing experience if not life changing. It's not everyday you get the chance to talk with living history.

CJE

Read more...

War Before Education Pt.2

The crosses of Columbine

This time last year I wrote a post about the dangerous conquences of the inequality between the Department of Defense budget and the Department of Education budget. Well the proposed 2007 Federal Budget was released two weeks ago and here is the break from the White House itself.

(http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2007/budget.html)

2007 Federal Budget

Department of Defense-----> 439.3 billion
Department of Education---> 64 billion
Department of State-------> 33.9 billion
Department of Justice-----> 19.5 billion

Again, does anyone see a problem??

As in 2005, I will repeat this warning that America needs to reconcile the gulf between Defense and Education. Yes, the Department of Defense is necessary for this country. Yes, their budget will always be larger than most. Yes, money is not the cure-all for education. But it is a factor. All I'm asking is that the numbers to be somewhat close. As it stands right now these two budgets are worlds apart. Paul issues a similar warning in Galatians 6, "7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature[a]will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

If we continue to put war before education, then this country will reap a whirlwind of destruction and decay. If we continue to put war before education, then our children will degenerate into violent militants who believe violence is the only means of achieving progress. The crosses of Columbine are a prophetic reminder of the violence that will descend upon our children if this country continues to make war its first priority. War may be good for business, but it is fatal to education.

So again this week ask yourself what is most important. Our defense should not rely on bullets, bombs, or F-16 Tomcats. Education is our best defense. Only education can defend us against the true enemies who are ignorance, hate and fear. The only way our enemies will succeed is if we continue to put war before education.


CJE


Coming Next Week: The Greatest Christian Inspiration

Read more...