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gusgrissom · 6 years

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50 years ago today, Major Robert H. Lawrence, Jr. PhD (October 2, 1935 – December 8, 1967) was killed in an F-104 Starfighter crash at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Bob was a chemist, an Air Force test pilot, and became the first African-American astronaut when he was selected for the USAF’s Manned Orbital Laboratory program in 1967. He was killed while serving as an instructor pilot less than six months after his MOL selection.

Bob was incredibly driven, intelligent, and humble. He was a talented piano player and a chess whiz. He graduated high school at 16 and college at 20. He loved animals, fast cars, science (he had a doctorate in physical chemistry), and most of all, flying. Bob was also a son, brother, husband, and father to his eight-year-old son Tracey.

“Interpreted within the large context of American history, the appointment [to MOL] necessarily placed the name of Robert Lawrence alongside Jackie Robinson, James Meredith, Thurgood Marshall, and other ‘firsts’... Maj. Robert H. Lawrence became a hero in the American tradition. And in doing so he proved, finally, what black people in this country have long known—that excellence has no color. For young black boys like his own son, should they seek to be heroes in the traditional manner or heroes of another kind, it is the legacy one courageous black man left them.” -David Llorens, Ebony (February 1968)

“Bob’s death is quite a personal loss to Tracey and myself. He gave us a love and security that will be a tremendous void in the days and years ahead. However, he gave his life doing the thing that he wanted most—preparing to be an astronaut. Every day of his life has been given toward that goal. I am most proud of him, as an Air Force officer and as an American. I hope all of you share this pride with me.” -Barbara Lawrence, Bob’s widow

“I have been proud of my son ever since he was born and proud of everything he has done.” -Gwendolyn Duncan, Bob’s mother

#50 years...#love and miss you just as much now as then buddy #maybe more #bob lawrence #astronauts #USAF #1960s #MOL #fallen astronauts #black history #anniversary #edit #*#there were ceremonies at KSC today #I was so proud when I heard they were going to honor him <3

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profbenonyeukwu-blog · 6 years

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ABUSE OF OFFICE THE OF BISHOP (PART TWO)

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE(Eng.) ND/HD (Journalism); BA (Hons) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: [email protected]

ABUSE OF OFFICE THE

OF BISHOP (PART TWO)

DIVINE APPOINTMENT AND TRAINING

- - - Every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men

in things pertaining to God - - - and no man takes this honour to

himself, but he who is called by God, as Aaron was - - - (And) study

to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not

to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, (Heb. 5: 1-4; 2 Tim. 2:15).

INTRODUCTION:

The upsurge of impostors into the office of bishop, no doubt, is the background of the abuse of this hallowed office. Biblically speaking, it is the exclusive right of the Lord to choose who must occupy this lofty position of the Christian priesthood, (Hebrews 5:4). Also, God did not design the office for charlatans, but desires the intellectual and spiritual preparations of those divinely drafted into this Episcopal seat. People lack the grace to perform as bishops when they have no divine mandate to the office, as well as mess-up the system when they are not adequately equipped for the service. Therefore, apart from the call of God, it becomes necessary to cite the words of Joseph Pulitzer which remarks that the only position - - - that a man - - - can successfully fill by the simple fact of birth is that of an idot. Rhetorically also, Pulitzer further posits that “every position which anyone may want to occupy demands training, training at home, training in schools and colleges, training by master craftsmen or training through bitter experience” - - -, and the office of bishop is no exception. Having said this, please observe further that:

OFFICE OF BISHOP REQUIRES THE CALL OF GOD.

A bishop without the call of God is either in office by satan or men. And so, he becomes a round peg in a square hole, and this is the fundamental abuse of the office. The Catholic Church, the Anglican and other orthodox churches do not lay much emphasis on this, but the Pentecostals do. However, in recent times, some Pentecostal groups have developed an attitude of anything goes, in their bid to have their own serve as bishops. By divine arrangement, a bishop is a vicar of Christ, that is, His representative in any arm of the Christian Church. But how can one who is not appointed by God be His representative? No one becomes an ambassador of any country without being appointed by the government of that country. Likewise, no one becomes God’s vicar without being appointed by God. This shows that many bishops today are on their own, and this informs the basic reasons for the noticeable pitfalls in the office of bishop.

The Catholic Church, the Anglican communion and other Christian groups which claim apostolic succession to the episcopal office should better rediscover that all the original apostles were called by God, the Apostle Peter was called, (Mathew 4:18-20), the Apostle Paul was called alongside with Barnabas, (Acts 13:2), etc. This, therefore, indicates that there is a blind spot where apostolic succession of bishops is emphasized without emphasis on the call of God. Equally those who hold the concept of the call of God to the Christian episcopate should endeavour to keep the flag flying, as this remains God’s unbroken standard for the consecration of bishops. For, if men had co-operated with God, by allowing Him the prerogative of choosing who becomes a bishop in the Christian church, the issue of gay bishopric, cultism, double – dealing, exhibitionism, exploitation, high handedness and other forms of anti-social behavior which at present are common features of the lifestyle of most bishops would have been minimal in the history of Christianity.

OFFICE OF BISHOP REQUIRES

SCHOOL EDUCTION

Education drives towards the training of the mind and character for effective performance. One’s mind is one’s ability to think, and the character of a person consists of all the qualities they have that make them distinct. Through education a person is taught better ways of doing things, as well as a better way of living. In line with this, we are asked to study to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, (2 Timothy 2:15). Here, another commendation goes to the Catholic Church, the Anglican, the Methodist and a few other orthodox churches which have cherished and maintained the principle of good education for the members of the clergy of their denominations, especially the bishops. However, they should as well be reminded that letter kills where the Spirit of God is absent or not allowed to give life to it, (2 Corinthians 3:6). Also the Pentecostal movement of the Christian faith should be made to understand that the erroneous emphasis on the spirit of God which plays down on education calls for questions, as education is God’s design for the enhancement of the performances of people in the church and society, as well as a means of teaching them new ways of doing things in an ever changing world, though not at the expense of the life giving activities of His Spirit.

No doubt, education enhances one’s performances in life, as the lack of it can be dangerous. In fact, a well trained bishop is always aware of the ethics of his profession and can hardly engage in anything that undermines his reputation. Such educationally polished bishops know from their training that guests and members of their congregations are to be properly taken care of, as well as be encouraged in times of need. They equally know that church work is God’s work that should not be handled as private business or be incorporated to suit family aspirations. This brand of bishops are well equipped theologically for the objective interpretation of the word of God for the spiritual uplift of the people and not for money. By training also they have became aware that they are there to guide the society and government in matters pertaining to life and godiness and not just figure heads who watch things go wrong, where they feel they have nothing to gain.

But, who is to blame on the issues raised? What are the forces that play-up the anomalies that reduce the glory of the Christian episcopate? Without mincing words, three factors are responsible for the painful pitfalls that militate against the Christian Episcopal functions, and these include; the inadequacy of the curricula contents of some Bible colleges and seminaries, the lack of a central Christian regulatory body to check the excesses of the proprietors of such schools and the non-existence of a recognized central Christian body for ordination and license.

It is sad to note that most Bible College and seminaries especially those own by the Pentecostal groups have no standard curricula for the students they graduate year after year. These half-baked graduates by dint of long services become the future bishops of their denominations with traces of academic deficiencies, which they feel could be covered with the bishopric appellation. Today also, the consecration of bishops and ordination are based on money and not credibility, and some medicine men and witch doctors take advantage of the whole thing on the bases of cash and carry. Thus, the need for a reputable Pentecostal body to be saddled with the responsibility of the ordination of the clergy, as well as the consecration of bishops. The writer would have recommended the PFN, but it had already been politicized and therefore spiritually weak.

OFFICE OF BISHOP REQUIRES

INTERNSHIP EDUCATION

Internship Education is that educational arrangement in which a newly qualified school graduate is drafted to serve in an establishment where he further learns from an experienced graduate and practitioner in his profession, as a way of completing his training. This type of training takes place in different fields of human endeavour, like medicine, theology, journalism, law, to mention but a few, though some refer to it as Industrial Training. In fact, internship Education serves good purposes in the training of bishops, especially where probity and accountability are entrenched, but dangerous where corruption is the order of the day. Where the latter is the case, it becomes old fox teaching old tricks, whereby corrupting further the system. Investigation shows that must bishops who now consecrate other bishops for money have been replicating the despicable practice of some senior bishops. The source also reveals that certain bishops that nowadays go with shameless concubines, as well as delight in ostentatious lifestyle reflect the evils of those before them.

But, this is not the purpose of Internship Education, as it is aimed at transferring the skills, values and virtues of a given experienced practitioner to the younger generation, who in turn would continue to process for the enrichment and sustainability of the profession for a better society ahead. However, the present day crop of prospective bishops jettison this invaluable teaching and learning process, but take pleasure in cutting corners to the episcopel office, and the calamity that goes with this show of arrogance and self-centeredness we all know. How can a bishop who has unlawfully manipulated his way to the ecclesiastical throne really stand out against social ills? How can an arrogant bishop impact humility? And, how can an ego-centric bishop guide the people of God into the habit of selflessness? Yet, we have such morally bankcrupt individuals as bishops, who claim they habour the ideals of the Christian faith. What a contradiction!

In conclusion, the writer wishes to state that this work is an exercise in the toughest domain of literary work, since it deals with the activities of the occupants of the ecclesiastical authority, which is, God’s highest point of power in the universe. However, the writer also is aware that God has called him to serve in the capacity he now acts, for the good of the church and society, and so, has nothing to fear. Once again, no part of this piece on “Abuse of Office of Bishop” is a castigation against the Pentecostal group, for the writer is as well of the Pentecostal Christianity, but stands out for the truth, no matter whose ox is gored, with the view to achieving sanity in the House of God. Therefore, the writer, by this, wishes equally to rehearse that, - - - “ the foundation of God stands firm, sealed with this inscription: The Lord knows those who are His, and everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness”, (2 Timothy 2:19) INTENSIFY YOUR PRAYERS FOR BISHOPS.

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garancefranke-ruta · 7 years

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Charlottesville is a target for the ‘alt-right.’ Its Jewish mayor is emerging as national voice.

Charlottesville Mayor Michael Signer stands for a portrait on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, Va., Tuesday, Aug 15, 2017. (Photo: Julia Rendleman/AP)

WASHINGTON — In the days leading up to the white nationalist “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Va., that left one counterprotester dead and scores injured, Mayor Michael Signer took to Twitter to highlight the counterprogramming going on at the University of Virginia, the school where he earned his law degree in 2004 and where he today lectures at the Batten School for Leadership and Public Policy.

Saturday, Aug. 12, was set to be a day of “reflective conversation” to coincide with the arrival of alt right, neo-Nazi and white supremacist protesters in the central Virginian town of less than 50,000 people. Shops and restaurants in downtown Charlottesville, which is 23 percent black, posted signs in their windows declaring “we are a safe space” and “If equality and diversity aren’t for you, then neither are we.”

It turned out the reflection would come later, after a morning of clashes between rightwing protesters and a mix of anti-fascist, socialist, and Black Lives Matter counterprotesters led the governor to declare a state of emergency and prompted a young man with alleged Nazi sympathies to speed his Dodge Charger down a street filled with counterprotesters on the march, sending them flying and killing Heather Heyer.

Since then, Signer, 44, has emerged as a fierce public critic of the president’s slowness to condemn the violence attacks in his city — and also as an important voice for the new South’s reckoning with its difficult history.

“[Trump] made a choice in his presidential campaign and the folks around with him to go right to the gutter, to play on our worst prejudices, and I think you’re seeing a direct line from what happened here this weekend to those choices,” Signer said Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation.”

The Forward, a Jewish newspaper, dubbed him “an unlikely hero” and the Washington Post called him “one of Trump’s strongest critics.”

Few people in American politics, it turns out, were as well-positioned as Signer for the face-off. Signer wrote his PhD dissertation at the University of California, Berkeley, on demagogues and how the Founding Fathers sought to prevent their rise in America. It became the basis of his first book, “Demagogue: The Fight to Save Democracy from Its Worst Enemies,” published in 2009. His second tome was on James Madison, the fourth American president who also served as the second rector of U. Va.

“Trump is a demagogue. Not just in a casual sense, but in the most powerful meaning of the word, and he should be confronted as such,” Signer wrote in December 2015. Demagogues, he wrote in February 2016, imperil their countries in the international arena, surround themselves with incompetent and dangerous advisers, threaten dissenters, and are at risk of falling prey to their own passions. After Trump’s disastrous Tuesday press conference, in which the president angrily described some of the torch-bearing night protesters who chanted against Jews as “some very fine people,” that analysis looks prescient.

A product of public schools and a progressive Arlington, Va., family — Signer’s mother was president of the Virginia chapter of the National Organization for Women — he attended Princeton and bought a home in Charlottesville in 2005, shortly after graduating from law school, before returning to the city full-time in 2013. For a number of years he worked as a counsel to now-Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., as well as other Virginia and national politicians, and in 2009 he ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor. Elected to the Charlottesville City Council in 2016, he was selected by other members of that five-member body to be mayor. He is married to Emily Blout, an incoming faculty member at U.Va., and has twin boys.

One easy misconception about what’s been happening in Charlottesville is that it’s a Southern city seeing a resurgence of old racial dynamics, with local Ku Klux Klansmen standing up against African-Americans. That couldn’t be further from the truth, Signer told Yahoo News: Charlottesville has become a target for white supremacists from around the country because it is a progressive college town that’s been working hard to grapple with its complicated history, including questions about what to do about a statute of Robert E. Lee, the commander of the Confederate forces, and a city park named after him.

A debate about the statue that had been percolating since 2013 came to a head in March 2016 thanks to the efforts of council member Wes Bellamy and a local high school student, who petitioned the city council to take down the statute and rename the park. That prompted a broader examination by the city, culminating in a February 2017 vote by the council to take the statue down.

Supporters of leaving the statue in place sued to challenge their authority. Virginia is the state with the highest number of Confederate monuments in the country. It also has rules on the books barring localities from taking them, or other war memorials, down. The case remains open and awaits judicial ruling. In the meantime, the park has been renamed Emancipation Park.

“When this protest first started a year and a half ago about the Robert E. Lee statute, what my interest was in taking the issue as broadly as possible not just having a debate one statue or another statue but looking at the issue of race in our public spaces writ large,” said Signer, who has taught seminars on “Race and Policy” at U.Va. and co-founded the Center for the Study of Race and Law there while a student. “So we created a blue ribbon commission on race, memorials and public spaces. It had nine members — the majority of whom were African-American. They held 17 public hearings over 6 months. They were charged by the city council with two things: changing the narrative by telling the full story of race in our public spaces.”

Their conclusions “surprised a lot of people,” he said.

The commission recommended “that statute stay within city limits of Charlottesville. When they did that, they cited numerous African-Americans who came and spoke to the commission and said that they were opposed to removing or erasing them because they feared that we would repeat the past if we don’t remember it,” he said. “But they also recommended a whole host of other ideas to us, most of which we’ve enacted, like rehabilitating an African-American cemetery that had fallen into disrepair. We spent $80,000 on the Daughters of Zion Cemetery. We put almost a million dollars toward the African American Heritage Center, which does really important work on programming on race. And we committed a million to overhauling those two Confederate parks installed during the height of the Jim Crow era so that we know the full story of how that happened in our city.”

The visible public grappling with that history caught the eye of the alt right, drawing people to Charlottesville from elsewhere in the state as well as places like Ohio and Kentucky for a protest march in May and then again over the weekend for the “Unite the Right” rally, which the New York Post notes was advertised online without even mentioning the Lee statue.

“The vast percentage of these people were outsiders,” Signer said of the neo-Nazi and other alt-right protesters. “Charlottesville is one of the most diverse, progressive, dynamic and tolerant places you’ve ever seen. We became a target because we decided about a year and a half ago at long last to start telling the whole story of race in our city, as a Southern city. That made us a target for people who don’t want the narrative changed and the story told about race and our history. So they came here to try and terrorize us and intimidate us away from our work.

“But the thing is, they picked the wrong city. We will not be dissuaded and we will not be intimidated and if anything this will result in a more dynamic more diverse and more effective city working for racial harmony and racial equity.”

That work involves bridge building across parties — Signer sat down with local Rep. Tom Garrett, D-Va., for the first time on Monday — and working with the Department of Justice’s community relations service, an office that started under the 1964 civil rights act that works with communities that have experienced racial and ethnic tension and civil disorder.

“While I’ve been critical of the choices [Trump] made in his campaign and while I’m very wary of the dangers of dancing with the devil in American public life, I am much more focused right now on the work that we all have before us of rebuilding and strengthening our democracy,” Signer said. “If he wants to join, that’s terrific. And if he doesn’t want to, the rest of us are going to do it without him.”