Thursday, May 17, 2007

Tom Barrett Plans to Preach to the Choir

Will Milwaukee's gun-toting murders, thugs, and assorted criminals be in church this Sunday?

Mayor Tom Barrett will be holding his annual "Ceasefire Sabbath" over the weekend. He's scheduled to take his anti-violence message to a mosque and five churches.

Unfortunately, I'm afraid he'll be preaching to the choir.

From
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:



Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett announced plans today to preach against violence in houses of worship this weekend.

Barrett's third annual "Ceasefire Sabbath" comes as police fan out to crack down on the kind of violent crime that took the life of a 4-year-old girl in a drive-by shooting this week. He will visit at least one mosque Friday and at least five churches Sunday and could stop at other churches and synagogues as well, spokeswoman Eileen Force said.

"I know that the criminals aren't likely to be in church this weekend, but their mothers are; their girlfriends are; and their neighbors are," Barrett said. "Together, we can work to solve Milwaukee's crime problems."

Barrett's right.

The thugs won't be in church, but people who know them may be.

Also, children, the next generation of thugs, may also be influenced by hearing Barrett's sermon.

Who knows?

Barrett is unlikely to win any converts. I assume that the churchgoers are already on the right path.

Still, it's a good thing any time the mayor gets out in the community and speaks directly to the people.

I really think that all the violence that is killing Milwaukee weighs heavily on the mayor.

Hopefully, the church congregations will pray for him as he struggles to bring order to the city.


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