Posted by ChangeSelma (anonymous) on November 15, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That's excellent!!!! They will get a chance to experience history . I am a little jealous LOL . I would love to go also .

Posted by noneofurbus (anonymous) on November 16, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I know right, but maybe it will make some the kids realize that their dreams can come true, and let them see life outside of Selma, Alabama.

Posted by popdukes12 (anonymous) on November 16, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LET'S SEE IF THEY GO TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR EXTRA FUNDING. 2 TO 1 SAYS THEY WILL.POPDUKES12

Posted by kr293 (anonymous) on November 16, 2008 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They should, their parents pay taxes!!!!!!

Posted by popdukes12 (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

kr293: YOU JUST DON'T GET IT. THAT'S NOT A CITY FUNCTION. TO PROMOTE THE GENERAL WELFARE SHOULDN'T INCLUDE FUNDING SOCIAL FUNCTIONS FOR THE SELECT FEW. IF THE CITY WERE TO REMOVE A SECTION OF STREET FROM IN FRONT OF YOUR HOUSE TO PAY FOR THIS TRIP, WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE THE FUNDING OF THIS TRIP? PROBABLY NOT. IT WOULDN'T BE SO EASY TO ENCOURAGE THIS GIFT IF IT EFFECTED YOU DIRECTLY. JUST BECAUSE I BUY SOMETHING FROM YOU STORE, OR USE YOUR SERVICES, IT DOESN'T MEAN YOU OWE ME A VACATION. POPDUKES12

Posted by alabamaWOW (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow. So they are missing school to be apart of history. Shouldnt that be up to there parents if they wanna go. Pushing politics on children is sad. Whats next during this 4 year term.

Posted by e7173000 (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Im sure it's up to the parents to decide if they want their children to attend.I wish the school that my child attends were able to go I would be all for it.Im sure that going to our nation's capitol and being a part of history they will learn more that day than they would have sitting in that classroom.They way I see it they will be in class.

Posted by Bg (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AlabamaWOW wrote "Wow. So they are missing school to be apart of history. Shouldnt that be up to there parents if they wanna go. Pushing politics on children is sad. Whats next during this 4 year term."

They are missing school for an EDUCATIONAL opportunity that comes around every 4 years! I applaud Boykin for having the foresight to work on this for a year to make it a reality. No one is "pushing politics" on them, they are giving them an opportunity to experience an event that most people will never get to see first hand. They are giving them hope, something that I fear the next generation has been given VERY little of!

Posted by bigbama (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here the schools are begging for money just to buy toilet paper for the restrooms. Needing money to buy books to put in libraries. Cutting back on teacher aides and so on and so on. I think if the parents agree to let their child go they ought to pay the child's way. The school systems don't have the monies to do this with.

Posted by bigbama (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Selma City schools, as well as Dallas County schools, could receive sharply lower funding in December when a proration plan goes into effect. Lowered tax revenues are the culprit, according to the State School Board Superintendent, Joe Morton.

Governor Bob Riley is expected to soon declare the proration.

Extra curricular activities and technology are expected to be the first programs affected by the cuts, although leaders are still discussing where the cuts should be made.

More cuts can be expected for the 2009-2010 school year.

But we always have the rainy day fund we can fall back on.

Posted by e7173000 (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe I overlooked it but I don't see in the article anywhere that they asked anybody for any money.How do you know that the parents are not paying?

Posted by bigbama (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I didn't see anywhere in that article about them asking for money either. Nor do I see in that article anyone stating where the money is coming from. So unless they don't want people asking questions like, where is the money coming from? It needs to be said where its coming from.
I know if the school told me that my son or daughter had the chance to go to Washington to see the first black president to be sworn in, I would say sure. If they told me I had to pay for it, I would tell them to kiss it. I could not afford to send my kids with economic times as they are now.

Posted by tiredofthistown (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it is a great idea, except they should have chosen some older kids. Fourth and fifth graders will not be able to truly understand the history being made. I think it should have been 8-10th graders. But that is just my opinion. I am sure the trip will be paid for through the school system. I don't see a problem with that as long as they have the funds. This is history being made and I am sure schools across the nation are trying to send some students. My only question would be "How do you pick who gets to go and who doesn't?" Do you just take the good students? Or should you take the bad students? Bad students probably need to witness this first hand. Maybe they will change their lives, or maybe not.

Posted by catchem (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What can you see when you are surrounded by a million people? Would probably see more by watching it on TV.

Posted by sel36703 (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think they are selecting high school students as well

Posted by e7173000 (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well bigbama until someone sends you a letter or give you a call asking you to help fund the trip I wouldn't worry so much about it.Why do they need to say where the money is coming from anyway?Maybe some of these parents can afford it.

Posted by sickandtired (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 7:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LORD,HELP THIS CITY .

Posted by mccrary36703 (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

HELP IS ON THE WAY. HOLD ON!!!!!!!

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Would they have gone if McCain was elected? Nope. Is it about watching a black man take office...or is it about the process of government? I thought this was educational and not about race?? How many white kids are on the roster to watch "history"? I guess people assume because you're white that you have the money to go? Nope, not true. If the city is paying for it...I WANT MY CHILD TO GO since I AM A TAXPAYER!!!!!!

Posted by Bg (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

eyeonyou. Does your child attend public school and are they in the age groups that are going? If yes then you should contact the school in getting them a spot.

If no then your wants won't hurt you, lots of people want.

Posted by noneofurbus (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"School officials have been working to make the trip a reality for more than a year, according to school system spokesperson Crystal Boykin."

I do not think it was known who would have been elected a year ago. So, it must be about the process of government.

Posted by alabamaWOW (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Im sure the school system is paying. I hate to be the one to point out that the parents cant afford this. Half of them are on welfare im sure or live in low income homes. And if they can afford this. Where else is there money going that it shouldnt. And yes i am stereo typing, but its the truth that so many are to blind to see.

Posted by alabamaWOW (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

noneofurbus
I seriously doubt that they would have gone through with it if McCain was elected. And you are insane if u think that their parents would actually want them to see him take office. The Obama voters are WAYYYYY to deep in their mind set.

Posted by noneofurbus (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

But you do not know that. Kids do not see color, all they see are people, only adults see color. And to most parents it does not matter who their kids see take the office. All they know is that thier kids get to take a trip that they would not be able to give them. My mother could not afford to send us alot of places, but she was not on welfare or in a low income house.

Posted by sel36703 (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It amazes me how some of you often complain about the black youth in Selma or black on black crime, but when the city and or school board actually initiates something positive for the youth, we tear down the imitative. This is an opportunity by the public school system for public school students. It’s not anyone’s fault that the school system has decided to invest in their students. I guess those with students at private schools should question their administrators why this opportunity had not been afforded to them. As a high school junior I was afforded the opportunity to travel to D.C. for a leadership forum and yes I did receive support from the school board as well as Calhoun grocery, my church family, my family, and a host of other people in the community. This gave me an opportunity to see something bigger than Selma and the crime and drugs that it festers. This was an opportunity for D.C. to show me the best it had to offer and an opportunity to show D.C the best of some of what Selma had to offer. Yes the city should invest in its youth, we invest in everything else; and if your child is not a part of the public school system then maybe this is an opportunity to showcase all of Selma and not just those of elite private sectors. By the way, the city does endorse private and public school leadership programs, i.e. Youth in Government and Youth Leadership.

Posted by sel36703 (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AlabamaWow, Truths are based on facts. You stated that your stereotypes are true. How did you derive these facts? Are you the parent of a student of the public school system? Do you work with the school board as a program analyst who has performed analytical research on the demographics of public schools in Selma? If not, I'm afraid to inform you that what you call facts are ignorant prejudices. Note that I implied that you are prejudice not racist. There is a difference in the two. So please don’t respond that I’m crying over or playing the race card.

Posted by bigbama (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mccrary- what help is on the way?

Posted by e7173000 (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I totally agree with you sel36703 but it's a waste of time going back and forth with some of these prejudice idiots.

Posted by Tonewah (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just a note: They asked the city council for money to send the kids to Washington, last night. They also asked for money to buy jackets, food, and other items for the trip. The cost is about $250 per student.

If you'd like to donate, contact Joslyn Reddick @ Knox Elementary.

Posted by watchingthecounty (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am all for these children to witness history. I wished I could go. Am I excited about Obama? No, but he is our President Elect and I will support him as such. I know for a fact that this trip has been planned for a over a year and they were going no matter who won. I believe Ms. Reddick has secured funds from grants and other innovative tactics. She should be commended for her efforts and I will be making a donation to assist them in this once in a life time opportunity.

Posted by alabamaWOW (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well i hope they have a great time. But i do believe they should take older students that might rememeber and understand more. But ill make peace with all my comments before this one. Not because im for this but because ive had my opinon and you all have your own.

Posted by allmylife (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I too agree that it will be a great opportunity for some children. (45) Too bad all can't be included, but such is life.
The problem I have with this is the funding. In these dire financial times and with the school systems and local governments facing shortages of taxpayer money that will affect everyone I feel all funding should be through private sources. Drawing funds out of a dwindling public pot for what is in truth a "luxury" as opposed to a "necessity" is something I don't think we can afford to do.

Posted by bigbama (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with you allmylife, I think it would be a great opportunity for these children to go. This is nothing new, it is done every 4 years and school children every 4 years are given the opportunity to go. Like you said, these are dire financial times for our school systems and local governments. Just a couple of weeks ago some schools had to borrow monies just to make payroll and such. If the private sector will fund the trip more power to them.

Posted by bigbama (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mccrary- I didn't think you wanted to answer that last question, because I know what you were insinuating. And who you were insinuating he is coming to help. You are so prejudice.

Posted by mccrary36703 (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't go there bigbama, you don't want to mess with me, because you don't know me like that.

Posted by mccrary36703 (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am on the blog now, we can rumble.

Posted by mccrary36703 (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am waiting bigbama, come for me

Posted by mccrary36703 (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let me answer your question before I go to class. First of all I am not prejudice. If you are a child of GOD you would know what that mean. So I assume that you are not a child of GOD. So I will let someone else on this blog explain to you what that mean. I can't do it, I won't do it because you will bring down a person spirit, like a DEMON. But trust me it is all in good nature. For all those that know what that quote mean, please tell bigbama. Then again if you don't listen to the right songs you will never know?

Posted by mccrary36703 (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

HOLD ON HELP IS ON THE WAY!!! HE MAY NOT COME WHEN YOU WANT HIM BUT HE WILL BE THERE FOR YOU!!! THINK ABOUT IT?

Posted by bigbama (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mccrary- I would hope that you could explain yourself and not let someone else try and do it. If you don't know what you are talking about-how can anyone else? That's why I asked you the first time what you meant by that. After you didn't answer after a day, like you, I assumed. The word assume, when you break it down it makes an ass/u/me. I'm not here to rumble with anyone especially someone whom I do not even know. To me when you didn't answer I thought you were being prejudice and if you weren't I apologize.

There is a song by MercyMe called Hold Fast the first part of the song goes "To everyone who's hurting to those who've had enough, to all the undeserving that should cover all of us
Please do not let go, I promise there is hope, hold fast, help is on the way, hold fast."

Or something like that. You do not know me so don't judge me as being a child of God or not.

Posted by selmapray (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Big Bama it takes a life to live by example to express you are a child of God and your poor choice of words doesn't express that, I really wish people would stop using the word christian so loosely. Jesus did not beat people with words he continued to show love even in the roughest of time Oh yeah even while he was being crucified, whom of us can say we truly would sacrifice ourselves regardless of race,religion, etc. LOL

Posted by mccrary36703 (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OK bigbama, no harm. Those words are from a christain song. It is a spiritual song. It is the soundtrack of Whitney Houston the movie Preacher 's Wife. If you watch that movie at the beginning of the movie the church is singing that song, that is what I meant when I said HOLD ON HELP IS ON THE WAY. With all this chaos on this blog. I was just saying that GOD will intervene.