I am so glad I don’t live there

April 25, 2008 at 7:37 pm | In Bizarre News | 3 Comments

Stories like this are why it is a good thing I don’t live in Alabama. Individual craziness I can deal with, but societal/widespread craziness I have a harder time with. Here is a little excerpt from this “special” story:

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Struggling to confront a worsening homicide rate, the mayor of Birmingham asked pastors and citizens Friday to don burlap sacks and ashes Friday in an Old Testament-style sign of biblical repentance.

Mayor Larry Langford said his “sackcloth and ashes” rally at Boutwell Auditorium was inspired by the Book of Jonah, where residents of the ancient city of Ninevah wore rough fabric and ashes as a sign of turning away from sin.

A pastor who helped organize the rally said Langford purchased 2,000 burlap bags that will be handed out at the event.

This isn’t the first time a Birmingham mayor has called on the city to use prayer to solve problems of violence either. I have to admit though, this is one of those situations where I am both disturbed and amused at the same time (plus relieved to be far, far away). I just might have to search for photos from the event tomorrow.

3 Comments »

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  1. I can’t believe it. Apparently over 1,000 people showed up for the rally, “wearing burlap sacks, their foreheads dabbed with ashes” and listened to “fiery sermons”. Still no pictures, but they’ll show up online eventually.

    Comment by ABWF — April 25, 2008 #

  2. We’ve got a few in a slideshow up on The Terminal thanks to Mojo Denbow.

    And we’re sure that there will be more up later today courtesy of the alternative weeklies in town.

    Cheers.

    Comment by Andre — April 26, 2008 #

  3. Thanks for the link to the pictures Andre. It was interesting to see the Mayor wearing his sack while speaking at the podium, but not in the other pictures.

    It probably means I’m evil, but this just cracks me up.

    Comment by ABWF — April 26, 2008 #


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