"Twenty years ago, a black man became Mayor of Birmingham. Instead of reaching out to all the people of Birmingham, he appointed only blacks to city jobs, many of whom were not qualified for their appointments. They primarily hired black policemen, and firemen, and city services suddenly went down hill. Whites in Birmingham suddenly became second-cla.s.s citizens. Garbage piled up in the streets in white areas, and when white residents complained, it fell on deaf ears. Because city services declined, and property values started to plummet, whites began moving out of the city. This white flight caused property values to go even lower. When white residents left, it gave blacks the majority in city politics, and thus, less representation for white residents, so even more whites moved out. Crime got worse, the murder rate soared, and even more whites moved out. And then, white owned businesses fled the city, which eroded the city's tax base. Crime and unemployment got to be so bad that well off black families began to flee to the surrounding cities. Schools became dangerous places. City services became almost nonexistent. What little money the city did bring in, was disappearing off the books, because city officials were corrupt. Now the only candidates who run for elected city offices are black, and they seek office the same way drug lords jostle for power against other drug lords. They only run for office so they can get their hands on public funds. One recent candidate lost an election, because he had a white wife. The winning candidate won because he ran on the platform, 'at least my wife is black!' I have never personally lived in Birmingham, but as an outsider looking in at the city, I see no reason for me to go there, or do business there. And then the black officials in Birmingham spout off angrily at the white people who left Birmingham, saying it was their fault that Birmingham is the way it is! I just smile and say what Forest Gump said: 'Stupid is, as stupid does."

"So what you are saying," the Englishman concluded, "Is that Birmingham would be a better place if the Bull Connors of the world were still in control?"

"No, what I am saying, is that I agree with your a.s.sessment of Muslims wanting to take over Britain. If they controlled things, then civilization would decline in England, just like it did in Birmingham Alabama, when the blacks took over."

"The major difference, of course, is that Muslims want to kill non-Muslims! That is what I can't get fellow Brits to understand! Muslims say that their religion is a peaceful religion, but that is true only if it is the only religion! They have a deep hatred for non-Muslims."

Travis extended his hand to the man. "My name is Travis Lee, and this is my son, Drew. We are in England for a week."

"I am Professor Winthrop. I am a professor of Political Science at Oxford University, when school is in session. I am pleased to meet you Mr. Lee, and Drew. What brings you to England?"

"We are with a college group, here to see the sights. However, I am also a writer, and am here to publicize my first novel, 'The relic', put out by Jester Books."

"You don't say! The same novel which is presently the number one best seller?"

"Yes, that's my baby!"

"A colleague of mine read your book, and he said it was a smashing good story, for an American writer! No offense intended."

"None taken."

"And this was your first novel?"

"Yes, it is, but I have another ready for publication."

"When is your next book signing?"

"Tomorrow at two, at the Piccadilly Circus Borders store."

"I will be there for an autographed copy, and I will tell a few friends as well!"

"That is kind of you. Do you come here often, to Speaker's Corner?"

"Yes, most Sunday mornings I can be found here. I come here to find someone to openly debate me on political topics, but seldom find any takers. Most Brits these days are horribly unconcerned about what is going on in our country, and I try to get them to at least think. But I do enjoy being able to spout my opinions, even if no one challenges me. Where are you staying?"

"At the Royal National Hotel South."

"That is very near to a ripping good pub that I frequent with my friends. A place called Benny's, about two blocks from your hotel. You can find us there most evenings after six. You must come join us some time!"

"I just might do that. Thank you."

"Well, I must be going. My wife will have my dinner prepared by noon. Would you and your son care to come home with me and eat a bite?"

"Thanks, but no. We are expected back at the hotel, for a group lunch and meeting, to discuss our plans for the week."

"As you will. I will see you tomorrow, at your book signing! Good day!"

As he hurried away, Travis said, "Well, there is nothing left to see here. We might as well head back to the hotel."

"All right! On the subway again?"

"Yes, on the subway! I think you like the subway, don't you?"

"Yeah, it's really cool!"

They got back to the hotel just in time to join the rest of the group in the dining hall for lunch, which consisted of fish and chips, and a bowl of oxtail soup. After eating, Travis came to the conclusion that travelers certainly didn't come to England for the food.

After lunch, Professor Foust went over a whole list of things to do, and not to do while in England, as though he was talking to a room full of grade school children. Travis had no interest in hearing it, so he told his Mom he was going back to the room to call Janice, since he had not called her yet. Then he was going to take a nap, before his meeting with the Jester Books representative that evening.

"You don't want to go with us on the double-decker tour bus ride around London?"

"No, I'll probably see all I want to see of London over the next four days. Have a good time, and take lots of pictures!"

"Drew seems to be taken with that girl. What's her name?"

"Audrey."

"Yes, Audrey. Is it okay to let him sit with her on this trip?"

"I don't see why not, Mom. I don't think she's an evil influence on him!"

"She's a lot nicer than some of these other girls!"

"Yeah, she's okay. Just keep him in your sight, as much as is practical. And have a good time yourself, Mom. Remember, this is your vacation too."

"I intend to! I'm already enjoying just being here. I can't wait to see some of the sights later this week. Especially Stonehenge! I have always wanted to go there!"

"And now you will!"

"Yes, now I will!"

14.

Sunday morning broke in Alabama, and everyone at the Lee house was getting ready for Sunday School. Janice had gotten up early and made a huge stack of pancakes for the five kids that were there. Rebecca washed up the dishes and put them away. Now everyone was getting dressed, when the phone rang, and Chris answered it.

"Mom! It's Dad, calling from England!"

She was taking her hair rollers out as she ran to the phone. "h.e.l.lo!"

"h.e.l.lo, Janice? What time is it there?"

"It's almost nine in the morning. We're getting ready for church. What time is it where you are?"

"It's almost 3 in the afternoon here. We got here this morning and went to the hotel. Drew and I went out for awhile. We ate lunch at 12:30, and now I'm going to take a nap, while the others go on a tour of London. They gave us a one week subway pa.s.s. Drew was having a good time this morning, riding the subway, and stopping at every station to see what is happening on the surface."

"Is your Mother with you?"

"No, she couldn't handle the steps going in and out of the Subway. She went with the other adults, on a double-decker sightseeing bus ride through London. Like I said, I'm about to take a nap. I'm supposed to meet a representative from Jester Books for dinner tonight, to discuss my book. Oh, did you know 'The Relic' is presently the #1 Bestseller in England?"

"No! Are you sure?"

"Yes, I talked to the publisher, and saw it in the London Times! This might be a good time to get a contract on my next book."

"That's great! Just read the fine print carefully."

"My first book signing will be tomorrow afternoon at Piccadilly Circus."

"You are going to a circus?"

"No, I said the book signing will be at a Border's bookstore at Piccadilly Circus! It's a big intersection, with a fountain in the middle, and cars just whirl around it non-stop. It's called a turn-about. Tomorrow afternoon that is where my first book signing will be, at Piccadilly Circus."

"So you have talked to the people at Jester Books?"

"Yes, like I said, over the phone. I have a dinner appointment with their representative this evening, to work out the details. Is everything okay at home?"

"Yes, fine. Oh, let me ask you something. Did you tell Joey he could use that casket out in the garage?"

"Yes I did, as long as he takes care of it. After all, that was your anniversary present to me last year, when you thought I was dead!"

"Yes, I remember."

"It's not every husband who gets such a thoughtful gift from his wife!"

"Hey, don't remind me! I feel bad enough about that already."

"That's okay, I'll use it eventually. Before I go, is there any big news items to report locally?"

"Not that I know of. Why? Are you expecting something?"

"No, just checking. I like to keep up on things back home. Okay, just wanted to let you know we got here, and are having a good time. I'll call you again in a few days. Love you!"

"Love you too."

When she hung up, Rebecca asked, "Was that Dad?"

"Yes, he says they are doing fine. He asked if there was anything big in the news this morning, and I told him no. Is there anything in the local news this morning?"

"I don't know. Why? What has he done now?"

"That's what I was wondering. We'd better take a look at it. Joey! Where is Joey?"

Calvin replied, "He went to the garage for something."

"Well, go tell him to come take out this kitchen garbage like I told him to do!"

Calvin found Joey in the garage, looking at their Dad's casket. "Mom says to come empty the kitchen garbage."

"I'm busy. Can you do it for me, Calvin?"

"I'm not doing your job!"

"Aw, come on, I'm checking out this casket. We're going to use it Wednesday night."

"In the church play?"

"Yeah, Dad said I could, but we've got other plans for it too, after church!"

"What are you going to do with it?"

"You'll see, if Mom will let you go with us."

"Where?"

"I'm not sure yet, but Cory said it's going to be a hoot!"

"Cory from church?"

"Yeah, he said his Dad is going to let him use his old truck to come get the casket. On the way home with it, we're going to make a few pit stops!"

"Pit stops?"

"Yeah, and if you go haul the garbage for me, I'll ask Mom to let you go with us."

"This better not be a trick!"

"It's no trick. I can't guarantee that she'll let you go with us, but I'll ask her."

"So what are you doing now?"

"I'm just un-piling the junk off it, and dusting it off. Getting it ready to go."

"Okay, I'll take out the garbage for you, but you'll owe me!"

15.