I had the opportunity to participate in two meetings in Homer, held one week apart, which perfectly illustrate the current divide between liberals and conservatives. The way the meetings were conducted and how individuals participated says a lot about the political factions in this country. Ironically, there was one issue both meetings discussed, but in very different ways. It involved how we educate our children.
The first meeting I attended was after the “No Kings” protests a week ago. That meeting was organized and attended by individuals with a left-of-center worldview. Although there were a few brave conservatives in attendance, a mostly partisan left-of-center crowd attended the meeting. This event was intended to be a gathering where the community could come together and resolve our differences between left and right. After being there for just a few minutes, however, it was apparent that what the organizers really wanted was for conservatives to abandon their principles and join with liberals in running the state and country in the way the liberals think best. There were a few angry leftists in attendance, and some hateful things were said. Some speakers targeted conservatives with vitriol and said the big problem facing our community was Christian Nationalism.
While not the main focus of the event, one subject that came up was how to best educate our children. A member of the discussion panel was a supporter of public school education and commented that each homeschool student essentially steals money from the public schools, which is destructive, and implied that it should not be allowed. As you might imagine, Christian conservatives did not feel particularly welcomed.
The second event was the complete opposite. While composed of about the same number of local residents, the vibe was different. This past Friday, supporters held a fundraiser to help with the formation of a new private school in Homer called Revive Academy. You can read about Revive Academy here.
Those who attended the fundraiser were community members with a positive attitude, and the focus of the meeting wasn’t on attacking others but finding a way to provide a more wholesome education for the children in our community. There was no discussion about politics, no recrimination against those who might have a different idea about the best way to educate kids. There were no name-calling or accusations made against people who had other ideas on how to solve the problems facing us. This was simply a room filled with residents hoping to accomplish something positive for kids.
Importantly, the fundraiser was Christ-filled from beginning to end, starting and ending with prayers, and Jesus was mentioned by every speaker. There were no harsh words, and no political group was attacked, nor were public school supporters vilified.
Cat Cushway, the principal of Revive Academy, gave an update on the progress being made to get the new school started. It is on schedule to open in the fall of 2026, offering classes for K-8, with a plan to eventually offer K-12 education.
Interestingly, and probably most worrisome for public school supporters in Homer, Ms. Cushway indicated that 65 students have already applied for enrollment next year. To put that number in perspective, according to the most recent information from the State of Alaska Department of Education, there are 693 kids enrolled in the K-8 public schools in Homer. (Paul Banks Elementary, Fireweed Academy, West Homer, and Homer Middle School combined) This means almost 10% of the current public school students in town have applied to attend Revive Academy next year.
This shows a large number of parents are looking for a different choice for their kids’ education, and that should frighten the heck out of the liberal education establishment.
ALASKA WATCHMAN DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX
Although the issue of childhood education was the focus, these two meetings perfectly illustrated the broader political divide in our community and in our country. On one side are liberals who want to continue to run things their way and are angry with those who disagree with them. On the other side are conservatives who are abandoning the failed policies of the liberal left and are going their own way – trying to find Christ-centered solutions to the problems facing our country. This is really a freedom of choice moment.
Liberals are free to remain on their current path or join with us if they wish. Vladimir Lenin once said, “Give me your four-year-olds, and in a generation I will build a socialist state.” That seems to have happened in the current public school system, but the flip side of Lenin’s statement is also true. Give your four-year-olds a God-centered classical education, and the citizens of our constitutional republic will have freedom forever.
The great thing about our country is that we can choose the path that is right for each of us. Choose wisely.
The views expressed here are those of Greg Sarber. Read more Sarber posts at his Seward’s Folly substack.
17 Comments
I wonder if the leftists ever self-reflect upon where they get all that anger. Seems self-destructive in the extreme.
The left is in its death throes. The American people are not all stupid. I just look at these lifeless deadbeat fools at these protests and think if they had some responsibility like a job their lives would be lots more enjoyable .
SMOLDEN DERANGEMENT SYNDROME!! DG TRIES HARD!
Davesmaxwell math Teacher UAF. Have a nice day dave don’t get your pony tail tangled in the ceiling fan.
Good job to the parents who raised these purple haired tattoo on face fools. You really did the world a favor.
I once taught at a Christian school in Homer way back in the late 90s and early 2000s. It was a great experience, but support wained due to sports draws and home school choices so it folded. It looks like Homer is ripe again for a traditional classroom based alternative to public education. And that is not to in any way denigrate home schooling…. But can’t say the same about public schools.
Thanks Greg
Yes, they got that one correct. White, Christian, right-wing extremist nationalists are our greatest problem next to Donald Trump and his MAGA”S.
You sound like you have TDS, you need better distractions. Take two aspirin, and call me in the morning. You should feel better after a good rest.
What gets me is thar retired teachers seem to be the most virulent, hateful, and bigoted people at these meetings, time after time. UAF retirees are a close second.
They’re teachers; they spent their life talking and being listened to (by law, we have to hear them) . They are SHOCKED when people do not listen to them in civilian life. After all they are the smart kids. (& underpaid of course)
What leftists don’t seem to understand is that conservatives ALSO pay taxes and if they want to support private schools, they should have the right to say where their tax dollars go. Private schools aren’t stealing any money from public schools. I see it as the public schools stealing from private schools and those who support them…via taxation.
The party of tolerance and love showing again how intolerant and unloving they are. It is a party of AWFL’s (angry white feminist leftists) in Alaska. They have as much appeal as 10 day old cottage cheese, but if only 10% of the electorate comes out to they can squeak by. I pray for the day when Alaskans wake up and decide to rule their land. Ty for the report Greg.
What an incredibly biased news article. Most of the protesters are there to protect human rights, racist discrimination and illegal actions taken by the current president. This federal administration is kidnapping people, even American citizens, without due process with a right to a jury of one’s peers. Freedom of Religion means one can worship how they see fit. Our personal beliefs are untouchable and should not be forced upon another. Freedom of Religion also means Freedom from religion if one chooses. This is as agreement that I shall not force a Religion upon you and I trust that you shall not force a religion upon me. Thank you.
Obviously, if you are reading an article in the Alaska Watchman, you can assume it is biased. That is EXACTLY why I, as a CONSERVATIVE, choose to read it myself! I appreciate Greg’s perspective, and if I wanted the typical Homer perspective, I’d read the Homer News. But I don’t. And by the way, he nor anyone else at the fundraiser referenced was not attempting to force a religion on anyone.
It is interesting how you fluff and frame yourself. Then again self reflection and self awareness rate not much in the leftist paradigm. Know this. By His grace we will return this to a Christian nation once more. The cost for your ideology has been so much suffering and death.
” illegal actions taken by the current president. This federal administration is kidnapping people, even American citizens, without due process with a right to a jury of one’s peers. Freedom of Religion means one can worship how they see fit. ” Some basic misunderstanding here. I don’t know if it’s deliberate or just misunderstanding. It’s a false statement to say that the current Administration (federal) is “kidnapping people”. Was a ransom demanded? Is it “kidnapping” to arrest someone for breaking the law? Next, the “freedom of religion” statement doesn’t give anyone the “right to “worship” contrary to civil and legal standards. Let’s imagine a “church” based on pedophilia or sacrificing of a human as part of the “worship service”. Our Constitution states clearly: “Congress shall make no law establishing” – religion. Has Congress suddenly started a State Church? No, and no conservative would vote for that. “Forcing a religion” (upon you) is something practiced in strict Islamic nations, by any standard observable.