The Irish American Business Chamber & Network (IABCN) hosted a pretty standard networking function Tuesday at noon but at least there was a good story and a good quote.

The IABCN gave a Taoiseach (leadership) Award to Rev. John McNamee who runs St. Malachy's Catholic School in North Philadelphia (11th Street, above Master). For twenty-five years, Father McNamee has made a name for himself operating the school of 200 students without funding from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Father McNamee has been a leader in various peace moments, has actively opposed the Iraq war and is a published poet. After accepting the award, Father McNamee gave a short speech in which he noted that: the budget for the School District of Philadelphia is less than the cost of one aircraft carrier in the US navy.

I guess aircraft carriers are really really expensive. Still, I think I have a few good ideas for things I'd rather have than aircraft carriers.