Hands Across the Sand - A St. Louis First!

People at more than 600 venues across the U.S. and around the world came together on beaches, near waterways, and even at solidarity events in land-locked towns. They joined hands and called for an end to offshore drilling. This protest was formed last year in Florida, in the wake of the BP oil spill tragedy in the Gulf, and will now likely be an annual peaceful protest.

In the shadow of the St. Louis Arch, committed citizens lined up on the sidewalk bordering the Mississippi River. It's true that actions speak louder than words and, through the quiet activism of a human chain, people in St. Louis sent their ecological message -- "Protect our waters, say no to fossil fuels and yes to clean energy."

What a Writer Reads

The Seventeen Traditions
by Ralph Nader
Adult nonfiction
150 pages

Every parent should be so lucky as to have their child write a book about them such as Mr. Nader has done. As parents it is what we all hope for -- that our children will grow into an understanding of who we are and an appreciation of all that we have taught them. In this book he applauds older generations and seeks to reach the reader with a wake up call, one that proves generational wisdom to be as priceless as gems.

Despite the fact that we're drowning in technology he feels we are passing on less "true knowledge" than ever before. Today's children equate "new" with "better." This does no service to society.

"As the household goes, so goes the nation." If we believe this adage is true, then I extrapolate that we must fear for our country. Unemployment, foreclosures,, unprecedented debt -- the household, the core of our country, is failing. Our children, quite literally, are the future. It is imperative to provide them with the basics of social responsibility. This duty lies upon the shoulders of parents and Mr. Nader has done great honor to his.

I would like to point out that The Seventeen Traditions is a non-political book holding priceless advice for the family. It is forever timely, as well, no matter the date on the calendar.

That's my five cents worth. I give the book a "five nickels rating."