Hands Across the Sand

Earlier today...
"First, thank you to everyone who came out today to say NO to offshore drilling and YES to clean energy! Second, even though there are over 500 events taking place in the US alone today, I wanted to point out that here in St. Louis we are lucky enough to be joining hands at the same time as those in the Gulf region most affected by this tragedy. We may not have a beach or an ocean to line up on, but we do have the Arch- the Gateway to the West- a symbol of movement and of progress. Today, by drawing a line here against offshore drilling, we are saying that its harmful effects go everywhere and have no place on our lands. Being here today also tells our leaders that we want to move forward with a clean energy future for our own health and the health of our planet."

"In another minute, we will begin a moment of silence for all those affected by the Gulf Coast oil spill- all of the coastal communities and coastal economies, those that lost their lives when the rig exploded, and a moment of silence for the beaches, marshes, land, water, plants, and wildlife devastated by the spill. For me, it breaks my heart to think of all of the animals caught in this mess when they had no hand in creating it. I will be using my moment of silence to send them my love. Please use this moment in a way that is meaningful to you."

"Let's join hands for the Gulf Coast and to 'draw a line' against offshore drilling!"

I am grateful to everyone for coming and being part of the biggest gathering to oppose offshore drilling in history. I know that, together, we can build a clean energy future."

More about the day:
- Despite the 100 degree heat, flooded Mississippi River, and horrible traffic in the St. Louis area, we still had 70 people show up to the event (and 2 dogs)!! I am very happy with the turnout, but slightly jealous of the coastal states where some events had 500+ people!!!
-I do not like talking into tv cameras at all... but I do very much like speaking into a megaphone :)
-We had people of all ages and races at the event. I got to meet so many cool people, but wished that I had time to meet and speak with every single person.
-Camera cards belong in cameras if you plan on taking pictures.. not hanging out in your computer at home :(
-I am proud of myself for standing up to one woman who told her kid that we were just tree-hugging hippies. I politely told her children that it is not a bad thing to be a tree-hugging hippie.
-A quote that I especially like today from Margaret Mead- "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
-15 minutes is a long time when you are staying still and quiet! I actually learned a lot from it. If we seriously just slowed down we would realize how much time we actually have to get things done (especially like changing our planet)!
-This Land is Your Land is a good song. Some people sang that today during the event. It was great!! The Gulf is so important that it is given a line in the chorus! too bad we let it get covered in oil...