A good step forward on a very long journey

One of my pet peaves is bottled water. I simply don't understand why people spend $1.50 for a plastic bottle that they will throw away in ten-minutes. The environmental impact of this trend is truly astounding.

Recently, several municipalities have demonstrated long-term wisdom by deciding to support their existing tap-water infrastructure and refusing to purchase bottled-water. San Francisco did this a few weeks ago, and Seattle followed suit today.

Hopefully, many others will pass similar laws and before long we'll return to a more rational, sustainable practice.

Signing a promissory note for justice...

Dr. Martin Luther King is one of my true heroes. His pioneering efforts to lead a sea change of public opinion and political action across our country is nearly unmatched. In the words of Winston Churchill, "rarely have so many owed so much to so few." My favorite part of the speech is where he talks about the "promissory note" America has "signed" with all people to treat them equally with justice for all regardless of color, sex, or other attributes. Each year when I listen to this speech I find a different part compelling. Given today's climate in our country, I'm encouraged by his steadfast commitment to the "solid rock of brotherhood" and his optimism. Like MLK, may each of us be able to say that in 2008, "we refuse to believe the bank of justice is bankrupt."

Enjoy the holiday everyone!

PS

Here is what I posted last year about this day and how we celebrate it in our home.