> There are people in this country that are already forced to choose between
> grocerys & medicine and this winter's heating crisis will take some of
> them over the edge.
> Some will die.
> Elderly people who are already struggling, families of soldiers who are
> off fighting
> in other countries that are already struggling to keep their homes.....

Now between those who use their neighbor
And those who use a cane
Between those in constant power
And those in constant pain
Between those who run to evil
And those who cannot run
Tell me which ones are the cripples
And which ones touch the sun

 > Supply and demand in this case is a farce.
 > The oil companies are making record profits already that are far
 > beyond what could be considered reasonable.
 > ... The industry stands at 100 Billion in profits currently while
 > people are set to freeze and or die in the near future.

You must know someone like him
He's strong and tall and lean
His body like a greyhound
And his mind so sharp and keen
But his heart just like a laurel
Grew twisted on itself
'Til almost everything he did
Brought pain to someone else

 > Most likely, no one on this list will die from this crisis, we hope.
 > Maybe you don't even know anyone who is hurting that badly.
 > Know that they are out there.

Cause it's not just what you're born with
It's what you choose to bear
It's not how much your share is
But it's how much you can share
And it's not the fights you've dreamed of
But those you really fought
It's not just what you're given
It's what you do with what you've got

 > Regardless of your party affiliation, please call. Call your
 > congressmen and women and tell them this will not do. Please !

For what's the use of two strong legs
If you only run away
And what good is the finest voice
With nothing good to say
And what good is strength and muscle
If you only push and shove
What's the use in two good ears
If you can't hear those you love

* * *

To me, it's a shame that the fact we live in the most powerful, most
energy using, most iPod owning country in the world and people are going
to freeze to death this winter (and yes, they *will* freeze to death out
there) and that this is considered a "political" issue and so many of us
won't see that there are fellow human beings out there and we just end
up doing nothing because, "What can I do?" :-/

You don't have to be political at all about this stuff, if you don't
want, and you can still help and feel good about helping (you *should*
feel good about helping!!! We *all* should feel good about helping each
other!!!) in all sorts of ways --

*  Drive less if you can.  Walk.  Take the bus.  Ride a bike.  Save
energy.  That's always worthwhile.

*  Give blood.  There's a huge blood shortage out there right now;
check with your local Red Cross about blood drives in your area, there's
bound to be one not too far away.

*  Love as much as you possibly can, then try loving a little bit more.
  Think of other people when you do come home to your house, if it's
warm and dry and safe -- don't feel at all bad or "guilty" because you
are warm and dry and safe, just appreciate it.  Use those good feelings
to find your own way of making it possible for other people to feel
better, if you can.  Shelters need volunteers or even just one more
blanket.  Don't worry if you can't save the world -- one pair of socks
can make a person's whole day better.

*  Our leaders tell us, constantly, that they represent us, the people,
and they are doing what we want.  Take a look around you -- is what they
are doing, what *you* want them to be doing?  If so, let them know.  If
not, let them know.  You can do this in all sorts of ways -- call them,
write letters, attend meetings or rallies that express your point of view.

*  Be ready for to keep doing all this stuff for a long time.  Not in a
bad way, just remember that it never really gets any easier, you just
keep getting stronger so the hill doesn't seem quite so steep, once your
muscles start to grow. :-)

I won't give up, if you won't give up!!!

Later,

Oz