If I were president, this is what I would do in 1993 to make a difference for our environment. I'd declare a day of Peace On Earth, a Well-Nation Day. I'd do this once a month, nation-wide. Think of this as a celebrated public holiday for the preservation of the quality of life on earth, a day when everything STOPS.

This would mean no going to work, no phones, mail deliveries, TV, radio, newspapers, no driving automobiles, no airplanes, trains, buses, power saws, lawn mowers, no shopping, no stock exchange. Think of this like December 25, except no one is driving to Grandma's house. The gift we'd be giving would be for Mother Earth.

The emphasis for that day would be to stop the clock, take time out to be a human being, and regain contact with the natural world around us.

Only emergency agencies, hospitals and public utilities would be staffed. Use of the phone would be strongly discouraged. TV stations would be closed except for emergency broadcast systems.

This would mean complete community support and participation by private citizens, businesses, and all levels of government. And why not? After all, it's everyone's environment we're saving the wear and tear on. We'd all need to support it, and we'd all benefit too.

Advantages? We cut down on air pollution, alleviate noise pollution, achieve resource conservation, and, as a human benefit, we'd reduce stress, thus reducing health care costs. We'd be scheduling a time to relax, to truly live our lives; a chance for the birds to be heard.

On that day you could read a book, paint a picture, ride a bike, visit a neighbor, clean your closet. You could play ball in the streets, rake leaves, plant a garden, take a walk in the park, meditate, play a board game with your kids, reflect on life, day dream, write letters, interact with your local community, or do nothing at all.

Can you imagine what it would be like to live and breathe in the city without the constant wizz, groan and screech of traffic outside, and the sky cluttered with blinking lights and the windows rattling from traffic helicopters.

Think of it! Twelve days a year to experience a different environmental reality. It would help. Why not give it a try? What are we all in such a hurry for anyway?

"Sorry international trade markets, the United States is closed today."

Technology and competition keep our noses to the grindstone 24 hours a day. Everything is paved; we drive everywhere. We are sequestered behind the glass and steel bodies of our automobiles. Our jobs take precedence over our quality of life, our human relationships, and our health. We all deserve a break!

I see my plan as having bountiful holistic benefits nationwide; and soon to become worldwide, as we set an example and other countries volunteer to join us! It can only happen with the help of my administration's enthusiastic leadership and support. I'd pledge a full-on campaign to unite all of us behind a Well-Nation Day, a day of Peace On Earth!

Living On Earth Radio Interview
(scroll down to Delilah on Well Nation Day)

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