Today, on March 28th in the year of 2009 history is being made. For perhaps one of the first times recorded the people of the world are actually coming together to ‘vote’ on an issue that far spans political ideology or religious differences. The people of the world will cast their vote tonight, for one hour, with the intent to bring to the forefront of thought and concern, the protection and conservation of the planet and her resources. This stands out, more so even than the last U.S. Presidential election, for just as the United States needed Barack Obama, the world and her inhabitants need this vote, this election.
Begun as a simple statement in Sydney, Australia in 2007 and very quickly spreading to cities such as Manhattan and San Francisco, this simple idea took on world proportions, with Singapore luxury hotels and those in Paris, Dubai, Tokyo and Los Angeles taking part. And yes, perhaps it is fashionable to be green. Well, if now is the time, better late than never. From the time of 8:30pm to 9:30pm, citizens around the world are encouraged to participate, by simply turning out the lights. Many cities are providing entertainment as a celebration of this global coming together. In Singapore, the Esplanade is hosting a party, with food and concerts to last through the night, far surpassing the one hour without electricity.
Expected participation of the world-wide one hour blackout, is to exceed one billion, far surpassing the the original 50 million taking part in 2007. In the early years of the 2000′s, those living in the Los Angeles area experienced ‘brown-outs’. A last resort to combat over-used and over-taxed energy companies. Left in the middle of a twelve lane intersection, at Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive during rush hour in July is not a comfortable position to be placed in. Tonight, that blackout will be in each individuals’ control. In order to fix and maintain, control must be felt from within. For not only is it a bit more predictable and less dangerous than submitting to governmental control in the middle of an intersection in one of the world’s largest and most congested cities, it promotes a sense of responsibility. To each of us that pass each other on the street, as well as those we affect throughout and around the world.
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