The LAST Word

Spring is a great time of year. The colors are as vibrant as those in the fall. The difference is they are buds and blooming instead of dying and preparing for hibernation. Plants, trees and animals are breaking free from a long cold winter to enjoy longer days, warmer weather and mating season. You will see purple, pinks, white, yellow, light green, blues, red, orange and lavender. Spring is a time of renewal on the Earth and in your soul.  But, with spring also comes the dreaded Daylight Savings Time. This is a system we do not need and should outlaw. First, the name is incorrect. We aren't "saving" daylight. We are moving it to be later in the day, but the number of hours that are bright is the same in EST or EDT. During June, it is about 12-14 hours of daylight whether that day starts at 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. Second, it was started for farmers and to save energy, but most of us live at our computers inside an office instead of on the farm. I would also argue that

March 3 is the day dedicated to encouraging literacy through reading. It used to be known as Reading Across America. March 3 was chosen because it was Dr. Seuss' birthday. He was instrumental in increasing literacy among American youth. This year, many areas chose not to include Dr. Seuss books in favor of ones that are indoctrinating children with an agenda instead of teaching them how to read. This is wrong for many reasons.  As a journalist and author , I am concerned about the precedent set by taking Dr. Seuss from schools and libraries. Banning books is the first step toward having a government telling us what we are allowed to read, what we are allowed to think and what we are allowed to say. His books might offend some people, but they have a right be available. He is allowed to have his say. And, the replacements might offend more people. When does it stop? Huckleberry Finn will be next or To Kill a Mockingbird will be found offensive, but at the times they were w