PEORIA -- About four dozen people shouted 'no!' to more offshore oil drilling and 'yes!' to clean energy at the June 26 Hands Across the Sand rally on the Peoria riverfront. It was one of 900 rallies across the globe, and probably one of two in Illinois -- the other in Chicago.
Master of ceremonies Brian "Fox" Ellis noted that a glass of water poured into the nearby Illinois River -- which is almost over the riverfront, due to recent heavy rains -- will end up in the Gulf of Mexico then the oceans. All water is connected, he said.
"We're here today to draw a line in the sand in favor of greener choices for energy consumption, the tough choices better for our economy and environment," he said.
Nearby, a map showed the extent of the Gulf oil spill imposed on a map of Illinois and the Midwest. It extended from Kenosha, Wisc., to Gary Indiana, to Springfield, Il, then into eastern Iowa.
Six speakers included two representing candidates running for the 18th District Congressional seat, Sheldon Schafer of the Green party and Democrat D.K. Hirner. They are running against incumbent Republican Aaron Schock.
The two and local activist Joyce Harant, who was an unsuccessful Congressional candidate, emphasized the importance of politics in setting national energy policy for clean energy.
Harant warned of so-called "clean" coal plants, destructive coal mining and nuclear power that Illinois politicians are pushing, using tax dollars and subsidies.
The event was sponsored by Peoria Families Against Toxic Waste, Global Warning Solutions, two local groups, and the Heart of Illinois Sierra Club.
Photos of the group linked up to step across a line of sand will be sent to the Obama administration, organizers said.
Here's an audio recording of the event.
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