Help Yourself

The recent storms in the Pacific Northwest have resulted in wind, rain, snow and loss of electrical power. But the sad thing is that, what should be considered rather simple weather emergencies, have resulted in several deaths. Today there is a news story about 100 people suffering from Carbon Monoxide poisoning from doing stupid things like running their generators indoors. Whatever happened to 'common sense'? Even if you don't have any, there are always the warning stickers telling you NOT TO DO THAT! I remember when public schools would show films that would try to teach kids the dangers of "Reefer Madness" or to "Duck & Cover" at the first sign of an atomic blast. Many of these old films are considered 'camp' and ridiculed today. I think the basic idea of trying to teach a few survival skills to children is still a good idea. But instead, today you're more likely to find books about families with two mommies or courses in building Self Esteem in our schools. People today are so addicted to technology that any blip in their daily routine can send them into a panic. And if you try to teach your own kids a few survival tips your neighbors will probably label you as some doomsday kook. Unless of course you're talking about the doomsday of Global Warming.