One of the nation’s most beloved presidents, Theodore Roosevelt’s connection to nature continues to be seen today: 150 national forests, five national parks, and fifty-one wildlife refuges are a result of his conservation efforts.
I wrote an introduction to this Nook book. It was interesting following the topics relating to the environment during the election debates. Considering the plight of our wildlife and natural resources, I’d say we have more work to do.
Part of what I love about being a writer and editor is getting to work with other authors who have important stories to tell. Jeffrey E. Finegan Sr. was one such author. He wrote a children’s book called Colonel Washington and Me: George Washington, His Slave William Lee and Their Incredible Journey Together! The book, beautifully illustrated by Preston Keith Hindmarch, tells the story of the founding of the United States through the eyes of one of the slaves of our first president. It’s a story I certainly don’t remember hearing when I was a child, and Finegan brings light to how George Washington struggled with the issue of slavery. I was enlisted to write a curriculum for the book so that teachers, librarians, andhttp://www.colonelwashingtonandme.com/for-teachersparents can ensure children comprehend the subject matter and also to provoke dialogue for further reflection.
Do you talk to your children about the election and about politics?
As we gear up to Election Day 2012, one of the main considerations voters have is: how do the candidates’ religious beliefs influence their leadership? Do their economic plans care for the widows and orphans? Will extending money to those in need unfairly take away the rights of others to the money they worked hard for? Do their healthcare plans help all people? What do family values really mean? Do they look out for the poor in spirit, the disenfranchised? Do they protect all people’s rights? Do they try to play the role of God? Does their faith make them weak? Do their beliefs do more good or more harm to the country? How should we vote when it seems that upholding one of our values leads to hindering one of our other values?
A few years ago, I visited what’s become known as The Church of the Presidents. St. John’s Church Lafayette Square has had every president of the United States come through its doors since its first service in October 1816 was held. You can read about it in my Church Hopping column on Burnside Writers Collective.
Stephanie Nikolopoulos is a writer, editor, writing teacher, and speaker based in New York City.
She is the coauthor, with Paul Maher Jr., of "Burning Furiously Beautiful: The True Story of Jack Kerouac's 'On the Road.'"
You can email her at stephanie_701 {@} yahoo.com
Stephanie Nikolopoulos 