What part does politics play in all of this? Or is that something we have to be cynical about?

People who are cynical say, "I'm not going to vote" or "I'm not going to be involved in politics." But all that means is that those who are involved are just going to be stronger and louder. I think cynicism is part of what's led us to a world in which our politicians no longer reflect individuals, communities and the planet.

I advocate for people in the voting process to stop voting the lesser of two evils. Vote for anything but Democratic or Republican. No, we're not going to see a third party get elected right away, but there'll be no hope for one if we don't start exercising our muscles in that direction.

There's a very narrow window of votes between Democratic and Republican, and that's because they almost mean the same thing. There are very few decisions that separate the two. If they see those votes in that narrow window of opportunity going to third parties, they'll be challenged to make their actions meet their words and we'll begin to see a shift in the politics we see now.

Faced with a choice between Al Gore and George W. Bush, who will you vote for -- assuming there are no third-party candidates to your liking?

I will not vote for George Bush or Al Gore -- period -- because neither of them reflects the needs in our world. So they don't get my vote; I will not vote for the lesser of two evils.

The kind of personal involvement you advocate strikes me as similar to religion, in that a devotee of a religious order would have to change his or her entire lifestyle to adhere properly. Is there some parallel there?

Maybe slightly, but religion comes across as a very rules-and-regulations kind of thing. And I'm not about rules and regulations; I'm about being an active, conscious, compassionate, respectful, loving human being.

I think we've been led to believe there's some puppet master in the sky pulling our strings, and there's not. It's us -- right here, right now.

But there is a large spiritual element to your book "The Legacy of Luna." In many instances, you find solace in prayer.

It's vital. But there's a difference between religion and spirituality. Religion is human beings trying to understand and shape spirituality. To me spirituality transcends the confines and barriers of religion. It's about honoring the sacred that is all life -- all of it.

Are there plans for a film of your book?

I've been approached by numerous movie producers, but I'm very concerned with integrity. For instance, Charles Hurwitz, the CEO of Maxxam, the corporation I'm protesting, is good buddies with Steven Spielberg.

If someone who buys my rights [to "The Legacy of Luna"] sells them to someone else, I have to be able to control who they sell it to. If someone like Spielberg buys the rights, either the story doesn't get told at all or they skew it to make Hurwitz look like a benevolent man.

Until I find someone who's going to uphold the integrity of the story, I'm not going to sell my rights. My right to share my story, I believe, is very powerful in getting others motivated and active in the world.

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