The last stand on soapbox

So tonight is my last post for a while and I thought it appropriate to mention the economy, or lack of it. Hey people what about a Novel idea called "putting your collective money where your collective mouth is?". The politicians want all these earmarks for special interests and bail out funds for corporate big wigs who have blown their top at tax payers expense. I am all about capitalism as long as it is tempered with humanity and a sense of spreading the wealth. The trickle down theory works great when the very rich, who make millions for large failing corporations, actually invest and spend in America while paying their taxes. I am not saying we should not trade but lets get real. Spending money keeps the economy afloat but it does not do anything for our betterment when we only shop in the big box stores who buy cheap cheap from other countries with little or no oversight. Does tainted milk ring a bell?

I have a great idea. Remember the company store? Many years ago when companies actually took care of their employees they had a company store for workers like a military commissary. They kept the prices down by providing a service and employed people to run the shop. Granted it allowed the boss to keep people on the job site for longer hours and they profited a little but the point is we can use that same theory for our own communities. Have you recently shopped at a locally owned family business? Bought eggs from the farmer down the road? Hired a small neighborhood contractor? Taken your old clothes in need of repair to a local seamstress? Patronized a small independent drug store? When we put money into our local-small businesses we put money into our community. Small business owners actually pay taxes, high taxes by the way. They hire our neighbors, donate to local charities, are involved in community events, provide benefits/workers compensation and they keep the wheels in motion and cogs greased right here at home with out huge salaries or golden parachutes. If we wisely spend our money after we pay our bills, chip away at debt and feed our family we should spend it where we say we want it to go. Same goes for businesses with ethical and green practices. They need support. Local farmers have eggs, milk, honey, produce and meat which is not shipped in from Mexico or New Zealand and it costs the environment less while supporting local economy. It all makes sense to me. In addition to these benefits we also save fuel by not shipping or flying products from distant lands. The best part of all is that you are supporting your neighbors, friends and family.

I am guilty of leasing a Honda and I struggle with this. There are those items which we have to bend on. I also understand people needing to cut back on costs by shopping at the big chains where they can save more. But !! what if we all decided we could live on less "stuff" and spend more wisely? Would putting our money where our mouth is make a statement and an impact? I think so. I am not an economist but I saw this train wreck ten years ago with all the ARM home loans being shelled out. I knew we were heading for disaster. I also saw it when big box stores started forcing small, independent and local businesses to shut their doors while buying disposable-tainted items from China. It is true that small-local costs more but it also gives more. You also build a rapport with the business owners. This is all about community. When we support local we can also afford to go global on the few items on which we splurge.

I guess all this bail out crap and corruption is really forcing me to look at how I spend and how I make choices about where my money goes. It is a process. I do not need much and live simply and it works for me. If I had young kids or a larger family it might be different. I do not judge others decisions I merely pose the questions of local or global? Box store or small independent shop? Spend or pay bills? Support neighbor or big corporate-corrupt big wigs? These are questions with which we all must struggle if we desire to survive this troubled economy and hold accountable the people who got us here while taking full responsibility for our own bad choices and overspending habits. What a great time to become aware. As I analyze my shopping behaviors and choices I see a better way. It may take time for me to adjust but it is a choice I am willing to make.