Our country is in an economic struggle to sustain itself versus a global economy, and the effects of outsourcing, offshoring, and illegal workers are wreaking havoc on our system. A dollar no spends the way it used to. I've heard many here say that while their cost of living has gone up, their paychecks have not matched, or have in some cases, actually gone down. This leads to less ancillary spending, further strenthening the market spiral, and more people are either forced out of their jobs, or to take pay cuts. Meanwhile, fuel consumption has gone out of control with the SUV movement, bringing oil & gas prices to record levels, while increasing pollution and congestion.
I think most of us here are aware of the seriousness of our situation, and the consequences of inaction. This isn't a problem that we can rid ourselves of by electing a new president or congress, or by sitting here debating on this (or any) forum. What we can do, however, is mitigate our own circumstances. I have a few economic and environmental ideas to help put ourselves back into the drivers seat. Here is what I suggest:
1) Walmart has to go!One of the most important things to economic recovery is to support American-made products. This means we must immediately boycott Walmart and similar outlets. Almost all of their products are imported, and they are destroying the economy. Furthermore, they are continuously proven to be socially irresponsible, and they further the disconnect between the American worker and his own liberty. Learn More Check your products, and seek to purchase those that are made in the U.S.A., offered by companies that manufacture and operate stateside. You will almost undoubtedly pay more for these American products, because you are paying for higher wages, better working conditions, health insurance, workmans comp, etc., but you will be keeping your dollars here at home.
2) Purchase locally-grown food. When you do your grocery shopping, are you buying your chicken from Tyson? Tyson employs illegal immigrants Ok, so your local farmers may be employing the help of illegals as well, but by purchasing their products you are (1) supporting your local economy, (2) bypassing large corporations who hire multi-million dollar law firms to defend them when they are "accused" of hiring illegals, then continue to do it because our government is inept, and (3) putting better food in your body. Again, you will pay more, but you won't be supporting the downward spiral.
3) Drive less. Yes, get rid of your SUV if you can, and for goodness sake, don't buy a new one. But the key is to drive less. Walk more. Ride your bike. I realize not everyone can do it depending on where you live, but every little bit helps. I know a guy who is perfectly healthy, yet everyday he gets in his car and drives a half-mile to work. It contributes to pollution, needlessly uses resources, and is just plain lazy. Let's get out of our cars as much as possible. Buy a scooter, if that suits you. Turn off the light. Conserve. Turn your heat down in the winter, and PUT ON A SWEATSHIRT! The other day I watched a lady wait 10 minutes with her car running while another driver was vacating a parking spot. There were plenty of spots further out. In the span of that time, I could have walked from my spot to the store and back at least five times (finally, she got out and walked briskly into the entrance). When did we become so lazy and complacent???
4) Vote. For goodness sake, vote. It's our right as Americans, many people died to protect it. Now it's your civic duty to learn about the candidates and referendums, establish an opinion, then get out and vote. Apathy is a cancer.
5) Buy a Sigg! "This year, Americans will drink more than 30 billion single-serving bottles of water." What's worse is, only a fraction of them will be recycled. Full Story Even those that are recycled contribute to air pollution. Are you contributing to this problem? The solution is simple and easy: Buy a Sigg. Or buy a similar product (they are available online or at Whole Foods. It is a reusable bottle that you can fill over and over again, AND (as if that wasn't enough), the bottles are non-leaching, which means there's no nasty plastic taste and toxicity that comes with water that's been marinating in a plastic water bottle.
Ok, so I've said my piece. I'd be interested to see other people's ideas to constructively begin protecting and rebuilding our country and planet... economically, socially, environmentally, etc. Let's encourage one another to take action, challenge the status-quo, spend a little more for a product that helps our country and our economy.
It all starts here at home.
Regards,
757
I think most of us here are aware of the seriousness of our situation, and the consequences of inaction. This isn't a problem that we can rid ourselves of by electing a new president or congress, or by sitting here debating on this (or any) forum. What we can do, however, is mitigate our own circumstances. I have a few economic and environmental ideas to help put ourselves back into the drivers seat. Here is what I suggest:
1) Walmart has to go!One of the most important things to economic recovery is to support American-made products. This means we must immediately boycott Walmart and similar outlets. Almost all of their products are imported, and they are destroying the economy. Furthermore, they are continuously proven to be socially irresponsible, and they further the disconnect between the American worker and his own liberty. Learn More Check your products, and seek to purchase those that are made in the U.S.A., offered by companies that manufacture and operate stateside. You will almost undoubtedly pay more for these American products, because you are paying for higher wages, better working conditions, health insurance, workmans comp, etc., but you will be keeping your dollars here at home.
2) Purchase locally-grown food. When you do your grocery shopping, are you buying your chicken from Tyson? Tyson employs illegal immigrants Ok, so your local farmers may be employing the help of illegals as well, but by purchasing their products you are (1) supporting your local economy, (2) bypassing large corporations who hire multi-million dollar law firms to defend them when they are "accused" of hiring illegals, then continue to do it because our government is inept, and (3) putting better food in your body. Again, you will pay more, but you won't be supporting the downward spiral.
3) Drive less. Yes, get rid of your SUV if you can, and for goodness sake, don't buy a new one. But the key is to drive less. Walk more. Ride your bike. I realize not everyone can do it depending on where you live, but every little bit helps. I know a guy who is perfectly healthy, yet everyday he gets in his car and drives a half-mile to work. It contributes to pollution, needlessly uses resources, and is just plain lazy. Let's get out of our cars as much as possible. Buy a scooter, if that suits you. Turn off the light. Conserve. Turn your heat down in the winter, and PUT ON A SWEATSHIRT! The other day I watched a lady wait 10 minutes with her car running while another driver was vacating a parking spot. There were plenty of spots further out. In the span of that time, I could have walked from my spot to the store and back at least five times (finally, she got out and walked briskly into the entrance). When did we become so lazy and complacent???
4) Vote. For goodness sake, vote. It's our right as Americans, many people died to protect it. Now it's your civic duty to learn about the candidates and referendums, establish an opinion, then get out and vote. Apathy is a cancer.
5) Buy a Sigg! "This year, Americans will drink more than 30 billion single-serving bottles of water." What's worse is, only a fraction of them will be recycled. Full Story Even those that are recycled contribute to air pollution. Are you contributing to this problem? The solution is simple and easy: Buy a Sigg. Or buy a similar product (they are available online or at Whole Foods. It is a reusable bottle that you can fill over and over again, AND (as if that wasn't enough), the bottles are non-leaching, which means there's no nasty plastic taste and toxicity that comes with water that's been marinating in a plastic water bottle.
Ok, so I've said my piece. I'd be interested to see other people's ideas to constructively begin protecting and rebuilding our country and planet... economically, socially, environmentally, etc. Let's encourage one another to take action, challenge the status-quo, spend a little more for a product that helps our country and our economy.
It all starts here at home.
Regards,
757
