Taverns, file-sharing and why LOCALISM is 'in' . . .

I was just catching up the other day with a close friend from high school (a fellow member of the mighty Bay Conference small school champion "Shorecrest Chargers"), and we were both struck by how important 'local communities' are for the future economic sustainability (and indeed vitality!) of the U.S. and also of the entire Western Hempisphere!

Thank you, by the way, to the U.S. Congress and to George W. Bush for working together to pass the much needed economic stimulus package which returns money to the working class!

Taxes are needed, but when gasoline, food, rent, etc. goes up, it is the working class (not the billionaire boys club!) who takes the biggest hit!

Whether one makes $60,000 per year, but has several children OR whether one is a single man working in construction and making only $25,000 per year, the need for such economic stimulus is sorely needed!

Here is where 'localism' is essential.

When money is given to me, do I 'hoard it' or do I spend (modestly) at the local tavern (great Panera bread style sandwiches!) at the local downtown farmer's market (where I 'indulged' in yummy fresh-squeezed orange juice . . .) or wherever my neighbors will similarly benefit?

People need stable jobs and a livable income.

People buy and sell all of the time, but if LOCALISM is not stressed then we will soon become a nation enslaved; enslaved to the capital-hoarders who drive up mortgages while refusing to pay wages high enough to sustain one's mortgage; enslaved to CEO's (the former CEO of Countrywide Mortgage lending who walked away with 100's of millions of dollars while his company floundered around him . . .); enslaved to whomever refuses to pay an adequate living wage for whatever product, skill, or service that one is selling.

So, rather than McDonald's or Kentucky Fried Chicken, I am pleased that my hard-earned money instead went to the waitress who lives and works in the local area. I am pleased that someone had the brilliant idea of bring a 'juicer' to the downtown St. Petersburg Saturday morning market and so they received my money for a change, rather than some billionaire who runs Publix grocery stores.

Now, in stressing localism, obviously, one must be ETHICAL!

If one copies computer software without it being legally sanctioned, then this is not helping, but instead is HINDERING the economy.

So, yes, support your local economy, but no do not engage in unethical activity in doing so!

Blessings & love in Jesus Christ,
Rob J. King (DEMOCRAT, PRO-LIFE, PRO-WORKING CLASS)