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Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor:

Everyone’s heard the news: Each taxpaying member of our country will be receiving a check in the mail in an effort to stimulate the economy. Have you thought about what you are doing with yours?

If each recipient dedicates a portion of his or her money towards joining a CSA, supporting local organic agriculture, or patronizing small businesses, there can be a realized, visible, and positive impact on the local economy. Rather than buy into a consumerist culture, purchase locally grown food. Or, if you don’t typically buy local and organic, try it! It’s not going to harm your pocketbook, and you may get hooked.

Whether you agree or disagree with the approach of the economy stimulus rebate checks as an effort to change the direction of the U.S. economy, this is a way in which we can elicit real change beginning on a small scale. Go ahead, set aside half of the check for selfish indulgence. But please think about where your money is going before you spend it. This is an opportunity for many people to speak with their dollars. While $300 will not make a long-term difference, our multiplicity of efforts can combine to strengthen our community’s economy.

Natalie Pyrooz

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