By Christina Fermin
Politics & Society Columnist
The economy is looking grim as the value of the dollar continues to fall and unemployment remains stagnant. The only growth in employment is in the service sector area which are usually low wage jobs. With the future of the united States of America uncertain and the future of the economy looking grim, we must begin to focus locally. Building local decentralized economies will save communities from the turbulent days that lay ahead.
Building a local economy and focusing locally will assistant yourself and your community through these tumultuous times. As unemployment benefits end, food prices soar, gas prices soar and the future of our country is unknown, pulling together and localizing will help one another cope and survive. Before globalization, the centralization of the economy, politics and banking our country did very well. When things were decentralized communities and people flourished.
Focusing locally is good for our environment, lowers our carbon footprint, makes us less reliant on vehicles, diversifies the economy, allows for variety, employment opportunities, quality of life, safer neighborhoods and self-sufficiency. Becoming self-sufficient is one of the most important markers we as a civilization must meet if we are to continue as a species. As the planet goes through catastrophic changes which are altering landscapes and coasts we are going to realize even more how devastating it is to rely on goods that come from far away places.
Food prices are rising and hunger is the primary cause of death in many developing nations, it makes sense to begin a community garden and/or start our own small gardens. As gas prices begin to rise many people seek an alternative such as car pooling, biking or public transportation, but as budget cuts start hitting local cities, towns and communities having a strong local economy will allow accessing goods more easily even if you have to walk. As the local economy begins to grow it will help diversify the economy and business’ will begin hiring.
We are advancing into a more technologically advanced society with technology meeting the demands people once did. With this new “free time” we can concentrate locally and within, allowing for a more harmonious, synchronistic society. As we concentrate locally we begin to gain the power back from big business and large corporations, defeating the elite stronghold one city, one town, one community at a time. Why are we giving our economy away to China or multinational corporations? Focusing locally will take that power away from other interests and place it into the hands of the people.
So what can you do? It begins with you, so take part in your local elections, town hall meetings and make your voice heard. Start a community garden or start purchasing from one that is in your area, search here http://www.communitygarden.org
Peace & Harmony,
Christina
About the Columnist
With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now.