Thank you for the informative retort to the original article. I see that you both seem to agree that change is needed. If I take anything from dropping in to read this article and the comments today, it is the value of holding economic real value in the local place where one is. It seems that when we let value leave our community, it ends up in some ethereal place beyond our reach and never returns. I'm drawn to the local barter currencies some areas have used and curious what the macro economic effect of a majority of communities doing so would be on the global economic system. If anyone has some insights or ideas for me, I'd appreciate you stooping down and whispering it in my ear.