By Si Dunn
Many Americans are about to get back to basics, because of the economy's massive and continuing meltdown.
Suddenly, we don't have nearly as much money as we used to have. Suddenly, we can't get credit. And suddenly, we're terrified, after being reassured just a couple of weeks ago that our economy was fundamentally sound and strong.
Oops. The global marketplace has turned out to be a massive house of cards.
After 9-11, many Americans were ready to sacrifice for a war effort and help fight terrorists. President Bush told us go shopping, instead.
Well, the time to go shopping is here again, only this time, it really is the time to go shopping.
All across our nation, thousands of small businesses suddenly are hurting and teetering on the brink of extinction. Millions of jobs and countless dreams are hanging in the balance in tiny shops, small stores, family-owned restaurants, and moderate-sized warehouses, car dealerships and strip shopping malls, as well as in big companies, factories and corporate headquarters.
Whether you need goods or services, now is the time to buy something from the businesses in your neighborhood, the ones that, even in good times, have provided just modest livings for their owners and employees. They are the real heart and soul of the American economy. They are Main Street.
Just a few bucks spent here and there can make a huge difference, if a lot of us are willing to get off our wallets and make the effort.
Neighbor helping neighbor; family member helping family member; friend helping friend; everyone helping those in need. And all taking care of the basics and focusing on what really matters.
This is how we can ride out the massive financial storms now savaging Wall Street and our own meager savings.
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