People need to “vote” with their wallet. Private industry is light years ahead from government on many issues.

For example, my company offers domestic partnership benefits. This allows my parter to have health care. A lot of companies do, but few governments. It allows companies to be more competitive. It allows them to raise the playing field and gain talent that may go to a different employer if they didn’t offer the benefit.

If everyone in the US stopped buying a foreign-made goods, we would see a lot more jobs move back to this country.

The problem is, sometimes government doesn’t catch up in time. I have to pay income tax on over $8000 worth of “extra income” because my employer pays my partner’s benefits. The government in this case is a barrier.

I guess it’s also why I’m not a Walmart hater. I never go to Walmart. Instead, I go to local places that offer a more “personal” service. However, I understand why Walmart exists.

One thing I learned from economics back at UMD…actually it was the Darwinian theory class that discussed Thomas Malthus, things try to migrate towards an equilibrium. People will get sick of Big box retailers and will head towards Mom & Pop shops…a bad economy could accelerate this. If the dollar devalues, mom and pop shops can be more nimble(if they stay in business). They can offer barter business. “I’ll do this for you, if you offer me this.” But that is really if they try to remain in business and keep an open mind.

I’m a small business owner as well. When things get rough, I expect my customers to offer creative solutions. I just hope I’m open minded enough to see the benefit.