Archives of Monthly News Updates
for a
Time of Transition
Steps in the Wrong
Direction
April - November 2009
November, 2009
* TechnoFantasy Oddball Measures LA Times 11/15 The More Concerned grows about our global eco-nomic crisis the more extreme the ideas become to avoid doing what needs to be done: live within our means.
August, 2009
*
Blaming the consumer
Stocks Tumble as Investors Worry about Consumers and
Fewer Banks Tighten Credit Los Angeles
Times 8/18 These two
articles, which appear on the same page of the Los
Angeles Times, lay the blame for our continuing economic woes on
consumers and businesses who are in "save mode." Instead of focusing on the
pressing need to re-structure the economy to a sustainable system, our
leaders worry about how to get people borrowing and spending again.
An article three pages later in the same edition describes how to stay
open small businesses are having to put the cost of inventories on personal
credit cards with 30% interest rates. One business described in the article
was trying to expand.
July, 2009
Farm safety bill
burdens family and organic farmers
Big Government Hurts Small Farmers
Washington Examiner 7/31 Given
that we will desparately need thousands of small locally based farms in the
years ahead, this is most certainly a dangerous step backward.
June, 2009
*
Mood turns optimistic
Despite Everything ... More American See Sunny Skies Ahead
USA Today 6/23 54% of those
polled by USA Today said they are worse off
than a year ago, but 59% believe they will be better off a year from now.
This may sounds positive, but this is about the worst thing we could be
thinking right now. The only way we'll be better off is to realize that
"things" are not going to "turn around." We've got to turn around the way we
live.
*
Construction of new single-family home up
Housing Starts Jump 17%
USA Today 6/17 While foreclosed
homes and housing developments sitting empty across the nation this is not
the way to go.
*
Faux frugality: the rich welcome the humble abode
Burlap Is the New Velvet Los
Angeles Times 6/8
Those with $3,600 to spare on a pair of burlap covered
upholstered chairs, dial down ostentation so the look may be
modest, but the price is not.
Shown a limited edition eco-chic lamp $850
Photo by Ken Hively
May, 2009
* "People
seem to be oriented toward getting through this period just so they can get
back to things they way there were."
Less, for Now Los Angeles Times 1/10
This is s superb article that gets to the heart of what we most need to
fear. Excellent quotes from Tim Kasser, author of
The High Price of Materialism
April, 2009
* In Tony Malibu, $195 Cargo Pants, but Nary a Hammer or Nail in Site Los Angeles Times 4/16 This article presents a perfect example of why our local communities are facing severe economic vulnerability and shows Malibu, CA, as a post child for what it looks like to be heading in the wrong direction.