Done correctly, New Orleans, Louisiana; Greensburg, Kansas; and other devastated cities can become models of sustainable development and Mutual Aid.

My goal in this short space is not to define culture or debate its merits. Rather, I will use the broad quote provided in the epigraph as a launching pad to discuss where the dominant culture has led us (negative) and where we can take it (positive).

Understanding and preparing for societal shifts can be fun, but more importantly will ease an otherwise stressful and harmful predicament.

Once trust is established we will have the building blocks for flourishing cooperatives and mutual aid institutions.

We will not be a free society until individuals increase the levels of autonomy and independence in their everyday lives.  Creating an educational system focused on various survival and life skills is the first and most important step in that direction.

If more businesses were owned and operated cooperatively, more people would be in control of their lives.

It is no secret that locally owned business bolster a community's economy, so it should come as no surprise that local currency would do the same.

I've become convinced that we have been duped by the advertising industry, along with others in search of a quick buck, into pursuing our own demise.

When I discuss politics or current events with friends I am often told that I do not sound liberal or progressive. Comments like that should be taken with a grain of salt, since the two terms are relatively meaningless.

Have you ever wondered why county borders lie where they do? Or why cities have nonsensical borders? The arbitrary borders that divide us make very little sense once we begin thinking about them.

Community pride helps keep small town USA vibrant and livable.  One of the easiest ways to support your community is to support locally owned businesses.