Great ideas. I too believe that the solution to America's problems lies in local economies. No more mega corps whose downfall threatens us all. I suggest Congress turn the Big Three over to the workers. Promote the best and brightest to run the companies on reasonable saleries. Those who actually produce the product know the best ways to change it.
The economy is effecting me by making me retool my lifestyle. No more credit cards, altho this will be hard. I own a small farm, too small for bank financing and purchased many of my start up needs via personal plastic. Now the goal is to pay these debts off. Every purchase I make with cash is a well thought out one. If I can't afford it I go without.
I hope President Obama appoints an agricultural secretary who sees value in what small farms like mine produce. I hope he/she can write a farm bill that benefits real farmers instead of agricorps. I hope FSA can be persuaded to stop emphasising commodity farming and encourage the growing of local food crops- the fastest growing niche in agriculture.
Help a farmer- buy local, buy fresh and eat seasonally- no watermelon in February!