Local relationships of trust

From Dave Smith

Stoneleigh over at The Automatic Earth:

By understanding the nature and direction of social mood, it is possible to resist becoming part of a highly unconstructive consensus, although there may be a social price to pay for doing so. Retaining trust in one’s fellow man will become harder and harder, especially at a societal level. This is why we recommend establishing and cementing relationships of trust at the local level as soon as possible, as such relationships are the most valuable thing you can have in times of great upheaval.

Read more of Markets and the Lemming Factor at The Automatic Earth

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What Ukiah street is this on?

From Dave Smith

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Remember when Joe ran for Supervisor?

From Dave Smith

Remember when Joe Wildman ran for Supervisor in the 1st District? One highlight was Joe’s famous sense of humor. Check his rejected campaign slogans (pdf file).

“This election is about change… can you spare any?”

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Why tax cuts have always led to disaster

From Dave Smith thanks to The Thom Hartmann radio program

Larry Beinhart over at The Huffington Post has the facts:

THE MYTH

Do tax cuts stimulate the economy?

Yes. Tax cuts allow people to keep more of their own money therefore they have more to invest and spend into the economy and more money to start business and create jobs therefore also helping to stimulate the economy.

“I think when people take a look back at this moment in our economic history, they’ll recognize tax cuts work. They have made a difference.” ~George W. Bush

THE REALITIES

The brute facts are these:

Large income tax cuts are followed by a bubble and then a crash.

High income taxes correlate with economic growth.

Income tax increases are followed by economic growth.

Moderate income tax cuts are followed by a flat economy.

All this is especially true as applied to the top tax rates, the amount paid on income that exceeds the highest bracket.

THE THREE GREAT TAX CUTS: BOOM, BUBBLE, CRASH…

Continue Reading Tax Cuts: Theology, Facts and Totally F**cked at The Huffington Post →

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Why support locally owned businesses?

Top ten reasons!

1. KEEP DOLLARS IN UKIAH’S ECONOMY
   For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $45 stays in the local economy, creating jobs and expanding the city’s tax base. For every $100 spent at a national chain or franchise store, only $14 remains in the community.
2. EMBRACE WHAT MAKES UKIAH UNIQUE
   Ukiah is a village. Where we shop, where we eat and hang out—all of it makes our village home. Chain stores are growing more aggressive and threatening to change the unique character of our town. One-of-a-kind, independent businesses are an integral part of what makes Ukiah a great place to live.

Continue Reading Why Support Locally Owned Businesses?

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