I don't know a single person who doesn't think that the economic stimulus package just signed by the President isn't absolutely ridiculous.  I was listening to a radio show the other day where an economist called the "package" a behavior modification program - we have not been good little consumers so the government is giving us some money that they want us to go out and spend.  Mark Johnson on WDEV radio likened the package to giving a kid who is hungry a candy bar.  How can "we the people" be so much smarter than the people running this country?

So, here is an idea I have for how we can all spend our checks that we will get in April.  If we all do it, we will stimulate the Vermont economy - our little way of bucking the "system."  Imagine if all of us spend out checks on Vermont Farmers.  April is when most vegetable farms are starting to sell their CSA shares.  Take part of your check and buy a CSA share for the summer.  If you have something left over, hide it in your sock drawer and treat yourself to fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs and cheeses at the farmer's markets that will be coming back to life throughout the state in May.

As a local food advocate, one common complaint I hear from people is that local food is too expensive.  I don't agree with that - I think that non-local food is deceptively cheap.  However, for those who have a hard time paying $4 for a dozen local eggs or $15 for a local chicken, this is a great opportunity to invest in our local food system with "found" money. 

If we do with our check what "the man" wants us to do, we will go on-line and buy a new computer or TV from a big box store headquartered on the other side of the country.  Whoosh...there goes the cash right out of the state.  On the other hand, if we give our windfall to our local farmers and they spend that money at a local store who in turn pays a local employee who spends some money on a nice dinner at a local restaurant whose chef pays a local farmer for the food served in the restaurant we will truly stimulate the local Vermont economy.