We The People

[demwing]

In order to form a more perfect union...

When (not if :) ) Obama becomes President of the United States, he's going to have a huge economic mess on his hands, one which may not be completely cured by top down, Washington lead economic measures.

Obama has often said that this election is about us, not him, and I believe him. So I propose that "We The people" developer a series of economic measures that are grass-root driven, socially responsible responses to help Obama and our country reorganize, re-industrialize, and revitalize our economy. Further, I suggest that the discussions on how to do so begin here on DU, and spread through the progressive websites.

I'll start -

1) We need a home-grown answer to Walmart, a beginning to end chain of value (American manufacturing, distribution, and retail sales). A savvy investor could work within the political landscape, and sell that "Buy American" patriotism as a commodity, even if it came at a slightly higher premium.

The Washington counter punch to this movement would be the enactment of a living wage and a more progressive tax. If we make more, we can save more and spend more, and when we are taxed it is not at the expense of the "foundations of our economy."

2) One word - Hemp.

3) Green technologies and commodities. Something America can pioneer and export to the world. In fact, we should so dominate the world market in eco-friendly solutions that we are no longer associated only with the red, white, and blue. Lets add green to our stars and stripes, forever.

Anyone interested in starting a forum on grassroots economics and social responsibility? I think there's a great opportunity for discussion and advancements, and while I'm sure that my extended ideas are incomplete, naive, and fraught with errors I cannot even identify, my underlying principle is sound, and the opportunity I see is a real one.

[msallied]

1. I really see number 3 coming to pass for sure.

I've often argued that becoming more environmentally responsible is GOOD for the economy rather than bad for it. While the American job market has been forever changed due to globalization, this is the direction we need to be heading in, and I think we will do it. It is a great way to bridge the gap between corporate America and grassroots America. And I think it will be even more possible with a Democratic party at the helm.

As for your other options, hells yes. I would love to see Walmart become far more friendly to America. And hemp production REALLY needs to become a main commodity here. Not only for the industrial uses, but for health ones as well. There are more Omega-3s in hemp seed oil than there are in fish oil.

[nomaco-10]

2. I like this idea very much. I really think you could be on to ...

something. du would be a great place to start such a group because as a rule most people here are very creative, inventive and resourceful.

I'd like to talk about bamboo as well. It's a fast growing renewable plant that is eco friendly. It makes one of the most beautiful floors, furniture and a thousand other things can be made out of it. It's strong and durable too. It can be grown in many areas across the US and adapts pretty well to climate change.

[NightWatcher]

3. I see your #2 (hemp) and I raise you Marijuana Leglization

1. taxes from the legal sale of marijuana will help fund the government and reduce our national debt
2. marijuana will cut down on violence. Come on, have you ever heard of stoners getting violent?
3. big pharma takes a hit as people realize that the best anti-anxiety drug occurs naturally
4. health care costs go down when people replace "put some ice on it" with "smoke a bowl" to treat minor aches and pains
5. our hectic lifestyles relax a little bit as everyone just slows down every afternoon after 4PM


the only downside, due to increased demand, the price of Cheetos increases 700%

[demwing]

4. Cheetos? Freaking AWESOME.

Are they made in America? Then its good for the economy!