Readings from TWC & Reflecting on the Recession

Ivan's article speaks about the importance of mantaining an informal community in order to ensure that the coomon good is benefiting. The second last paragraph sums up the article very well by stating, "The determination of our culture to destroy the common good can only be confronted by “creating a different basis for morality, for action, for living, and therefore for politics”. The only way to overcome our collective alienation from nature and each other is to create conditions where human relationships flourish, where there is a commitment to diversity and mutual support, where people have the ability to shape their tools to create their own informal production and where there is respect for disorderly order."

I will be putting my two-cents into this very soon. But for now I will simply say that I agree with the majority of the article.

http://www.theworkingcentre.org/wscd/ideas/articles/article2.html

Joe's article seems to compliment Ivan's. He wants people to refocus on non-commercial goods.

I think this article, and our group discussion on these articles, come at a good time. We are at the beginning of what could be an indefinite recession. People need to refocus. We all need to minimize our spending habits. At the same time, this is a great opportunity to open ourselves up to the community and start doing things that are less commercial and more personable. Trying to come up with creative ways to occupy our time could be a great thing. When the income is low, people resort to doing more localized and personable activities. Store bought gifts and clothes might be replaced by personable, home-made gifts. Instead of partying all the time, people might be more inclined to attending all-inclusive formal functions or hosting group gatherings at local establishments or in the comfort of his or her home. Instead of buying new clothes and furniture people may find hidden gems in local second hand stores like "Worth A Second Look", or in friends' closets, or even revamp an old look in their own closet.
Finances are tight for many, myself included. On the up side, it forces us to become creative and interact on a more personal and equalizing level with others. It might also help us grow as people, whether it be helping us become bargin-savy, and or gain new connections through an increase in community involvement.

http://www.theworkingcentre.org/wscd/ideas/articles/article2.html

Refer to my blog entitled " Affordable Alternatives " for ideas on bargain-savy alternatives to old habits