I know there's a great deal of bad news out there right now. So I've been looking around for the silver lining in this very cloudly economy.
As we all know, local governments are having a tough time balancing their budgets. But here in Central California, we are figuring out a better way. We Americans are a bright, innovative group and there is still a great deal of work ethic and initiative out there.
Take for instance the $2,000 that the City of Atascadero spent last year on Doggie Walk Bags. You know, the plastic bags that are found in dispensers along trails, for dog owners to use to clean up after their dogs and keep the parks clean. Well, the City does not have the money for those bags any longer. Now, citizens are asked to donate used plastic grocery bags to fill those dispensers. Cost to the city.....$0. Saved $2,000. Nice!
Or how about the Babe Ruth Baseball players who now volunteer their time to clean up, weed, remove graffati, paint, replant and spread bark mulch in the same parks where they hold their ball games? Cost to the City $0. Lesson learned by the ball players: Priviledges = responsibility.
Let's keep using our heads to save money, pay our own way, and not expect the "government" to take care of everything. When the market does turn around, I hope that these ideas and many more will remain into our futures.
Cost of recession: Incalculable. Saved: Personal and civic responsibility. Our American Pride!