the economic recovery is underway

I'm drawing a line in the sand.

It started with a post I put up on Twitter back on March 6. "I'm declaring today 'bottom' for the economy," I said, "and tomorrow 'day one' of the recovery. Who's with me?"

I have no illusions about my reach or influence. Both are moderate on a good day. But I have had the good fortune of developing relationships with some very fine folks with whom I enjoy mutual respect. And so I'm reaching out to all of you, those I know personally and those I don't, with a simple idea: let's get shit rolling.

I think it's time we stop waiting to be saved. You and I are not getting bailouts no matter what happens with Citibank, GM, et al. If we wait on help we'll be waiting forever.

Instead, I propose we start the rebuilding effort now. Piece by piece, day by day, using the influence we have with friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and people in our network.

How? Simple: invest. In valuable things and valuable ideas. To the extent that you have any disposable income, spend it wisely. Buy a handmade item from a local craftsperson like Imogene or Sweet Pepita or the equivalents in your city. Go out to eat at a locally owned restaurant. When you do, skip the appetizer or drink and leave that extra cash as a tip for your server (believe me, he/she needs it). See a movie at a locally-owned theater, or a play by a local company. Buy some stock in an American business you believe in.

Do whatever you can, however small it might seem. Hell, do something as simple as clicking the google ads on your favorite independent websites. It helps. Most importantly, stop thinking that we're in a recession and start thinking that we're in the early stages of the recovery effort.

Do this right now, then tell other people you're doing it and invite them to join you. Does this sound silly? A little Pollyannish? So be it. Bottom line is that things won't get better until we start believing they're getting better and acting accordingly. No reason that can't start right now.