Comments on: Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is

By: Joe

Joe — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:52:16 +0000

Well, yes, the money does stay in the local economy. And if the consumer buys with that goal in mind, then inevitably less efficient businesses producing lower-quality, higher-priced goods are bailed out by a perverse sort of protectionism that soon begins to advantage businesses and consumers operating in competitive markets. Did we not learn anything from an oligopolistic domestic auto industry’s dominating its market for years? And we’re still paying the price for that. (Tom can tell you a bit about the quality of that industry’s products.)

By: Dave Lambert

Dave Lambert — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:49:56 +0000

There’s nothing harmful about supporting in-state businesses, but it won’t help Michigan’s economy. In fact, it falls in line with the mistaken belief that consumer demand is the primary cause of economic growth. To the contrary, the entrepreneur is the “engine” that drives economic growth. Until Michigan policy-makers understand the role of the entrepreneur, our state is doomed to long-term economic stagnation.

By: Erin

Erin — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:05:24 +0000

Excellent column! One of my New Year’s resolutions is to support something local every week that I otherwise might not. Whether it’s shopping at a downtown store instead of a national chain or taking advantage of a local entertainment opportunity – these things will not remain available unless we choose to support them.

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:25:23 +0000

OMG! Finally, someone gets it. Buy locally, and your money stays in the local economy. Give the man a home-grown carrot!

By: Rick Cole

Rick Cole — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:13:34 +0000

Great advice — Shop at Meijers, buy a CTS instead of a BMW, and send a note to your favorite congress person to ship some of that TARP money back in the form of script that can only be used to buy American-made products. These products are getting tougher to find, for sure, but they are worth looking for — especially at times like these.