“We have given over our lives to the culture and institutions of a suicide economy that so devalues life that it actually rewards us for destroying life—the lives of persons, the life of community, and the life of nature—and to what end?—to make money for those who already have more money than they need.” David Korten, The Love of Money, page 5

   There are hundreds of independent businesses in Anchorage, many of them owned by people who have a stake in their community and care deeply about their place in it and their effect on it. But we have lost the battle against a few giant corporations, which now dominate daily life.

   It is easy to blame large, powerful institutions, and their servants. But these have only the power that we yield to them. Everyday we re-create the suicide economy, through our own choices about where we live, where we work, where we shop, and what we buy. We are responsible, and so we are capable – of living into being an economy that is humane and sustainable.

   The Local, Living Economy movement is a positive, tangible way to begin to take back control of the simple, everyday interactions that determine the quality of life. These local associations connect entrepreneurs and consumers who want to encourage businesses that are human-scale, locally-rooted, and equitably owned. They promote the use of  local sources. They teach about and demonstrate responsible business practices. They explore the use of alternative local currencies. They support environmentally sustainable practices.

   Does the economy serve us, or are we the servants of a destructive economy that is exploiting people and nature? Does the economy satisfy the whole spectrum of our needs: for choice, creativity, independence, and community? Globalization shrinks economic choices, and operating alone, without the subsidies that support big business, independent businesses are at a great disadvantage. Joining together, we can reclaim our economy, our democracy, and our culture.