What this is all about

Occupy MAIN Street and help create REAL change. Bills can't create jobs. Bring jobs back to America. Bring America back to Main Street.

Everyone is feeling the same frustration - the system is rigged, there's no opportunity, there's no jobs, there's no money. But everyone is so busy blaming everyone - rich people, poor people, politicians, corporations, lobbyists - no one is willing to look in the mirror.

WE the consumers, WE the Americans have the power to bring opportunity back to America. But we have to create our own prosperity. And that means helping each other to prosper.

Step one - SHOP DOWNTOWN. Downtowns all over America are disappearing in favor of giant box stores (full of stuff that violates Step two). Local businesses, small businesses, used to be the backbone of America. They create jobs, they pay taxes, they contribute to the communities. How many downtown events are sponsored by WalMart? Are the prices higher? Yes. Small businesses can't compete with box stores because they don't have the buying power. But consider your dollars to be your VOTES, and vote local.

Step two - STOP MAKING BUYING CHOICES ON PRICE ALONE. The market is stacked against American products in the price war, because we allow inequity in our trade agreements with other countries, especially China. Spend a few extra dollars on an AMERICAN product, and help keep AMERICANS employed.

Step three - DITCH YOUR BIG BANK AND FIND A LOCAL ONE. Yes, it's difficult, yes, it's a pain but it shows support, trust, and that you care what you do with your money. Small banks sponsor local events and have a vested interest in improving the local community. Small banks have management that you can actually have a conversation with (relative to big banks at least). Are there fewer ATMs? Probably. A little planning and you're all set. Totally worth it to not be associated with the large banks that have been bailed out and are treating people like dirt.

Step four - STOP WHINING AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Occupying Wall Street is interesting as an idea, but so far all it's doing is creating "awareness," primarily that people are pissed off, and about a lot of things. More productive would be to put your MONEY where your MOUTH is, and VOTE WITH YOUR DOLLAR.

Make this Christmas an American Christmas. Make the Christmas colors Red, White and Blue.