I appreciate your candor. As one who is also sympathetic to the philosophies found at The Porch, I have often struggled with how to implement those ideas. It is difficult to imagine, and perhaps we will not see the fruits of our labor in our lifetime. But, somehow, the ideas must come down from the ivory towers of intellectualism to the fields, factories and offices of every day life – an environment that I am a part of daily. But, I am doing as much as I can – for example, my brother and I who live in different states are trying to coordinate our efforts to at least move to the same city once my wife finishes school. And, it is amazing how when in conversation with my co-workers about what ails our economy, how many people share these views, even though they may not be able to articulate them. I don’t call it “Localism” when talking with people, for fear that they might recoil and close down, but regardless of how the message is packaged, they are still responding positively. The problem is, as you have stated, how realistic is it? Maybe not now, maybe not in our generation, but looking ahead at the unsustainability of our current situation, I have a feeling that these ideas will take root. It may be happening unconsciously now in a majority, but we can hope that they will come to the forefront of consciousness when we see a true end in sight. …anyway, good post…

-Justin

But let’s see what else we can remind ourselves at ND this weekend.

The grand illusions that I built up while away – a sort of mini-agrarian revolution, Salatin-style, or perhaps an organic micro-brew enterprise – well, they’re shattering on the realities of debt, etc.

I really appreciate your writing, and your insights. I look forward to your next installment.

But a few years in Chicago would not kill me.