Steven Thompson, editor
Freedom From The Press

BANK LOCAL

BANK LOCAL

If you spend much time around Spokane Washington you’re bound to see advertising that reads, “Buy Local”. This program was started by Dawn Picken, a former television news reporter who currently works for the Spokane Chamber of Commerce. Great job Dawn…

While gathering information for this piece, I couldn’t help but remember the fact that this very same institution (Spokane Chamber), back in 1993-1995 and perhaps beyond, provided office space and amenities for Eastern Washington’s NAFTA representative. Those, such as myself, who promoted “Buy American” back then were frowned upon. Other than the complete destruction of Americas economy by greedy, self-serving corporate banksters, I cannot think of any other logical reason why the Spokane Chamber would now, in 2010, change its tune? To avoid complete hypocrisy, I wonder if the Spokane Chamber would support “Bank Local”?

From a populist viewpoint it only makes sense to support businesses in your own backyard. Corporations like Bank of America, Citi, Chase and other multiple state or national banks have shown their true colors, they’re in it for themselves and don’t really care about individual common people. That said, why would any common person care about the health and well being of Bank of America, Citi or Chase?

Community banks and credit unions are where common people belong. For those who live in North Dakota, you have the option of doing business with the only state owned bank in the entire country. Governors from the other 49 states would be well advised to learn from North Dakota. Here’s a link to a wiki article about the Bank of North Dakota.

Are we ready to wise up? If not, what will it take to get you to bank locally? I’m saying goodbye to Citi. Why? should be obvious if you’re a college football fan and you’ve been watching the bowl games.  You’re watching the BCS sponsored by Citi… That’s right, Citi receives billions in government bailouts and still has enough change laying about for bonuses and ultra expensive TV ads to hopefully improve their already tarnished image.