In the year since my last IP posting, this much has steadily clearer: in the realm of economics, the communities that make immense possibilities come to life will be those that find ways to unhitch from the wagon of corporate globalism and become more self-reliant. My own community of the Rogue Valley is in the midst of a teachable moment. Medford's largest and most historic private employer, Harry & David, appears to be on the brink of bankruptcy in its 100th year, in part because most profit has been going to service its leveraged buy-out by a Wall Street "Equity Investment" firm in 2004. This puts about 1500 full-time and 6000 seasonal jobs in deep jeopardy, a catastrophic potential hit in an already-beleaguered county of 200,000 people. Local leaders are passing ceremonial resolutions of concern which, along with about eight bucks, will buy you a small bag of Harry & David's Moose Munch. But this is exactly the kind of moment that opens the way for an immense possibility, which was the point of my Mail Tribune opinion column this morning.Tell me what you think. And welcome back to IP.
