A Sign of the Times?

I saw a news article recently on one of the Evening News programs - can't remember which one but it was about an area (maybe a neighborhood) I believe in Oregon (maybe somewhere in Portland) that had adapted a Barter System. Most of the people in the article were unemployed - a very common problem these days and having trouble making ends meet (again a common problem). So they created a group or a co-op type organization that offered each other services. For example, one lady did sewing, another baked cookies, a man was a carpenter, another did lawn care, etc. Everyone has some sort of skill that some else can use. So instead of paying with money, they would barter services. What a great idea!! They would meet monthly - have a meeting and a potluck.

We sort of do this at the farmer's market but instead of exchanging services, we exchange produce. But with the prediction of gas price going to $5 a gallon this summer AND you know what THAT means - everything else going up. The Barter System might be the way for a lot of communities to go. Something to think about!