Many of us should be getting our rebate checks in the mail soon. President Bush claims that by putting more money into the public’s hands we will be more likely to spend it and, in so doing, prevent the economy from continuing down its slow and steady spiral towards a recession. Many economists and others think this is a poorly devised strategy and an unwise use of federal funds. They argue that most people will use the little extra money they get in their refund to pay off their growing debt. And some claim that the refund approach does little to discourage the largely unregulated corporate greed and exploitation that caused the economic problems many of us currently face in the first place.

In light of the argument that the refund check theory is misguided, poor economic policy, and an ineffective approach to “fixing” the economy, I’m going to put my check to better use. I’m going to apply it to something that matters. I’m going to donate it to the Hartford Independent Media Center. I know that funding is a constant concern for organizations like HIMC, and that energies not spent on fundraising will be better spent on reporting and collecting news and information for the blog, finding people to interview on the weekly radio show, and writing stories for the quarterly journal. I know the handful of dedicated volunteers all have other jobs and responsibilities that require their time and attention, and that their hard work with the HIMC comes from their own passions and morals, which unfortunately, does not pay their bills. I encourage others to do the same when their refund check comes in. You don’t have to donate it all, but consider donating something. I’d be a shame if our only media outlet disappeared.

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