Independent business peeps take note: The Institute for Local Self-Reliance is far more relevant than One Southern Indiana.

The ILSR's Stacy Mitchell tweeted these words earlier today.

We need to transform “buy local" from a consumers movement into a political movement.

I pumped my fist without realizing it. Here's a page (and an organization) worth every independent business person's time to monitor .

Independent Business: Building a Community-Scaled Economy

Overview

Places that are home to numerous locally owned businesses are more prosperous, sustainable, and resilient than those in which much of the economy is controlled by a few big corporations.

For more than a decade, ILSR has worked with elected officials, grassroots organizations, and business groups to implement policies that reduce the power of dominant corporations, revitalize neighborhood commercial districts, and strengthen and rebuild independent businesses. Today, there are encouraging signs that community-scaled enterprises are on the rise, charting a path toward a more just and sustainable economy.

"Wal-Mart: 50 Years of Gutting America's Middle Class."

Photo from the article, courtesy of the documentary, 'Walmart: The High Cost of Low Price'.

What better choice for reading on the nation's birthday? Speaking of our forefathers (note the proper spelling, Erika), is this what they fought and died for?

Wal-Mart: 50 Years of Gutting America's Middle Class

Walmart's explosive growth has gutted two key pillars of the American middle class: small businesses and well-paid manufacturing jobs

by Stacy Mitchell