I was shocked the other day when I came across an Associated Press story about some Americans selling valuable belongings and even family heirlooms to meet higher food and fuel prices.
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At Craigslist.com, which is sort of an online flea market, the number of for-sale listings has soared 70 percent since July. In March, the number of listings more than doubled to almost 15 million from the same time a year ago.
Craigslist Chief Executive Officer Jeff Buckmaster is quoted in the story as saying the rate of growth is "moving above the usual trend line.” He said he was amazed at the desperate tone in some ads.
Laurie Olsen of Edmond said she's "always willing to sell off some items” but doesn't feel it to be necessary.
"It would be like killing two birds with one stone. I would have that much less to care for,” she said. But for now, she said conserving for essentials might mean eating out less often.
Her husband, Richard Olsen, said he doesn't think selling off household items is the answer to meet rising prices. "I have nothing I would sell,” he said. "But what will happen when you sell off your goods? It never ends.”
He said he considers fuel to be a budgetary item and only a lifestyle change like conserving trips will make a difference in spending.
Krista Johnson of Edmond said the fuel bill for her husband's business is about $2,000 a month, but she said she doesn't see having to sell any possessions in the near future.
"So far we're able to make it,” she said. "But I guess if gas and food prices get any higher that means we won't spend in other areas.”
Unfortunately, these are desperate times and desperate times call for — well you know how the saying goes. So far, the price of gasoline in Edmond continues to be among the lowest in the nation.
But it would be interesting to visit the yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores to see what people are willing to sell these days.
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This is an example to two dilemas that are unique to most developed countries in Europe and North America. It appears our society has their priorities so screwed up that they value their luxeries over their heritage. If people would use less and conserve more then this fuel and food crises would be minimized. We CAN make a difference on the cost of food and fuel. It's an economic law essentially, the law of supply and demand. The supply is dwindling while demand continually rises. Again, until those megaconsumers in countries like the United States, U.K., Canada, etc. realize this the vicious cycle will continue and prices will never stabalize.
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Last week Edmond received recognition from CNNMoney.com as one of the nation's cities with the best mix of business advantages and lifestyle appeal. According to the ranking, the only knock against Edmond was that downtown lacks residential housing. Do you think residential housing is important for downtown? Do you see housing being built in the downtown area in the future? Join the discussion by sending your comments to jwilliams@oklahoman.com or go to the Edmond blog at blog.newsok.com/mile103 and leave your opinion.
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