Some people may have noticed that our prices are 15-20% more than Vitamin Cottage. For diapers, their Price is about our Cost! I discussed this with the Ft. Collins Co-op. They deal with the same problem. Although, when we can buy in larger quantities, we will realize a 10% discount. So our List prices will indeed be higher than Vitamin Cottage, Whole Foods, or any other Community-wrecking mega-corporation. However, for a non-working member, the price would be comparable (our 10% volume discount + 10% member discount). For a working member, there would be an appreciable savings. (An additional 15%)!
The point, however, must be made that we can no longer be motivated solely or even at all by price. We need to reorient ourselves to do what is best for US, rather than what seems best for ME. We will realize in this practice that what is best for me is contained in what is best for us. There is a hidden and insidious cost to saving money. If I spend more, ironically I will find that I Have more. Because when my money supports my neighbor, my neighbor is then empowered to both meet his/her own needs, AND support me. This principle NEEDS to be carried to the extreme. It is a question of what Life we want to support, our neighbor or an essentially lifeless corporation. When I support my neighbor, I build my community, the only thing proof against natural disasters, terrorism, global market fluctuations, etc. So like I said, this must be practiced even to the point of where I buy my gas; buy it here! It costs 15-20% more than it does in Lyons, but you feed a family here, and build your community. Same with computer cartridges, books and anything else. If there is a separate moral issue with the business in question, that is different. This is where we practice economic democracy: we don't support the neighbor with whom we have ethical qualms. We wish him well, gently ask him to reform, and if he refuses we withdraw our support and cooperation.
This is a difficult pattern and paradigm to break; but once we do, we will realize the power that we have foolishly lavished on those unworthy of it.
The point, however, must be made that we can no longer be motivated solely or even at all by price. We need to reorient ourselves to do what is best for US, rather than what seems best for ME. We will realize in this practice that what is best for me is contained in what is best for us. There is a hidden and insidious cost to saving money. If I spend more, ironically I will find that I Have more. Because when my money supports my neighbor, my neighbor is then empowered to both meet his/her own needs, AND support me. This principle NEEDS to be carried to the extreme. It is a question of what Life we want to support, our neighbor or an essentially lifeless corporation. When I support my neighbor, I build my community, the only thing proof against natural disasters, terrorism, global market fluctuations, etc. So like I said, this must be practiced even to the point of where I buy my gas; buy it here! It costs 15-20% more than it does in Lyons, but you feed a family here, and build your community. Same with computer cartridges, books and anything else. If there is a separate moral issue with the business in question, that is different. This is where we practice economic democracy: we don't support the neighbor with whom we have ethical qualms. We wish him well, gently ask him to reform, and if he refuses we withdraw our support and cooperation.
This is a difficult pattern and paradigm to break; but once we do, we will realize the power that we have foolishly lavished on those unworthy of it.
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