Local Economy...Whats it Worth?

Here is a question. Can community exist without a local economy? I'm not sure that it can. I think that when local economies fall out of favor with the people, community falls too. Perhaps its a "which came first, the chicken or the egg" sort of thing. I guess it dose not really matter which happens first, so long as we realize the two are linked. Why don't people shop locally? We tend to love money more than people that's why! The people who live next door, pay taxes, and sit next to you in church are less valuable than a couple dollars in your pocket. How much do you really save shopping at the "super store". If you want a strong local community and economy, how much are you willing to invest in it? If "product A" cost $5 at the big chain, and $6.50 at the mom and pop, The question begging an answer is this.......are you willing to invest $1.50 in your community? What about food? Are you willing to spend a little more money and buy direct from small family farmer for better food. People always say they want to see the small farm survive, why not put your money where your mouth is. We Americans, Christians and pagans alike, put way to much "value" in greenbacks and not nearly enough in people. The thing is.....We Christians ought to know better.