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The billion dollar bailouts made many of us angry. Why was our money used to save banks, insurance companies other businesses we don't like?

We have companies we'd like to save, too. Cute, friendly businesses. If I had a billion dollars, they'd be first on my list.

I don't. But I'm not powerless. And neither are you.

Some New Yorkers are doing their own mini-bailouts.

They don't have billions, either, but these people decided we all have a little money to spend. We still have to eat, buy clothes, and we need a drink. Especially in these bad times.

As one told a reporter, "I can't save everything, but I can concentrate my spending power so my money goes to the businesses I'd like to save."

He picked three places where he wants to spend what's left of his income: A family-owned restaurant, a small market, and a clothing store.

I haven't bought any new clothes since the market crashed. But my money now goes to an Italian deli, a bookstore, and a restaurant.

You must have three places you'd like to keep going. No matter how bad times get, you still have to eat, buy gas for your car, take the bus or use the MetroLink.

So what three things do you think are worth saving? Perhaps your neighbors could get together and create a kind of block grant.

Maybe we can save our world - the parts we care about - one purchase at a time.

(The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of St. Louis Public Radio.)

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