100% government financing for residential solar to be paid back to the government by solar panel output. Resident pays their normal usage until government is repaid, perhaps 5 years. In a recession people are not likely to spend cash for a tax credit. Not a grid problem as panels could automatically shut down if usage is more than the property is using. Not a deficit problem as it is an investment unlike other stimulus plans it is repaid by the sun. Don't like the roof repair problem use decorative poles in the back yard. Even if I did not like solar, I would sign up in a flash to put my neighbors and the country back to work. I heard something about this idea on t v about 2 years ago. Not a word mentioned since. Does the oil and utility lobby have the power to silence all of the media and politicians? Possibly, they do!!

Tip O'Neil (?) said, "all politics are local," we need training in organizing responses to local issues; how to be heard, how to create interest in issues and governance.
Local government is where the rubber meets the road and it directly impacts what happens in State and Federal government. It also makes for awareness of local business and how to encourage and regulate how it serves your community. A well run community and efficient local government attracts business and industry which creates jobs
There is local quality of life; planning- zoning, infrustructure and environmental issues. Education and your schools need attention. There are law enforcement, fire, traffic, and transportation concerns.
Here in California since prop 13 we have been dependant on the state to make up funding for lack of money generated by local government. This take power away from your influence in local issues and needs. . The list is long and if you start at the local level you can speak to your state and federal representatives with some authority.

Community is all about "working together", a phrase that is exploding with popularity. Community is about "unity in diversity" and "melting pot" and "the many and the one". It's the real-world expression of our national motto -- "E Pluribus Unum". If we heal and empower the bonds of community in the USA, we can release and empower the tremendous creative capacity of "the American people", and get through this tough time. Far from laughing at "community organizers", we are in great need of them, and the more the merrier. Let's identify the talents and passions in this nation, and pull them together. Let's "network" the entire concept, combining technology and science and wisdom and skill and politics, and start patching the holes in this leaky boat. We ARE a great nation, and always have been. We just gotta see it that way, and act like it. And we can. Thanks Dylan Ratigan for some great two-fisted heart and staying power. Let that Morning Joe guy (we love him too) get the message now and then. Keep banging the table.