The Barter System

Really, with the way the economy is these days, why not go back to the way things used to be before money was even created? The barter system isn't such a bad idea. Back then, the "good old days", money was not as important. If a person needed something, they would just barter. Whether they were trading apples for oranges, horses for cows, it seems as if nobody had to go without the things they needed.

These days, money talks. Those who have money seem to hold a more powerful place in the community than those who have little to no money. Is that right?
Just because a person has more money than somebody else, it doesn't mean that he or she is more important or their opinion should be valued more. Often times, more money means more of a lot of things that the average person should be entitled to also. Food, clothing, a nice, decent shelter, health care, daily necessities, the list is almost endless.

I will agree, there are government programs in place to help those with little to no money obtain things they need in life. The problem with these programs, well, that's an entirely different subject all together. Let's just say that, in my opinion, bartering would be just as good, if not even better. With the barter system, the trade is agreed upon by both parties involved. If one person is in need of a dozen eggs, and another person is in need of someone to help move furniture around their house, and they agree on the trade, both parties are satisfied and both requirements are met.

I do see the barter system in play in many areas. It is not a dead practice. Nor is it a common practice as it used to be. My question, why not? Why shouldn't we be able to walk into a grocery store and exchange goods for goods, or foods for simple services? The all-mighty dollar. That is why. Too many of us are always concerned with making a buck and too consumed with our own needs. We fail to recognize the needs of others and our ability to help with nothing but a simple trade.

With the value of the American dollar steadily decreasing and the cost of living ever rising, I feel that bartering would be a good way to get our economy back. I realize that not all situations are bartering situations, however; many are. Bartering would help to rid us of social stigmata of poor versus rich, and powerful versus powerless. Not everything needs to have a monetary value to it.

Think about it, here's an example....... Young couple, just starting out, both work very hard, do not try to live above their means, honest, living paycheck to paycheck, barely. They desperately need food for their toddler. Young couple, just starting out, expecting their first child any day, desperately in need of baby items. The first couple is having a yard sale to earn money to buy food for their child, have tons of infant items to sell. The second couple is looking for baby items, happens to drive by and see yard sale. They would love to buy these items, but do not have any money, for they too, are living paycheck to paycheck. The couples talk, and they agree upon a trade. The first couple will trade the baby items for some food. The second couple just happens to have plenty of that. They agree of a trade and both parties are satisfied and have met their need. In this case, no money was needed at all to satisfy both needs. That's the nice thing about the barter system. It helps make things possible when they may seem impossible.