One month into the road / little problems / big solutions

Well , the indicators of a problem with the alternator proved out . Need a new alternator and regulator , not surprised nor am I upset . I planned on having these little oopsies when I bought a thirty year old piece of equipment . The good news, the local mechanic [an old Navy hand like myself ] is treating me right and parts will be here Wed. Total repairs will run less than $150 and after all I am in Terlingua ! There is no shopping around for a second opinion , however this guy is honest and gave me a sense of honor that you don't find in heavily populated areas , his business and reputation are dependent on treating people fairly , He lives Here , and the old saying "what goes around comes around " means a lot in a small town like this .I should be back in business Wed. afternoon and road ready if I should feel the need . Strangely enough I don't feel the need ! 
Plans include looking at a couple more pieces of property and giving some serious thought to making this home base . 
While I have a day to dispose of, laundry and some clean up is in the mix , had an early phone call from a friend and it prompted me to check the news on the net . It appears the economy is really taking a beating ! While I sit and ponder the ramifications a few random thoughts have percolated and I want ot share them with you .
I am not a Luddite ! I like technology , better, I like technology that works and has a decent lifespan , with that in mind , here are some thoughts :
What if , the car manufacturers have to build a vehicle that is affordable and reliable and lasts ?
People actually have to start educating their children about surviving , getting a job that includes manual labor , perhaps even getting dirty ? 
What if people actually have to learn how to cook , like baking bread and making a pot of stew or a meatloaf just basic cooking skills , instead of the ready made frozen stuff they have come to rely on ?
What if folks have to find entertainment that doesn't require big bucks investment, travel to a certain Rat World  or down to the local deal with gate fees / parking fees / bathroom fees etc.
What if , the folks who crank out all these crappy , cheap clothes have to make something functional and lasts?
What if small farms find out it pays to grow crops they can take to market and sell locally and make money doing it ? 
What if schools figure out all those extra currcular events are too expensive and really don't teach the kids a damn thing , trickle down is the parents finally realize they are paying for the fuel and those busses anyway , so does the kid really need that car and all that expensive insurance ?
Can you picture going to the grocery once a week instead of everyday ? 
A nice thought , business is so tough , people in the service industry have to treat you like a paying customer instead of number 22 !
What if people who do repairs on anything have to become competent or they risk having you  in their face,
till it's done properly ?
What if federal , state ,  county , city employees find the budget so tight they either do their job or they are gone ?
What if people find that travel by train is not only fun , but economical and is better for the environment ?  
Wouldn't it be nice to see these talking heads on TV have to got out and get a real job or at least tell the truth
and make them wear a bullshit detector ?
What if this alternative energy thing , really is the answer ? 
What if , people started taking care of their parents and grand parents and find they are a wealth of information about raising their children and getting along in lean times , instead of shipping them off to old people world to rot ?
Last of all : How about we start making all these lying ass politicians live up to their word ?
This isn't a rant , just thinking , feel free to add your own thoughts , it's still America and a fine place to live ,
even with a crappy  economy ...