One of today's letter writers has it exactly right; we are growing weary of the Home Depot debate. Thank goodness that the whole thing will be moot after next Tuesday night when the council, we predict, will approve the proposal and Thousand Oaks can focus its attention on bigger concerns.

Speaking of the economy, it's perfectly clear what needs to be done to get Conejo Valley and all of the United States rolling again.

It's time to start spending money.

That's right. It's your civic duty and every American's duty to go out and be consumers, assuming they can afford it.

Buy a home. If you already have one, step up, or get into an investment property. It's a great time to invest in housing because prices have never been better.

If you can't consider a dwelling, improve your existing home. Expand it, reroof it or install new flooring or windows.

Buy a new car or hybrid SUV. And please take a look at American-made vehicles.

Take a trip, join a gym or go to an amusement park.

Attend a game or a stage show or go to a movie.

How about a new TV for the family room or kitchen? High-definition makes television better than ever— although the programming is still pretty weak. (There's good news, though, on the horizon: Baseball season is just around the corner.)

If you don't need any of these things, then buy some new clothes or jewelry.

Why not take your spouse or significant other to a nice restaurant? Don't wait for a special occasion. Do it because you love the most important person in your life.

Also do it because you love America.

People need to start consuming things.

To make your shopping trip most beneficial, don't travel out of town, buy locally.

Keep your tax dollars at home.

Just remember, things aren't as bad as we think they are. If all Americans collectively dust off their wallets and start spending, the recovery can begin in earnest.