[JetePlentuara]

I have a modest proposal that I think the American people would support to help get the economy moving again, even if just a little.

First Weekends: From the White House to the state houses to every community across the country, we can all make an effort to make an economic difference in our communities by taking the family out, meeting up with friends, catching up on that movie you've been putting off.

Most of us, within our means, can put a little of our money to work in our neighborhood. Maybe it's sandwiches for a picnic with the kids. Maybe it's bowling with friends.

There's something fun or important we've been setting aside because it costs a few dollars. And those dollars are the life-blood of our local merchants.

And we can make a date to pump some of that fuel into our local merchants the First Weekend of each month.

Maybe it's an oil change or a car wash. Maybe it's gassing up the car to take a hike or getting a haircut.

It would be wonderful to see government leaders and business leaders, governors and mayors and council-people embrace the idea of getting out and making First Weekends a reality.

Concerts could institute First Weekend ticket discounts (2-for-1 lawn tickets, Live Nation?). Restaurants could advertise First Weekend specials. First Weekend oil change and lube packages, First Weekend theme park discounts, First Weekend markdowns at grocery and clothing stores.

It becomes a lot more than a charity for merchants. It becomes a value chain. it becomes a national Groupon, a monthly sale, a vibrant and viral economic experiment.

And by viral, expect Twitter, Facebook, Yelp and all the social networks to jump in as deal marketplaces, feeding the fire.

And it all starts with maybe President Obama taking Michelle and the girls out for pizza on a Saturday, a First Saturday. And Governor Christie taking his family out. And Governor Walker, and Rep. Rubio and Senator Leiberman, and Mayor Bloomberg and so on and so on.

It's not partisan, it's local. It's about saving our local small businesses and giving them the fuel to hire our neighbors, because that's where our economic recovery starts.

[soryalomop]

Yeah Governor Walker could do it, probably does it quietly. But if he did it publicly he have 50 to 100 union loons yelling "Shame Shame" at him and threatening to boycott whatever establishment he chose to frequent.

[cigattIcTot]

Paul, that makes no sense at all. Richard made a very common-sense proposal. Had a conservative Republican pundit done the same thing, you'd have been supportive.

Given the challenges this nation faces, don't you think it's way past the time to put aside the petty partisan stances and rise above to find the good points on both sides?

[EsAllCams]

Great Idea, We need more common sense idea's, Practical idea's that can be applied. It's small individual actions like this when applied on a large scale , really can make a difference.

Ok Richard call KTLA news.

[molaunterbizone]

I've fired it off to a couple of publication letters departments and a couple of politicians. I'll let you know if anyone responds.