Communities Printing Their Own Money?!?!?!

"As U.S. dollars and credit vanish in this economic crisis, more communities are looking into printing their own currencies."

"This concept isn't new. During the Great Depression dozens of complementary currencies flourished as thousands of banks failed. Today, it's estimated there are at least 2,500 complementary currency systems around the world, says Bernard Lietaer, a co-founder of the Euro and a local currency proponent."

"In the United States, there are alternative currency systems in California, Wisconsin, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Massachusetts."

"BerkShares are a form of local currency developed in the Berkshire region of Massachusetts two years ago. About 350 merchants accept BerkShares in addition to U.S. currency. People pay 95 federal cents to get one BerkShare or $95 for 100 BerkShares."

Read more at:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/04/22/printing.own.currency/