Each day seems to bring another grim report about the nation’s economy and Main Street’s ability to cope with the greatest financial upheaval since the Great Depression.

Back in D.C., our lawmakers have taken care of the big banks and brokerage houses with billions of our tax dollars. Let’s not be too patient about demanding that some of our money comes back to us, to our Main Streets, so we can put our hard-earned money to work right here at home.

These are not easy times, for individuals planning to retire or to send kids to college or for businesses in Renton that are hanging on by a shoestring. It’s disheartening to see empty storefronts downtown and elsewhere and to hear again of a shopowner who invested his or her life’s savings to become one of America’s millions of small business owners, only to see the savings evaporate.

Renton has seen these downturns before and has always found the grit to soldier on until the good times inevitably return. There’s much we all can do.

First, shop locally. It’s Christmas and there’s little you can’t find in Renton to fulfill every wish on that shopping list.

Those who own the buildings where businesses are struggling might consider giving them some relief (not a handout), maybe in rent payments, to increase the chance their doors will remain open. An empty storefront doesn’t bring in any money.

There has been a lot of talk and reflection recently about Renton’s economic growth. It has been phenomenal and business diversity has spread the risk from an economic downturn. That growth has slowed and those who can sign deals to bring new businesses to town in these downtimes are real heroes.

Take heart, the bright days always return.

And, if you need some enticement to come downtown, take a look at page 9 and the December holiday calendar. Have some fun, too, on your next shopping trip.