I finished reading Skousen's "The Making of Modern Economics," and one of the underlying themes is how Adam Smith's promotion of prudence and thrift being economically beneficial was questioned by Keynes and others, who stressed the necessity of spending and, well, imprudence.

A new stage of the debate has begun with "Freegans." If you're a vegan, even a level 5 vegan (don't eat anything that casts a shadow; that's for Josh), you have nothing on Freegans, who find the very act of purchasing things, even food, distasteful. And, fret not, if you have access to a computer (whether bought or borrowed), you can get these handy tips:

Curious about Dumpster diving? Freegan.info keeps a city-by-city listing of prime Dumpster locations, from bakeries to bookstores. Large chain stores in wealthy neighborhoods are particularly prone to tossing edible foods, Nelson says.

Of course, the current "prime" locations will only maintain their monopoly positions for so long. Freegan.info's well-intended publicity will lead to these prime Dumpsters being liquidated more rapidly by other Freegans.

If you go, she advises, bring a friend (in case the lid closes on you) and wear gloves to protect your hands from glass and other sharp objects. Ask your local police department first whether it's OK -- some cities have criminalized Dumpster diving. Don't salvage things that need to be refrigerated or show traces of mold, and thoroughly wash any food you've taken from a Dumpster before consuming. It's also a good idea to conduct a smell test of any food you may take; if it smells bad, it probably is spoiled and should be avoided."

I don't have a lot of Dumpster experience, but are the lids that heavy that you need the buddy system? How does that conversation start? "Thanks for the tea, Rose. Are you busy tomorrow afternoon? Publix tosses out their rolls at 3:00 and I could use a hand."

Nelson says freeganism has nothing to do with income. She says many divers, herself included, have at least moderate incomes: "It's really about boycotting the consumerist system."

Hmm, doesn't freeganism depend on consumers to produce the trash/recycled food? Unless Barack or Hillary get elected, we haven't yet achieved a society where we can all live off of each other.