I am sure most of us have noticed automatic checkout counters in local chain stores. Of course, none of us can tell these big corporations not to replace human beings with these machines. But, we can refuse to use them. In an area with an exceptionally high unemployment rate, the people working at checkout counters, unlike the computerized robots, not only can talk to us, answer questions, and commiserate about the weather. They're also humans who are trying to support families, pay for school costs, perhaps working their first jobs or trying to supplement their retirement incomes. I am sure it won't hurt the computers' feelings if I urge all of us to stick with the people behind the counters -- even if it means waiting a bit longer in line.