As you know, I try not to use my blog for politics or even social issues as a rule, but a friend sent this to me and it surely resonated with me, so I decided to share it! Some great ideas for the holidays!!
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian
factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles
of cheaply produced goods --merchandise that has been produced at the expense
of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give
the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse
that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American
hands. Yes
there is!!
It's
time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt
box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE
gets their hair cut. How about gift certificate from your local American hair
salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's
appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn't
appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and
car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift
certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers
who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made
flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway
sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games
at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run
restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen
breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting
your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their
doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
My computer could use a tune-up, and I
KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up
and running.
OK, you were looking for something more
personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves.
They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner
operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out
to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue
showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to
buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five
dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have
those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice
BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about
draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering
city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small
businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care
about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come
back to us in ways we couldn't
imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.
This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?
