VERY good idea, from a friend of mine.
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.
Oh.... Yes there is! It is 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 certificates
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 plunking down
the Benjamin's on a Chinese-made flat-screen TV? 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 gazillion 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?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the
services of a
local cleaning lady for a day.
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 (We the People), 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
could not imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition!!
Please pass this around. We can make a difference. Can't we?
"If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished."
