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 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? 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?
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, 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.
Forward
this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups
-- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your
city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations,
and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each
other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?
