I did not write this, but I say HURRAH! and I think YOU will, too..........please put it into practice! I'll be publishing it again nearer Christmas and Hanukkah but thought I'd give you a head's UP while you're starting to shop! here are amazing ideas our country can benefit from:
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 lights, 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.
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 lights, 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?
Z: Honestly, I'm such a sap this whole thing brought tears to my eyes!! GEEEEEZ!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?
DO IT! OH, and another idea: Send money to a charity in America and give your loved one a card that includes "In your honor, a donation has been made to ...The Amyloidosis Society..(as an example)..." WHY NOT?
I thank you, my site thanks you, and my country thanks you :-) Oh, and Santa thanks you! The stuff above isn't stuff he's got to lug around on his sleigh!!
z
49 comments:
Bravo, Z. Thanks for posting this. This is something everybody, left & right, can get behind. It's not just services, there are are still goods being made in the U.S.A.
Z - There's a lot of good ideas for Christmas giving in this post.
Christmas cards has taken on a new meaning.
I got that in an e-mail from Mustang, I thought it was awesome. We're going to try it as much as we can.
We need to buy AMERICAN.
And we don't need to fun Russian companies building plants in America...make sure you look into that news.
LOTS of good ideas here, for sure.
SF...Mustang sent this to me, too; I think I got it about 8 times from various people and I hope it circulates more and more.
Brilliant!
My children LOVE to make little crafts for family members, and I dare say that they like it more than a cheap store-bough trinket.
CAIN UPDATE!
From Chicago a hug backstage for Cain from "accuser".:
http://tinyurl.com/7drf4p5
The IRS filed a tax lien against her in 2009 for nearly $5,200. In August, the Illinois Department of Revenue claimed Bialek owed the state more than $4,300, including penalties and interest, relating to income taxes from 2004, according to county records.
http://tinyurl.com/7kdt7tn
Great idea Z. That's what the holidays are about. I am ordering a Groupon gift cert for a friend for 29.00 to the salon she uses for 100.00 worth of services.
And don't forget about keeping up the 'Merry Christmas' tradition instead of the generic & meaningless 'Happy Holidays.'
:)
Great ideas! My kids have been doing stuff like that for me for a while. A long time ago, I told them I didn't want anything that could be brought into the house, so I've been getting tickets to events and other such things. It's great.
I love the idea, as well. Let's keep it going, Z.
The IRS filed a tax lien against her in 2009 for nearly $5,200. In August, the Illinois Department of Revenue claimed Bialek owed the state more than $4,300, including penalties and interest, relating to income taxes from 2004, according to county records.
And this relates to the charges settled against Herman Cain for at least three different women during his tenure at the National Restaurant Association (1995 - 1999) how?
Herman Cain is an associate minister of a very left-wing politically active all-black church. Is he a segregationist atop being a liability for the National Restaurant Association?
Don't play ping-pong with a spitball.
All these ideas are good, but don't forget when you buy a shirt, or clothes as gifts, you're buying from a local store, which is an American business!
As I walk through our little shopping center where I live, there are several empty stores. For Lease signs are now a common sight. Local stores need our business too, regardless of what they sell.
Having said that, the bowling alley I bowl in, has a Christmas Boutique every year, with local folks selling their handmade goods. I always try to find some things to buy for gifts.
We give to four American charities every Christmas time, and every bell ringer I see receives a donation. As does Toys for Tots.
Sue, yes, a cheerful Merry Christmas is a must. I say it everywhere I go!
"Herman Cain is an associate minister of a very left-wing politically active all-black church."
beamish, what's the name of the church and what's segregationist about it?
Pris - As I was cleaning out my desk during the move I found one of those rubber bracelets.
It was green and the words on it were:
Just say 'Merry Christmas.'
~~~
I've already got the spot picked out for my big tree and it will be up before the family is allowed to leave after Thanksgiving.
~~~
Christmas comes this year just in time - we could use some Cheer around here - wouldn't you say. :)
Still trying to get people to climb aboard the Romney Express, eh Beamish? ;)
All this Cain raising almost makes Newt Gingrich's many marital infidelities seem like so many "small potatoes".
The Romney Express seems to nicely answer the cui bono question. As for Rick Perry, there's still quite a bit of "woodwork" out there.
Clinton already has it in the bag as far as infidelities,the only difference is the media attacked his accusers as opposed to what they are lapping up now.
beamish, what's the name of the church and what's segregationist about it?
Antioch Baptist Church North, in Atlanta, Georgia, a hotbed of left-wing political activism on behalf of the Democratic Party, where you're just as likely to hear hate-whitey sermons as you would at Obama's Chicago church.
Still trying to get people to climb aboard the Romney Express, eh Beamish? ;)
Romney didn't cause the National Restaurant Association to pay out settlements to Herman Cain's multiple accusers.
Romney didn't even shove Herman Cain's hand up that one woman's skirt.
Pound for pound, I'd say the only plus in Romney's column is that he's not associated with the far-left Tea Party 'movement.'
Well, if I can't have a Leica 90mm / f2.5 then a car detailing would make me feel much better.
Pris, don't fall for it. Beamish thinks the TP is leftwing too, and, because I said that, we'll now get yet another litany showing us exactly that (according to Beamish :-)
oy...
ah, well.
Pris, don't fall for it. Beamish thinks the TP is leftwing too, and, because I said that, we'll now get yet another litany showing us exactly that (according to Beamish :-)
oy...
ah, well.
Maybe if you stick your fingers in your ears and scream "LALALALALALALALA!" the Tea Party will back a conservative candidate for you, Z.
How's Donald Trump working out?
All this Cain raising almost makes Newt Gingrich's many marital infidelities seem like so many "small potatoes".
Or nothing at all, if none of Gingrich's marital infidelities resulted in pay-out settlements to the sexually harassed and assaulted.
The difference? Newt got permission from his lovers before he tried to f*ck 'em.
beamish...
DONALD TRUMP? He's not running.
When you find your dream candidate, let us know.
this is AWESOME!!! sharing right now. my mind is going 100 mph with ideas of what i can get/do for whom. thanks so much, z!
Bemish,
Have you ever attended this church? I have on a number of occasions and long before Herman Cain became a national name. now would you care to offer some proof of your BS. Either have been there in person or shut up. Rumors are easy to find about any church of this size.
Have you ever attended this church? I have on a number of occasions and long before Herman Cain became a national name. now would you care to offer some proof of your BS. Either have been there in person or shut up. Rumors are easy to find about any church of this size.
I don't have to have attended Cain's church to know it is a very high profile church in Democratic Party / left-wing circles EVERY ELECTION, nor that its leadership endorses the views of such racially divisive figures like Malcolm X.
I mean, you can read all that in ther own literature.
Heidianne, glad you liked it, too...I thought it was just FABULOUS! :-)
Beamish, I think it's odd that ultra COnservative and moral and upstanding Ticker hasn't found any extreme or even weak leftwingedness at the church; but, then, you consider the Tea Party leftist, so I wouldn't spend a lot of time pursuing your point.
DONALD TRUMP? He's not running.
When you find your dream candidate, let us know.
Donald Trump should be given credit for avoiding the process once he realized he was only resonating with his fellow left-wingers in the Tea Party 'movement."
I liked Pawlenty. I like Gingrich and Santorum now.
In a vs. Obama scenario, I would vote for Romney before I would vote for any of the disgruntled Democrats the Tea Party keeps propping up.
Z - I was talking to my sister in law on the phone today. She has worked with an Troop Support Organization called Families For Freedom for a number of years and she said that a $50 donation would provide a soldier Christmas gifts and you can get his/her name and personal info and communicate if both of you so wish.
I told her - I can do that.
I've liked Santorum from the start; it's awful he doesn't stand a ghost of a chance.
I think Newt has a better chance now than I thought he did a few months ago....Pawlenty's not running anymore.
Sue, that's a REALLY grand idea, thanks for that information.
It's also something we can do for others "In your name, I have given a donation to help a soldier through the Families for Freedom Foundation" Great idea, and I think most of our families and friends would be thrilled.
WHo wants another THING for Christmas, anyway?
Beamish, I think it's odd that ultra COnservative and moral and upstanding Ticker hasn't found any extreme or even weak leftwingedness at the church; but, then, you consider the Tea Party leftist, so I wouldn't spend a lot of time pursuing your point.
I think it's odd that Ticker hasn't noticed that Antioch Baptist Church North in Atlanta, Georgia is one of the most politically left-wing, pro-Democratic Party activist churches in the South. In action, in deed, and in print publication.
But, if Ticker has claimed to be involved in a Tea Party as well, his ignorance of reality on display makes more sense.
"I told her - I can do that."
Wow.
"a car detailing would make me feel much better."
I thought you kiddies eschewed cars for bikes?
No Impertinent, I have one. Nothing as spiffy as the '68 GTO I had back in the day.
I figure you for an urban assault vehicle. Moy mucho macho.
Imperinent - 'wow'
Judging from your comments previously I have to assume your 'wow' comment means that you are being sarcastic toward my comment that I would like to send Families For Freedom $50 to buy Christmas gifts for a troop and
possibly communicate with the person after that - if they so wish.
Impertinent - Can you tell me why you would be sarcastic about a comment like that - where I sincerely liked the idea of sending
$50 in order to make one troop happy - and maybe exchange letters with him/her.
Why would you be sarcastic about that?
Perhaps this is why we are not moving forward to help America.
Because the very people who could help America refuse to take even one step forward - but would rather just be sarcastic.
~~~
Now if I am wrong and your 'wow' comment wasn't sarcastic please tell me and I will apologize to you.
Ahem!
Founded in September 2002, FAMILIES FOR FREEDOM is a New York-based multi-ethnic defense network by and for immigrants facing and fighting deportation.
Great idea to give local gift certificates. I think you can get McDonald's certs, too. How about a car wash cert? Do the pizza guys do certs?
What a fantastic idea. Thanks, Z.
This solves my problem on what to get my daughter and son-in-law. I'll just get buy them a dinner, and offer the baby sitting for free.
Beamish brings up a fascinating point. I googled the Antioch Baptist Church North here in Atlanta, and it looks pretty legit. You must remember that it is probably an all black church, and by default 99% of the members will be Democrat, as is probably the minister, too.
A liberal slant in this church is inevitable. Just because they are Baptists doesn't mean they are the same as Southern Baptists. The hallmark of the Baptist denomination is that each church governs itself, and doesn't report to some ecclesiastical bureaucrat. Each church is self-governing, and can have its own theological interpretations.
The church has over 14,000 members, and is in the mega-church category.
Beamish,I would like to know where you get your information on the content of the sermons. I looked for podcasts and such, but didn't find them. Perhaps you point me in the right direction on this.
sue, what will it take for you to see Imp's not too crazy about your stances and he's utterly sarcastic?
That's okay! We can't all like everybody...geeeZ
Joe; I JUST KNEW from the name of that organization it might not be what I'd want to support.!
DAMN! Thanks for having looked itup.
Well, please folks, plunk in a name of a foundation, but do NOT make it that!! We need to serve AMERICANS, which is the whole idea behind the post!
Bob..>DO IT! That sounds fabulous! Any young couple would adore getting out for a nice dinner without the kids, right?
Cain, a conservative who recently said African-Americans were “brainwashed” into voting Democratic, is an associate minister at an Atlanta megachurch that has been a stronghold of liberal activism and is led by a pastor who cites Malcolm X as one of his influences.
Um, yeah.
[Cain attends, and is an associate minister, at a Jesse Jackson Rainbow PUSH coalition-affiliated black church... that brainwashes blacks to vote Democrat?]
Someone get this poseur off the stage already.
Z - The thing is - what I was talking about is that Imp was sarcastic my troop support.
Not politics.
So that's why I was wondering why he had to take a shot at me for sincerely wanting to support a troop for Christmas.
That's all.
Sue, what more can I say than what I did?
Ok.
Z - All I'm saying is that if I comment about politics then I can understand that Imp despises me.
But if I make a comment about supporting the troops it seems petty to take a shot at that.
See what I mean?
No additional comment is necessary - I just wanted to say that.
Z - If it upsets Imp for me to even comment here in a positive way - you know that you can delete my comment and I wouldn't mind.
He is part of the geeez family, after all.
Oh, please, Sue, everyone here is part of the geeeZ family or they wouldn't be here.
it's sad when people take dislikes to each other......but it happens.
Yes, politically would be understandable; not supporting troops is a little harder to understand.. I always did understand that, but people aren't always rational and that's life, sadly!
Z - Sometimes you have a very wise and sensible way of summing things up - which is most likely why your commenters - the swat team :-)
- are so fiercely loyal to you.
So I'll just say thanks and leave it at that - for tonight.
: )
Endorses Malcom X Bemish, your full of crap. PROVE IT. His only feelings for Malcom X came from the idea that Blacks need to be self sustaining. If you look at his church website you will see that they do the work that the CHURCH is suppose to do in an attempt to make Blacks more self sustaining.
As I said you read something and run your mouth and show your damn ignorance so shut up until you can produce FACTS.
Jesse JACKSON Affiliate church, again show you damn ignorance .
Rev.Alexamder and Cain differ on politics as do many within the church, that I can attest to on a personal level for I have asked several members, some on staff and others just who attend there. One thing they all agree on is that Cain is REAL. As Alexander says"I can separate his spiritual soul and salvation from his political dogma.” Other members say that Cain just doesn't talk the talk when it comes to his beliefs but he walks the walk be it religion or politics. There are some who will vote for him because he is a man of his word and a man of honor. There are others who will still vote for any Democrat because that's they way they have always voted .
So Bemish until you have some REAL knowledge I say as my grandfather so wisely encouraged" Speak of what you know, know of what you speak and the rest of the time "shut up", you might learn something.
Endorses Malcom X Bemish, your full of crap. PROVE IT.
http://www.antiochnorth.org/ourpastor.htm
His only feelings for Malcom X came from the idea that Blacks need to be self sustaining. If you look at his church website you will see that they do the work that the CHURCH is suppose to do in an attempt to make Blacks more self sustaining.
By, as Herman Cain says, "brainwashing blacks to vote Democrat" with all the promotion and political activism that church engages in on behalf of Democratic Party candidates?
Clearly thought has not entered into your thinking.
As I said you read something and run your mouth and show your damn ignorance so shut up until you can produce FACTS.
Jesse JACKSON Affiliate church, again show you damn ignorance.
It is a fact that Herman Cain is an associate pastor at a church associated with Jesse Jackson's Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and it is a fact that Herman Cain's church has been a hotbed of activism in Democratic Party politics for decades.
Name-calling and screeching like an uninformed Teabagger does not change these facts.
Rev.Alexamder and Cain differ on politics as do many within the church, that I can attest to on a personal level for I have asked several members, some on staff and others just who attend there. One thing they all agree on is that Cain is REAL. As Alexander says"I can separate his spiritual soul and salvation from his political dogma.” Other members say that Cain just doesn't talk the talk when it comes to his beliefs but he walks the walk be it religion or politics. There are some who will vote for him because he is a man of his word and a man of honor. There are others who will still vote for any Democrat because that's they way they have always voted .
Irrelevant. Cain claims blacks are "brainwashed to vote for Democrats" yet sits in the leadership of a church that promotes voting for Democrats and hosts their candidates as guests in every election, along with their Jesse Jackson-aligned political activism and Malcolm X influenced pastor.
So Bemish until you have some REAL knowledge I say as my grandfather so wisely encouraged" Speak of what you know, know of what you speak and the rest of the time "shut up", you might learn something.
So, your grandfather spent alot of time telling you to shut up? It must have rubbed off.
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