How to support local economies this holiday season...not China | |
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oh_yikes
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Taz
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oh_yikes
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Anonymous Coward User ID: 1504595 United States 11/05/2011 11:56 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | We have a really cool pottery place up by Helen, GA. I like to buy pieces for my sisters. Sometimes I go to the Cotton Pickin Fair in Gay, GA and pick up necklaces, organic local honey, etc. It's not so difficult to buy American made for adults - more challenging for the kids on the list because they all want electronic crap. Edit - because I have a bad habit of posting w/o previewing my post for typos. :( |
ATONTRUTH
User ID: 3539142 United States 11/06/2011 12:47 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I cannot take credit for the essay below, but I think it's such a great idea that I had to pass it on... Quoting: oh_yikes This seems especially appropriate this year .... Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition 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 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? 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? BUY AMERICAN - BE AMERICAN The job you save might be your own Suggesting a pin! You are so right on OP! I love the idea of buying locally-we want privately owned businesses in our local area to do well. Anything that we can do to put a dent in the corporate-gov-control system is a win for the people! Good karma coming your way OP! |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1534258 United States 11/06/2011 12:49 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
oh_yikes
(OP) User ID: 4460361 United States 11/06/2011 01:10 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | the best way to celebrate the season regardless is to make your own gifts. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1534258 been doing this for a dozen years. it should be no surprise people have more of an appreciation for this than simply buying shit... I am a knitter and bead jewelry maker and I also enjoy making gifts for people. I have to match the right project with the right person, but when I get it right, it is so gratifying. That being said, I never thought of giving an oil change or a haircut as a gift, but what a great idea this is. Win-win. |
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Anonymous Coward User ID: 1504595 United States 11/06/2011 08:53 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I have one of those Husqvarna embroidery machines. I know people would live some monogrammed or embroidered home items such as towels or tablecloths, but I can't seem to find the time to do it. Homemade is always nice. My most treasured things are the quilts from mom and grandma. |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1361388 Canada 11/06/2011 08:57 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | but everyone in the government (right wing especially) tells me that globalization is a good thing. Wouldn't that mean that supporting China is also a good thing? I guess that's Orwellian newspeak eliminating cognitive dissonance for you. Fuck, i don't want to live on earth anymore. |
oh_yikes
(OP) User ID: 4460361 United States 11/06/2011 09:34 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | but everyone in the government (right wing especially) tells me that globalization is a good thing. Wouldn't that mean that supporting China is also a good thing? Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1361388 I guess that's Orwellian newspeak eliminating cognitive dissonance for you. Fuck, i don't want to live on earth anymore. I hear you. This world has become so complicated and overwhelming at times. But it makes sense to me, whatever country you live in, to look out for the people around you first: your family, your neighbors, your community. |
Vision Thing
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oh_yikes
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BRIEF
User ID: 763763 United States 11/06/2011 10:13 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | If you want to buy American, give your friends tickets to a ballgame, shop at yard sales, buy them beer and rent them hookers... I never forgive and I never forget I am a licensed firearm holder. I will, under protection of law, use lethal force if attacked. |
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Anonymous Coward User ID: 1504595 United States 11/06/2011 10:40 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I think a lot of companies are really missing the boat on this imported goods backlash. Those companies making products in the USA need to state that in big letters on their packaging. [link to www.proudamericantradingpost.com] |
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Sammie
User ID: 2220559 United States 11/06/2011 10:47 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Buying local and/or from the actual crafts person (such as handmade goods at etsy.com) is a great idea. Personally I will be giving all handmade gifts this year. "Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow". ~Aesop "Once in a dream I saw a snake swallowing its own tail, it swallowed and swallowed until it got halfway round, and there it stopped and there it stayed, it was stuffed with its own self. Some fix, that. We only have ourselves to go on, and it’s enough…" -Charles Bukowski "Grasping at things can only yield one of two results: Either the thing you are grasping at disappears, or you yourself disappear. It is only a matter of which occurs first." -Goenka |
oh_yikes
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Anonymous Coward User ID: 4306529 Hong Kong 11/06/2011 11:30 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I cannot take credit for the essay below, but I think it's such a great idea that I had to pass it on... Quoting: oh_yikes This seems especially appropriate this year .... Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition 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 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? 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? BUY AMERICAN - BE AMERICAN The job you save might be your own I am glad this post is less stupid than most of the "Buy American" rants, as you have no cheap manufacturing, and very little manufacturing left at all in the United States. The years you could have tried to make a difference in this regard are long gone. Your corporations that need things made are all very wealthy now due to offshoring most of the "hand work" of those types of jobs. Hey, gotta make a buck where you can. If being a good supporter of your local businesses requires you to try and stir up slightly xenophobic national pride, then hell, go for it. But I have to say, that is pretty fucking sad. Made in the U.S.A still holds a lot of cache with people on this side of the world, as most products that are bothered to be imported here are usually of the higher quality realm. What you guys need to work on is being less dependent on big Corporate blood suckers like Wal-Mart and the kind of business climate that actually promotes you buying all your shit from China to support your quality of life(I mean this literally). It doesn't take a genius to see that Corporations aren't always a benefit, especially when they corrode the local communities to the point we see in the United States today. |
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Fine Material
User ID: 1155915 United States 11/06/2011 11:47 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | The statement about supporting local restaurants over national chains is so important. I want to scream every time I drive past Olive Garden and it is packed, while a great local Italian place a half mile up the road is half empty. And oh by the way, the prices are the same. For real food people! Not the high fructose corn syrup poison they dish out at the chains. |