Armageddun Loc: The show me state

Subject: Birth of a new tradition

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. 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 Benjamins 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."

grace scott

This is the best idea I have seen in a long time--Will do!

Armageddun Loc: The show me state

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

I, too, love this idea. :thumbup: I will do my best to follow such guidelines. 8-)

tmcsea1

What a fantastic post with wonderful ideas. Thank you

MajorAhrens Loc: Myrtle Beach

I'm with you 100%. It's time Americans started thinking about Americans. How about treating a homeless person to a new set of clothes. Or buy the elderly a season of yard work. This is an idea that every American should get behind. Its not about 60" big screens or some other Chinese cheap mess. If we started acting like our grandparents did this country might just make it. And don't forget the "REASON FOR THE SEASON". Great post!

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

I mean not to be difficult. Through various people, I have been told not to give new outer wear to homeless people. Others may try to steal it. The suggestion is to give very warm heavy weight socks or thermal tops and bottoms. This provides warmth without visibility of newness. If you have flannel shirts or heavy sweaters that look worn out, they are good. Again, it provides warmth without looking new and endangering the recipent to being robbed.

Again, it is not a criticism of your idea, but a different way to fulfill the idea.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

And a good, practical suggestion. :thumbup:

Armageddun Loc: The show me state

Good thinking, being without a home can often be a minor problem when compared with what some of these folks have to deal with on the streets and under bridges.

Many people have a false idea that being poor or in poverty make one a saint and being well off or even rich makes a person a demon.

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

As I am on a roll on this topic.....

You can go to a donation store, such as Salvation Army/Goodwill, etc. and purchase flannel shirts, heavy sweaters, shoes and such for very little money, per item. You can then give them, with new warm socks, thermals and such without spending a lot of money. You can, also, purchase warm used scarves. Go to a dollar store and you can buy knit hats.

To add one more level, take some warm soup and a sandwich to go with the clothing.

Armageddun Loc: The show me state

I am moving to the streets

:!: :lol: :lol: :lol: :oops: :oops: :oops:

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

I am a mean person. I will never give money to someone outside a store or on a street corner. I will go in the store, buy a container of soup, sandwich and juice and give to the person. You can tell, by their reaction, whether they really wanted money for food or something else. The same is applicable for the street corner person. I will find a place to obtain food and go back to give it to them. Again, the reaction tells you all you need to know.

MajorAhrens Loc: Myrtle Beach

Good point and still a great post. Thank you

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

ProgenyE's high school use to, every year, ask families to donate used flannel shirts, sweaters, wool sock, thermals, hats, scarves, shoes, etc. to give to the homeless. We us to ask for donations of empty margarine containers, boxes of sandwich bags, paper lunch bags and plastic grocery bags. We created a bag with clothing, a margarine container of homemade soup, two sandwiches, a piece of fruit and juice. The parents then drove the kids to various known areas for the homeless and distributed the bags.

This is not rocket science folks!

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

I was concerned you would take offense.

If every single person on OPP spent $20 on a used flannel shirt, used sweater, good wool socks, thermals, used hat and scarf, a container of warm soup, a sandwich, piece of fruit and a beverage at Thanksgiving and or Christmas, we could provide for hundreds of the homeless!

Just a thought.