Posted on 11/23/2007 3:44:32 PM PST by Lexinom
Holiday Shopping: Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah FRiends!
This is the time of year that is special because is engenders the spirit of giving and selflessness of its sacred origins. Each of us, in his or her own way, has a special place in our heart for this joyful time.
As we put others' needs and desires first, as we look forward to the expression of surprise and delight on our loved ones' faces as they receive our gifts, as we peruse the ailes, let us consider the economic import of our duty.
Some of the nations producing the goods we will place in our carts are not characterized by the same selflessness and generosity that has governed our actions in time of crisis and natural disaster. Some nations do not value freedom or the individual, and seek only to profit on a seasonal tradition Some companies have little concern for America or the long-term consequences of tunnel-visioned pursuit of the Almighty Buck. Pursuit of profits in a free and fair market is one thing, but when that pursuit fails to consider maintenance of the road travelled or basic traffic signs, the road itself eventually deteriorates.
I hope we can discuss here ways to search out and buy only American and America-friendly goods. We must realize that many companies have caught on to the negative stigma attached to China and Chinese goods - a stigma that has ballooned over the last six months but which has existed in informed minds for years prior. Some companies will advertise boldly that their goods are made with American materials but fail to divulge that these materials are shipped to Beijing for assembly by what for all intents and purposes are slaves, or worse, political prisoners.
In my experience the workmanship of American-made goods is almost always superior to that of an inexpensive Chinese knock-off. Consider that this in some cases adds intangible value to the gift itself in the eyes of the person receiving it. Consider also that your American-made gifts may well outlast the latter by many years. There is value in quality over quantity, and you really do, generally speaking, get what you pay for. If you love America, buy the best - or at the very least buy from Canada, Japan, Europe, Mexico, and other less-hostile nations. Make intelligent choices this holiday season for America's sake.
Do not forget our troops: those men and women that we all so adore and admire, fighting for freedom on foreign soil. Many will be away from hearth, home, mother, father, wife again this year. They have their brothers-in-arms, united in a common and noble cause. Let us bolster their work in our way here at home by supporting our own economy and prolonging the American ideal for which they so diligently labor and yes, sometimes bleed. Let us remember them in our thoughts, in our prayers, and with continued care packages as we long for their safe return from a successful mission.
Lastly, remember to pray for the Chinese people - many of whom are our Christian brothers and sisters - and yes, for their government. The nation is indeed a threat, both economically and militarily, but God is above all and holds the hearts of kings.
Wishing each of my Christian brothers and sisters a blessed Christmas, and my Jewish friends a joyful and blessed Hanukkah.
Three of the things I bought were steel tavern puzzles - the kinds where you have to get the ring or other object off from the rest of the contraption. Fascinating gifts these make, for almost all ages.
Let's see if we can't cumulatively make a tiny blip on the American economy... and enjoy some wonderfully crated products from right here at home! ;-)
Ping to self
There are some great suggestions and links on Lexinom's thread.
For all those that loved Duncan Hunter's comment tonight --
BUY AMERICAN THIS CHRISTMAS!
There are some great suggestions and links on Lexinom's thread.
Here's are a few from me (more for big kids than Yoots):
St. Croix Fishing Rods. I have one and bought my dad one for Christmas last year. They have a cheap foreign-made line, but most of their stuff is American made and top-notch.
Speaking of my parents, they both work for Red Wing Shoe Company (I used to work there myself), and they have some great American made products (once again, some of their cheaper lines are made overseas, but their best lines are made here in MN!).
Shop-vac: I bought a small one for cleaning my boat last year, and to my delight it was made in the USA. A shop-vac is a great gift for anybody who makes a mess on a regular basis.
Thanks! I have a grandson that may like a fishing rod and a S-i-L that needs Red Wings. Being a maker of many messes the shop vac sounds perfect! ;*)
Tag for later reference
Buying American is isolationist and counter productive. Placing an inordinate value on islation is detrimental to the country.
Millions of jobs in tens of thousands of different positions that span the spectrum from sales to administration to production to transport and communication aare at stake. America lives and thrives on trade.
To call for buy America is to call for the end of America.
Millions of jobs could be lost if people bought only Chinese as well. What it boils down to is voting with the pocketbook: Which companies do you want to support - those contributing to the trade deficit/weak dollar by importing, or those contributing to American manufacturing? Either way, sales, administration, and transport benefit — the main difference is, buying American manufacturing/production also benefits.
You are needlessly worrying about a problem that is of little significance.
The weak $$$is a good thing. The trade deficit is not a problem.
“Flashback to the 70s....
No, not the Ford Pinto....
One of the good things about Whole Foods is that they label their produce and seafood with country of origin stickers. When I went to the "Super Wal Mart" near my sister's place in Tennessee, all they had was dirty water shrimp from China and Indonesia.
Bump for reference.
I’m not sure what you mean by “nation of origin” database. But there is a database of american made items at www.madebyyankees.net It shows american made items and where you can buy them. The database is far from complete.
Yankee candle is also made in the US and they are the best I’ve “smelled” yet! See www.madebyyankees.net for a whole database of items made in USA.
I try not to buy from folks selling Christmas gifts who don’t acknowledge Christmas....and I let them know it.
Thank you!
If you want a list of sites that sell only american made products or websites that are strictly resource sites go to www.madebyyankees.com It has compiled most of what is in this discussion. To be clear www.madebyyankees.com is a blog with lots of resource and educational material. It also posts information about the database which is updated on a regular basis. The www.madebyyankes.NET website is the actual database to search for products by item description. Please feel free to blog there about things you can’t find or are looking for.
Ask at www.madebyyankees.com, they will find it for you.
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