How to make a difference and support Small Business

ArkansasPiscesGrrl · 11-06-2011, 06:19 PM

Got this from a friend on Facebook. It really made sense, so I wanted to share it here:

I received this email today and I thought it was wonderful on so many levels. First - we really have become too materialistic in our gift giving (as well as our lives). Second - because most of the stuff we buy is made outside the US, we are supporting their economies to the detriment of our own. And third - this is a great way to change things the "American" way, instead of trying to change th...em through more government rules, "stimulus" and handouts.

A NEW TRADITION FOR GIFT GIVING

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.

We hope this year will be different. That 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? 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 thousand
lights made somewhere in Southeast Asia 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/Hannukah should no longer about draining American
pockets so that China can build another glittering city. It should now be 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 holiday 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 the Holiday spirit is all about?

And while we're at it - let's think about doing this for birthday and anniversaries as well! ...end of email
.................................................. .................................................. ...............
***SUPPORT the SMALL BUSINESSES!!!

SoNotHer · 01-02-2012, 12:29 PM

Excellent post and thread that deserves a bump. How did we do this season?

I bought some local toffee, antique books from a resale shop and a couple funky things from the local head shop for dear ones. How did everyone else do?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArkansasPiscesGrrl

Got this from a friend on Facebook. It really made sense, so I wanted to share it here:

I received this email today and I thought it was wonderful on so many levels. First - we really have become too materialistic in our gift giving (as well as our lives). Second - because most of the stuff we buy is made outside the US, we are supporting their economies to the detriment of our own. And third - this is a great way to change things the "American" way, instead of trying to change th...em through more government rules, "stimulus" and handouts.

A NEW TRADITION FOR GIFT GIVING

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.

We hope this year will be different. That 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? 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 thousand
lights made somewhere in Southeast Asia 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/Hannukah should no longer about draining American
pockets so that China can build another glittering city. It should now be 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 holiday 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 the Holiday spirit is all about?

And while we're at it - let's think about doing this for birthday and anniversaries as well! ...end of email
.................................................. .................................................. ...............
***SUPPORT the SMALL BUSINESSES!!!

11-06-2011, 06:19 PM	#1
ArkansasPiscesGrrl Member How Do You Identify?: femme Preferred Pronoun?: she, her Relationship Status: feeling pretty darned blissful right now! Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: central AR Posts: 856 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,594 Thanked 3,080 Times in 741 Posts Rep Power: 21474849	How to make a difference and support Small Business Got this from a friend on Facebook. It really made sense, so I wanted to share it here: I received this email today and I thought it was wonderful on so many levels. First - we really have become too materialistic in our gift giving (as well as our lives). Second - because most of the stuff we buy is made outside the US, we are supporting their economies to the detriment of our own. And third - this is a great way to change things the "American" way, instead of trying to change th...em through more government rules, "stimulus" and handouts. A NEW TRADITION FOR GIFT GIVING 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. We hope this year will be different. That 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? 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 thousand lights made somewhere in Southeast Asia 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/Hannukah should no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. It should now be 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 holiday 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 the Holiday spirit is all about? And while we're at it - let's think about doing this for birthday and anniversaries as well! ...end of email .................................................. .................................................. ............... ***SUPPORT the SMALL BUSINESSES!!!