The following is from an email I received from an old friend. I contacted Jack to ask if he was the author, or if not, did he know who did write it. So far, all I know is it is from an unknown writer. But I can also tell you he/she makes some very good points and has some excellent ideas. Read and see what you think.....
“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 should be different. This year Americans should 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.
Yep, 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 certificate 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? 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 should be the new American Christmas tradition.
This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?
And lastly a New Years Resolution: Support Green Energy. Well, Green and Energy. --- Keep the green in your wallet and save yourself a lot of "real" energy in 2012 because we need both, to defeat our energy and treasure sapping government.
God Bless You and God Bless America!"
Well said, whoever you are! Now, readers, wherever you live….there are hard working Americans in small individually owned businesses all over our beautiful country! Seek them out. There are amazing gifts out there for those you love.
May I suggest a few of my favorite places to shop and dine? All are locally owned by outstanding Americans and I recommend them to you without reservation!
ARTichokes Gallery, Leawood, KS for excellent art work, jewelry, pottery, etc.
Molly's Table Restaurant and Catering, Paola, KS for gift certificates for dining and catering
Jasper's Restaurant, Kansas City, MO for award winnng Italian food
The Tortoise Gallery, Paola, KS for paintings,jewelry and pottery
and of course....
Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery, Somerset, KS for award winning wines and wine related gifts
Happy Shopping!
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