Birth of a new American Xmass tradition

[riptide motorsport]

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 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? 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.

[Tpa65cpe]

Outstanding sentiments Riptide Motorsport!!! I second these 100%. I have watched many a business close down because of big chains coming in the area, places that I grew up around where my father and I would go and patronise are now closed!! All the people that worked there no longer have work and there family has suffered!! My father would say "You get what you pay for" and being young I didnt understand then but I sure do now!! I have made it a practice to promote this kind of spending in my personal life! IMHO if all Americans would think about this instead of instant gratification our Beautiful Country would be doing a lot better!! As a personal note myu Wife does house cleaning and because of the crash and the influx of foriegn labor she is almost out of business!

[Cobradavid]

Great idea! Keep the dollars in the local economy! It seems that the main American export has become US dollars.

David

[Movieman]

Riptide:
You don't know how much I appreciated and agree with what you said.
I'd like to add in that money spent at Walmart is mostly sent to China.
An internet toast to you for your post!

[Summeroflove]

I agree completely! Small business owners, the Moms and Pops, deserve our hard earned money, and the money that we spend with them actually stays in our communities! I've even started to buy all my blue jeans from a company that makes them here in America, with American cotton and American labor. And it's not just a Christmastime, but all the time, that we need to be thinking about our neighbors in our own towns and their welfare, because it surely is tied to our own.

[NICK C]

Well said Riptide. We have done all we can to help nations become us, and they have, and thrive at our expense. From the US steel industry to the American auto builders and many other industries, we have dropped the ball. If a person does establish a business, with the plan to use only American products, it is near impossible to do so. I do not blame any country trying to survive in this world. People are the same eveywhere. But world trade should be equal and have parity for all involved. Its is a chore, but we need to look at labels and product info, and do the best we can in our purchases. Just because some brainiacs downgrade the US economy, we dont have to accept it. We are the greatest country in the world. I'll get off this horse as my hiney is a little chapped.

[Jacob McCrea]

I too could not agree more. It seems to me that if we can afford to play with race cars as a hobby, we should be able to afford to support businesses in our own communities, even if it costs a few dollars more.

[Movieman]

Just like to add something:
I orginally came here to research a car I've wanted since I was 14 back in 1966.
Yes, I learned a lot but what I found here is a bunch of people with solid charachter and ethics.
Buying American and supporting local business is very important to me and glad to see it means so much to others.