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.
http://www.gallerybyzantium.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=byzg&Product_Code=3314-E
Less than $50, nice gift idea.
Soldier’s cross,
Solid 14k gold with blue enamel.
“It is reported that this cross was given to troops by the Tsar of Russia. This design incorporates the St. Andrew Cross with extensive lettering “King of Glory” appears in Slavonic abbreviation at the top. IC XC for “Jesus Christ” is on the upper cross bar, “Sn Bzhii” for “Son of God” on the lower cross bar. At the base there is a skull with a G and an A on either side for “the skull of Adam”, and the letters MLRB for “the place of the skull has become Paradise”. To the left of the upright is a spear, and the right a staff with a sponge. On the reverse side is the Slavonic verse, “Let God arise…” Tradition teaches that when the Apostle Andrew preached in southern Russia he placed a life-size three-bar cross at his side. While explaining the Last Judgment he titled the foot plate to signify that those on the right side of Christ will go up into heaven and those on the left will go down into hell.”
Another version of the soldier’s cross, also less than $50,
http://www.gallerybyzantium.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=byzg&Product_Code=3314
http://www.gallerybyzantium.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=byzg&Product_Code=1314-E
CORRECTION,
Sorry, the solid 14k gold w/ blue enamel is $220, it is the sterling silver that’s under $50.
They import some items like Czech trade beads, but the vast majority of their merchandise is American-made.
NOT MADE IN CHINA TOYS DOT COM - http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1939498/posts
I have the receipt and am returning this right now. If they have something made elsewhere, I'll exchange it. If they have only Chinese goods, I want my money back. If everything in the world is made in China now, I'll buy used from now on... It's pretty simple.
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