Holiday Shopping: Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is (vanity)

<self> | 11/23/2007 | <self>

[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.

[ichabod1]

Well, obviously putting “made in” labels on products is a vicious, racist, anti-sino action, and in the interests of free trade and passing the global test, they should be eliminated.

[Lexinom]

Thank you! You've influenced some of our own buying decisions this year.

BTW American-made Lincoln Logs are still available, albeit with a different name now.

[Think free or die]

"Legos, from Denmark. Remember the Muhammad cartoonists!"

Read labels carefully on Lego products. They have been sourcing some of their parts from China more recently.

[Lexinom]

Probably the small and complex parts. It seems anything small and complex and/or electronic must, as though by fiat, come from China. Makes one wonder...

[Just A Nobody]

http://buyamerican.com/

Awesome site: http://www.stillmadeinusa.com/
This site is a voluntary effort by one woman to help shoppers find products made in USA.

http://www.madeinusa.com/

http://www.nbwebexpress.com/information/madeinusa.asp
New Balance shoes made in the USA

http://www.madeinusaforever.com/

http://www.madeinusa.org/
Much exploring can be done at this site.

[Just A Nobody]

Thanks for that link! I saved it for the future. In fact, I have a new folder in my "Favorites" for all this stuff.

Thanks for the motivation to finally search.

[Sun]

“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.”

Prayers for all!

[Sun]

Thanks for those links to help us buy American.

[Sun]

Here are Made in U.S.A. clothes for the ladies, very reasonably priced with free alterations, and free shipping for orders over $50 (last time I ordered):

http://pumpkincreekclothing.com/product.php?productID=12

[madison10]

Just purchased a big-wheel-type trike for nephew off a USA product website. Cost more, but it was made in the USA for the most part. We’ll see if it’s any better come Christmas.

[Lexinom]

Thank you Sun! (my wife thanks you too :) )

Here's yet another site, not real complete, but a concluding sentence before the brief "list" contains a rather sobering reminder: "Given present trends, a product 'not made in China' six months ago may be made there now."

http://notmadeinchina.siteideas.net/notmade_links.htm

[Just A Nobody]

YW...I had fun looking! ;*)

[geopyg]

CRAFTSMAN TOOLS

I also just got an email/spam type thing about SEARS and how much they support the troops (keeping them on the payroll at their regular pay rather than the minimum, vet projects, health care, etc.) Check it out at Snopes.com and it is confirmed.

I’ll have to find something to buy at SEARS this year! (A couple new pair of CARHARTTS - another item made in the U.S. as well as abroad? (Europe??).

[Sun]

And thank you, again.

[Sun]

I had fun looking and buying. I usually like to try clothes on first, but the price was so reasonable, I thought I’d buy a skirt, top and slacks, and could always wear them around the house, or under a coat if they didn’t look good. But everything fit very well for me, and I loved the free alterations.

[Brad’s Gramma]

BTTT

[Lexinom]

Do you know of anyone that sells a rigid suitcase (the big rolling kind) that is made in the U.S.A.? I was pleased to find one U.S. supplier (Zebulon U.S.A.), but everything they make is of the outdoorsy duffle bag variety and may not be right for business travel.

[Brad’s Gramma]

I. Just. Threw. One. Away.

aaaaaaaaaaccccccckkkkkkkk

[Lexinom]

:-)

Actually I did find something more in line with what we're seeking:

Tough Traveler

I don't really care how rigid it is, just that it is large enough for most of the clothes for a family of five and can double for business travel. The CYR on that page is pretty close.

[AuntB]

Bump for reference, thanks, Lex.