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.
I must say, that is a clean, and to-the-point site! The search feature responds quickly. Thanks again, and very well done! :-)
Thanks, I saw the recall trend in May (just before the toys got recalled) and realized the need. I started looking for “made in usa” products and was dumbfounded by the complexity and time it took to actually find stuff. After I located items then I was appalled at the ability to confirm where it was made. Thus, the database. I have almost 2000 items in it and I have a long way to go to get just the things I know about that are made in USA. I can’t imagine what is out there that I haven’t even tried to find yet! I can’t take credit for the web design and layout. I have a friend who I “enlisted” in the project. We both believe there is a real need and want to provide the service to the consumer and the businesses. Your forum has been a delight to see!
Ordering gifts for my grandson from the links on this thread. ;*)
If we try to avoid buying Mexican goods, we will have to avoid buying American goods as well, since our government has shown its belly to the Mexicans time and again.
Buy U.S. goods?
I hope that applies also to energy!
So: When visiting a filling station, please purchase only U.S. petroleum products!
Many conservatives said they would never buy another Leatherman multi-purpose tool after Tim Leatherman endorsed Kerry for Prez in 2004.
Here’s the link for any who are interested:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1231976/posts
Gerber multi-tools are an alternative. And if one chooses the Gerber multi-tool with pop-up pliers (something Leatherman doesn’t offer), one will find the Gerber very handy. Gerber is based in Portland, OR; it’s part of the Finnish company Fiskars. More info at
www.gerbergear.com
Yes!
A “toy” steam engine! Great for five year olds of all ages..
Jensen has made them here in the good ole’ U.S.A. since 1932 - they have starter sets for reasonable price all the way up to sophisticated models at “if you have to ask, you can’t afford it..”
http://www.jensensteamengines.com
Yankee...come over here to post the watch info.
Invicta is a Brand of watch made in usa.
A company called Lititz also makes watches using swiss parts.
Well I tried. Sadly, that’s the par for any Seattle/Portland-based company. Still, thanks for the heads-up as this will impact my next multi-tool purchase!
You tried and did very well. This thread is a good resource for all of us, not just at Christmas time either.
I agree about Leatherman having endorsed Kerry in 2004 impacting future multi-tool purchases.
I am glad Gerber tools and knives are out there as an alternative. And their pop-up pliers are very handy.
Thanks for all your diligent efforts on this thread.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Thanks! Now...about that computer made in the USA. LOL!
1. BEST SOLUTION - Buy Amerca.
2. SECOND BEST - If there is no American option, buy from America friendly nations.
3. WORST - Buy Chinese.
In the case of a computer, you are talking about hundreds of components if you go all the way down to the discrete electronic level - surface mount semiconductors, the printed circuit board itself, the CD/DVD drive, the HD, etc. which makes it rather complex to avoid components from any particular nation.
Also quite by accident I came across what I found to be a great gift for that hard to gift someone we all know!!!
Become a foster parent to a Horse!!!!
No, you don't get to keep the horse, it will remain in it's natural habitat on the Maryland side of Assateague Island. The contribution goes to helping to maintain the herd.
The herd on the Virginia side of the Island is owned and maintained by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.
I agree with your best to worst choices. I KNOW that I saw someone post around here somewhere that there is ONE computer made in the USA. I haven’t had the time to search for it.
Just looked over the Foster Horse program. I'm thinking it may be a great gift for my older grandchild. Thanks for posting!
My daughter picked a black stallion out for my Aunt in Florida. She is 74 years old and has all the “stuff” she needs and I had been going absolutely nuts about something, other than cookies and jelly, to send her for Christmas and I know that she will appreciate the gesture of where the money is going.
Oh - I forgot.
When hubby and I go over to Chincoteague later this week we are going to get a “Saltwater Cowboy” t-shirt to go with the foster horse.......just to remind her of the Virginia herd!!!!
Here’s another site that’s MADE IN THE USA and the stuff I’ve gotten from there is excellent (ping to AAM too just for fun). Note, there’s one item that I am recommending my friend order for her son who’s just completed Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood (ARMY) and that’s a soldier’s cross.
They are:
Gallery Byzantium
16 Mt. Pleasant Ave. Ipswich, MA 01938
1-800-798-6173 or (978-356-0259)
Their website is:
http://www.gallerybyzantium.com/
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