[TheForge] Holidays 2011 Birth of a New Tradition

[John Higgins]

Hi Dave Mudge,
 
Have been lurking on this list for about 6 years, getting so much information that you would not believe.
 
Up till now have not seen an email that inspired me to reply, until now.
 
I live in Australia & have visited your great nation on many occasions.
 
Your sentiments are so true, both for your country & for mine.
 
All the best for the festive season & I hope your fellow countrymen & mine heed your words.
 
I look forward to another at least 6 years of lurking.
 
John.


----- Original Message -----
From: Dave Mudge <dave at magichammer.net>
To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Cc: 
Sent: Saturday, 12 November 2011 6:53 PM
Subject: [TheForge] Holidays 2011 Birth of a New Tradition

Holidays 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 plonking
down the Benjamines 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. They make glassware, paintings,
sculpture, wall hangings, photography and let's not forget the
blacksmiths.
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 theater.

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, the Holidays are no longer about draining American pockets so
that China can build another glittering city. The season 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 Holiday
tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion
groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section
in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio
stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring
about each other, and isn't that what the Holidays are all about?
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