Happy Thanksgiving?

Twitter was ablaze yesterday w/people commenting on the truth surrounding the mass genocide of Native Americans that the holiday Thanksgiving was meant to celebrate and make appear harmless. It renewed my faith in humanity that so many in the US and worldwide were willing to admit to and denounce the origins of and the subsequent annual holiday that resulted from this evil event in our country's history.  http://www.manataka.org/page269.html We owe it to our fellow human beings (ie Native Americans) to remember how this all began and distance ourselves from celebrating something so morally gruesome in the name of being "thankful". Aren't we thankful everyday? What makes this day so suddenly special when gratefulness should not have a stop and a start date? If you are holding out for this one particular day to be especially thankful then perhaps you haven't looked hard enough at your blessings. Try starting with the miracle of waking up everyday with a sound heartbeat and lungs that work tirelessly and neither ever gives out. Then, of course, there's our family, friends, children, comforts, the list goes on, All Praise and Thanks be to God Alone.  How would the Jews feel if we declared a day to give thanks and celebrate grandly on the anniversary of the start of the Holocaust or, as African Americans, if the whole country joined in celebration of the start of slavery and its pleasing, undeniably beneficial results to the establishment of our country? Would this day, regardless of what we claimed to be celebrating so many years removed seem so innocuous then? Perhaps it's time to change our traditions and look at them in the light of truth instead of just as a feel-good time for all. Give thanks every day and when you do, let it never be at the expense of our massacred natives, who had families, loved each other, and experienced loss in the very same way that we do. 

Keeping US Dollars in the US Economy

We obviously don't celebrate Christmas but the message in the email I received below is still relevant in terms of the economy & general gift-giving. Also keep in mind the "Chinese" factories that have been established in China are run by All-American companies and CEOs, a fact the media often leaves out to likely unjustly vilify the Chinese and preserve the blameless image of Corporate America. In the end, it all comes down to greed, not race, ethnicity or nationality and this is not the fault of the Chinese, they are merely benefactors. 


Click here to read the CNN Money Article on Companies in China

"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 plonking down the Benjamins 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."  

Do you think something like this would work to help improve the economy? What better time to test it out than during the busiest shopping holiday of the year?