Ed Schultz (see video below) had a segment about buying American during the holiday season. I have to say, that sadly that is a lot harder than it would seem to be. Precious little is actually made in the old USA. We've become a service industry nation. Sooooo, if you can't find enough items made in America - the second-best alternative is to support small local brick and mortar businesses over the holidays.
Small Business Saturday had its debut last year. But they are upping the publicity and ante this year. In my opinion – a program like this is a step in the right direction. In Washington they jawbone about supporting small business – but talk is not action. Yet small business, including bricks and mortars have traditionally been the backbone of American exceptionalism and success. They need and deserve our patronage and support.
Our love affair with big-box stores and rock bottom prices has come at a cost. Service? What’s that? Knowledge of the product? You’ve got to be kidding me? In addition, this has resulted in bankrupt businesses, lost jobs that paid decent wages and less money coming into the community. Consider this: when you spend $100 with a local merchant, $68 returns to the community. When you buy at a national chain – only $43 is returned to the community. That's a 37% difference in direct economic stimulation.
So if you can't find "made in America" at least do the bulk of your shopping at Mom & Pop skip the Big-Boxmart black Friday insanity!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
© 2011 - Ruthmarie G. Hicks - http://www.thebodypoliticUSA.com - All rights reserved.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Word Saladism: Capitalism - Socialism - Democratic Socialism
As the primaries approach, more and more people are asking questions about the economic models that are being tossed into our daily w...
-
In the wake of the Wisconsin protests that seem to have spread across the rust belt - there appears to be a glimmer of hope that the publi... -
Much of the criticism levied at the #Occupy Wall Street movement has pinpointed the fact that in general, the protesters lack "direct... -
This chart was posted on The Hand that Feeds You post "They're Just Not Hiring" . The data was initially published on the...
Ruthmarie, you certainly may repost Daniel's commentary and any other thing from our place.
ReplyDeleteHi Ruthmarie, I haven't been keeping up with blogs over the holidays, so I thought I would catch up. I believe in buying local. I do whenever I can. I am also a great believer in making your own, if you can't find what you want bought locally. Of course there are things I can't make or find locally, but I sure try.
ReplyDeleteHi guys, I was ill for a little while, but now I'm back - doing my thing...I'm working two businesses and going a bit crazy. But I'll post when I can.
ReplyDelete