Thoughts For Tomorrow... and the Day After, etc.

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

The Thanksgiving Holiday, and the long weekend that accompany's it for many draws to a close tonight. With its closing comes the Christmas holiday season,  and the many stresses associated with the Christmas holiday.

Add to that the economic stress, political polarization, and brinksmanship that is so commonplace in America today and it is a wonder we haven't split at the seems. But it is still early. Perhaps it will be the eventual outcome.

Rational Nation USA,  while maintaining the sites core beliefs , has recently reached across the seemingly great divide that separates today's liberals and all others in hopes of  finding common ground. Unfortunately there are few amongst the liberal camp that are interested in extending the same in return. For those of you who have,  you know who you are. I tilt my head in appreciation.

Many on the conservative side are guilty of the same that I have seen on the left side of the debate. Holding to ideological purity even when it makes little sense, and is lacking  in reason seems more important at times than actually solving problems. I leave it to you who are guilty of this to identify it for yourselves.

For me it has become tedious and time consuming. With the planned failure of the Supercommittee, yes, you heard me correctly,  the planned failure,  I have lost my faith completely in the process and in the leadership of this nation. Both parties are at fault and anyone who denies this is, to be polite, a fool.

So, as the Christmas hustle and bustle begins, along with all the stress it engenders, attention from this small corner of what was once a great republic will turn to addressing issues of personal importance... The ones within our control.

Have a Grand Holiday Season ALL. Rational Nation USA leaves you with this link, I hope all will contemplate its truth. Then do something constructive to alter the course our leaders have forced the nation upon.

And now this... Thoughts on Christmas sent by a concerned reader of this sight.

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition -- Author Unknown

As the holidays approach, the giant ... Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods and 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 plunking down the Benjamin’s 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 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.

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 Christmas is about?

Good Night, One and All.

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RN USA no longer accepts comments. The information presented is for reflection, contemplation, and for those seeking greater understanding and wisdom. It is for seekers and those with an open mind and heart.

Namaste


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