The Economy: Part One: Holidays

During the last couple of weeks, I have become increasingly aware of how nervous a lot of people are about the economy. it seems to becoming much more personal. I know people who have lost jobs, fear losing their jobs, seen their retirement dwindle, etc. At first I felt sorry for them, for everyone as this downturn will undoubtedly touch us all. However, I am beginning to feel a large degree of resentment and concern not for people's predicaments, but for our attitudes as a country and as individuals. We live in a society of victims and we harbor and cling to the mindset of a victim. This is beneficial because it relieves us of fault and responsibility however it also takes our power. This is our fault, we are to blame, we are responsible, and we have the power to change it.

History

If you disagree, think about this. In your most recent shopping excursion, how many things did you purchase that were American made? Do you shop at Wal-Mart, a company that is heavily subsidized by the government? How about Old Navy? They use very cheap labor from China, which some reports say includes underage slave labor. These are only 2 of many examples. Unfortunately, getting something that is high in quality standards and high in ethical standards is rare. If you are getting a deal, think about why. Do the companies you support give their employees heath benefits? Do they sell domestic products? Do they create as many jobs as possible in this country or do they ship them overseas where they can pay their employees less, if anything, and make them work in horrible conditions?

I realize that many of you are thinking that you can't afford not to take a deal, can't afford to shop more consciously. But the truth is that you can't afford not to. If you can't find what you are looking for and have it made in America, do you really need it? Think about this: The vast majority of the world's population has less to sustain their entire life than the average American brings on a three day vacation. It is precisely the taking of deals that is one of the roots of the problem. Here are a few small things that we can do that could make a very big difference especially if the knowledge is shared.

Holidays

1. Go into the stores. Online shopping reduces the amount of retail jobs that many are seeking. Retail jobs seem small and worthless, but we live in a country that produces next to nothing, so increasing jobs in manufacturing will be hard, and they are one of few jobs we can't export. By going to the stores, they have to employ people to stock, decorate, greet, check-out, clean, answer questions, etc.

2. Figure out how many gifts you need and set a goal as to how many of those will be made in America. This increases jobs at the manufacturing level all the way to the sale level. Here is a link to a list of stores that have a variety of domestic products, http://www.americansworking.com/index.html . Then ask yourself who would like to have a donation made to a charity in place of a gift. Non-profits and charities are hurting more than any of us can imagine. And most people have more that enough stuff, kind thoughts and genuine goodwill are much harder to come by.

3. Shop local, seek out local stores, boutiques, and cafes. The independents were struggling before the economy took a downturn and are now hanging on a thread. Plus, they don't have the government tied around their finger the way big business does. If their fellow citizens don't help them out, no one else is going to.

4. Use cash, especially at the independents. Not only do the credit card companies charge the poor bastards that use them an arm and a leg in interest, they charge the merchants too. And just like everything else in society, the big guy always gets the break. The small shops pay a substantial fee every time then run a credit card.

This is getting to be a rather lengthy post so I think I will stop here. Good luck! Buy American, buy local, buy independent and it will make the holidays happier for more people than the giver and the recipient. Cheers!

Gratitude

Yesterday, I was at a coffee shop with my puppy, Bob, trying to get some reading done for class. A two year old girl came over to play with Bob and, not being particularly interested in the article on the social ramifications of parasites on primates, I started chatting with her. Every time I said anything that could possibly be construed as a compliment she looked me in the eye and said, "thank you." Here are some examples:

Me: "You are really tall for your age."
Her: "Thank you."

Me: "I like your ponytail."
Her: "Thank you."

Me: "Your dad is really funny."
Her: "Thank you."

Me: "Thanks for playing with my dog."
Her: "Thanks for letting me."

It was amazing to me that this little girl was so young, naive and probably not cognitively aware of how good she has it, yet she was so ingrained with gratitude. I, on the other hand, have studied the hardships of others for years and still take things for granted. A few examples are as follows. I don't always wave when people let me cut in front of them in traffic. I don't always say thank you when I am served at a restaurant or checked out at the store. I don't always show my gratitude when random acts of kindness come my way. I sometimes think of it as my right. I want to turn left, therefore I have the right to be in that lane. I am paying for my meal, therefore I have the right to be served. I was there, therefore I have the right to receive. These are not truths.

The truth is: I am a human being, therefore I have the responsibility to show gratitude.

My challenge this week is to be like that two year old and show gratitude for as many things as I can think of. I will not just say "Thank you." It will be a three step process. I will make eye contact, express my thanks, and mean it. I invite you to join me.