XPost: can.politics, bc.politics, ab.politics   
   XPost: sk.politics, man.politics, mtl.general   
   From: Paxca@nyet.ca   
      
   Got this reminder/wakeup email forwarded from a friend.  Something to think   
   about . . .   
   _______________________________________   
      
     Christmas 2014   
      
     As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into   
     high gear to provide Canadians with monstrous piles of cheaply   
     produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of   
     Canadian labour.   
     This year will be different.   
     This year Canadians will give the gift of genuine concern for other   
   Canadians.   
     There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be   
     found that is produced by Canadians 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 Canadian 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, Canadian   
     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 dollars on a Chinese made flat-screen?   Perhaps that grateful   
     gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the   
     summer, or driveway ploughed 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 Canadian 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 Canadian 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 jewellery,   
     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   
     lights, 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 Canadian pockets so   
     that China can build another glittering city.  Christmas is now about   
     caring about us, encouraging Canadian small businesses to keep   
     plugging away to follow their dreams.   
      
     And, when we care about other Canadians, we care about our   
     communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't   
     imagine.   
      
     Christmas is about helping our country grow stronger.   
      
     BUY CANADIAN - BE CANADIAN - The job you save might be your own.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)