I ask all the members of BITOG to stop and think about what a joke that Christmas consumerism has become, with people trampling others to death just to get their greasy hands on some poorly made Chinese junk and looking like idiots by pitching a tent in front of a big box store for 2 days.
Keep in mind that many of the "door buster" electronics deals are specially made by companies to a lower spec just to be able to mark the price so low. I.e., a 300 dollar Sony TV at Wal-Mart is a Sony in name only, made with the cheapest (non Sony manufactured) parts. This year especially, profits are slim as and so are inventories, so the best deals will probably be hard to get your hands on, if that's your thing.
But that's all fluff, really. Buying all of the Chinese made junk only racks up more of a trade deficit and more consumer debt. That giant sucking sound? That's all of our dollars and manufacturing jobs. And what do we get in return? Tainted drywall, lead filled toys, killer pet food, and poisoned toothpaste. Pretty soon we'll all be working at Wal-Mart, since the American appetite for this garbage never seems to slow down.
So what I ask of you all is to stop and think about the true meaning of the holidays, and what a crass and ridiculous spectacle it has become. Especially in this time of high American unemployment, do your part to support American jobs. Buy American made goods and shop at local businesses that pay a decent wage and put money back into the community.
Nobody wants another junky $20 dollar DVD player or a knock-off Ipod anyway.
Happy freakin' holidaze.
Keep in mind that many of the "door buster" electronics deals are specially made by companies to a lower spec just to be able to mark the price so low. I.e., a 300 dollar Sony TV at Wal-Mart is a Sony in name only, made with the cheapest (non Sony manufactured) parts. This year especially, profits are slim as and so are inventories, so the best deals will probably be hard to get your hands on, if that's your thing.
But that's all fluff, really. Buying all of the Chinese made junk only racks up more of a trade deficit and more consumer debt. That giant sucking sound? That's all of our dollars and manufacturing jobs. And what do we get in return? Tainted drywall, lead filled toys, killer pet food, and poisoned toothpaste. Pretty soon we'll all be working at Wal-Mart, since the American appetite for this garbage never seems to slow down.
So what I ask of you all is to stop and think about the true meaning of the holidays, and what a crass and ridiculous spectacle it has become. Especially in this time of high American unemployment, do your part to support American jobs. Buy American made goods and shop at local businesses that pay a decent wage and put money back into the community.
Nobody wants another junky $20 dollar DVD player or a knock-off Ipod anyway.
Happy freakin' holidaze.
