Author Topic: Times are not bad enough  (Read 427 times)

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Offline Conan The Librarian

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Times are not bad enough
« on: November 28, 2011, 03:59:35 AM »
If times were really bad, wouldn't people be more focused on the family traditions of the holidays and less on the commercial traditions? Or has it been so long that we've forgotten?
 
 

Offline Mxpe78a

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Re: Times are not bad enough
« Reply #1 on: November 28, 2011, 10:43:08 AM »
I agree 100% people out there shopping like there is no tomorrow.

Offline Old Syko

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Re: Times are not bad enough
« Reply #2 on: November 28, 2011, 11:04:34 AM »
It would seem family tradition has changed.  It is now the tradition of most families to overload the plastic and present even more attitude than usual.  The celebrations of family and life are almost a thing of the past.

Offline mcwoodduck

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Re: Times are not bad enough
« Reply #3 on: November 28, 2011, 11:36:48 AM »
So are you saying the failed (or excelling depending on the outcome you want) Obamanomics are a good thing?  That we need to destroy more jobs and keep kids home well past college age?
How ever you celebrate the season is how you celebrate the season be it secular or religous.
I also wonder if during hard times, those that have some are more willing to spend on those that do not and spending my go up to provide basic things that people would normally buy through out the year.
With the price of fuel up and headed higher (by design ) people that can not afford to travel are willing to spend more and stay, since they can not afford the travel.
 

Offline teamnelson

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Re: Times are not bad enough
« Reply #4 on: November 28, 2011, 12:02:54 PM »
If the things purchased were made in the US, and/or if they were durable and lasting ...
If they enabled the recipient to grow in skill or ability in some way that endures ...
If they empowered the recipient with stronger character, values, or traditions that strengthened the fabric of the community ...
Then I would rejoice that spending was up this year. Those are the traditional gifts of a strong america.


By and large, the items purchased were bought with money the buyer doesn't have, nor do they have the potential of earning in the next year. Projections are hovering in on another spike in unemployment, over and above the real numbers; another dip in the housing market, and burst in the education debt, and yet another in retirement. And some of the artificial props in health care are about to come off the rails ... lots of what we believe we have today is being held together for November 2012. Most of the items bought this Christmas will not longer be useful next year ... that's not prosperity or generosity, that's denial.


If you have a little extra to give to someone, help them gain a skill, pay off debt, stock the pantry, or fix their shelter/transportation.
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Offline gstewart44

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Re: Times are not bad enough
« Reply #5 on: November 28, 2011, 02:47:51 PM »
If the things purchased were made in the US, and/or if they were durable and lasting ...
If they enabled the recipient to grow in skill or ability in some way that endures ...
If they empowered the recipient with stronger character, values, or traditions that strengthened the fabric of the community ...
Then I would rejoice that spending was up this year. Those are the traditional gifts of a strong america.


By and large, the items purchased were bought with money the buyer doesn't have, nor do they have the potential of earning in the next year. Projections are hovering in on another spike in unemployment, over and above the real numbers; another dip in the housing market, and burst in the education debt, and yet another in retirement. And some of the artificial props in health care are about to come off the rails ... lots of what we believe we have today is being held together for November 2012. Most of the items bought this Christmas will not longer be useful next year ... that's not prosperity or generosity, that's denial.


If you have a little extra to give to someone, help them gain a skill, pay off debt, stock the pantry, or fix their shelter/transportation.
TN - that was profound - thanks for the insight.
I'm just tryin' to keep everything in balance, Woodrow. You do more work than you got to, so it's my obligation to do less. (Gus McCrae)

Offline Spirithawk

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Re: Times are not bad enough
« Reply #6 on: November 28, 2011, 02:57:49 PM »
Being on a fixed income my wife and I just don't have the money to buy everyone presents. What we do is make venison jerkey and Summer Sausage. A pound bag of jerkey and two rolls of sausage makes the perfect gift. Family and friends can hardly wait for their gifts and we have the satisfaction of knowing the gifts are truly enjoyed and apreciated. Plus it's a good feeling knowing the venison was harvested by me and the jerkey and sausage made by me and my wife. My grandkids would rather have the Jerkey than toys or even cash! lol

Offline teamnelson

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Re: Times are not bad enough
« Reply #7 on: November 28, 2011, 03:12:05 PM »
Being on a fixed income my wife and I just don't have the money to buy everyone presents. What we do is make venison jerkey and Summer Sausage. A pound bag of jerkey and two rolls of sausage makes the perfect gift. Family and friends can hardly wait for their gifts and we have the satisfaction of knowing the gifts are truly enjoyed and apreciated. Plus it's a good feeling knowing the venison was harvested by me and the jerkey and sausage made by me and my wife. My grandkids would rather have the Jerkey than toys or even cash! lol


Heck yeah, venison jerky beats whatever that annoying new Elmo thing is any day!
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Offline BBF

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Re: Times are not bad enough
« Reply #8 on: November 30, 2011, 07:52:32 AM »
My neighbors meat shop makes their own "Landjaeger"  yummy !! :D
What is the point of Life if you can't have fun.

Offline Casull

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Re: Times are not bad enough
« Reply #9 on: November 30, 2011, 10:21:29 AM »
Spirithawk, please add me to your friends list.     ;) ;D
Aim small, miss small!!!