From the Blog

ShovelEach time I think the GOP presidential nomination process has hit rock bottom one of the candidates produces yet another shovel. This past weekend ‘The Newt’ (as I’ve taken to refer to him) managed to slam dunk the South Carolina primary in a major upset that’s left everyone scratching their heads…And I mean everyone.

What’s so confusing is the complete lack of fealty toward traditional Conservative doctrine, like family values and free-markets . Instead, the voters in South Carolina approved of a misogynistic adulterer and disapproved of a classic 20th Century vulture-capitalist. The howls of protest and lament coming from various factions within the Republican party and pundits are truly remarkable to behold. Just listen to what Chris Christie, Ann Coulter and Glenn Beck have to say.

So here we are, three major events into the nomination process and it is anybodies guess who’s going to come out on top. Silos are clearly deepening within the Conservative movement. Last week I discovered cracks may actually be forming in the Christian base after viewing the now famous poem “Why I Hate Religion” (shared below) by a young Christian youth minister and poet named Jeff Bethke.

It didn’t take much digging to learn Jeff is not some irreligious atheist with a taste for slamming the church. To the contrary, he is a respected member of a large Christian church in the Pacific Northwest. This kid lives for Jesus. Now I don’t want to put words in his mouth, yet there it is…He calls out Christians for equating themselves with Republicans twice before the first minute of his poem is over.

For my own part, like many liberals, I am quite amused with the situation. Watching the GOP spin its wheels for months while the Democrats fill their war chests isn’t going to bring me the kind of progress I hope for, but it is still the lesser of two evils. So keep digging conservatives…There’s bound to be a candidate on whom you can agree down there in the mud somewhere.

ScroogedThis year for the holidays stick it to the man and consider buying only local products and services as gifts. Buying local supports the local economy, fights globalization, is better for the environment and will send a message to corporations who engage in exploitative labor practices overseas. The only power normal American citizens have left is where we buy stuff so exercise your power!

In support of this goal, please share your favorite local products and services in the comments section of this post. Don’t forget to share the location!

For instance, I recently learned the Official Manufacturer of Navy Peacoats is located in East Boston. In addition to the traditional coats they sell to the Department of Defense, they have a consumer line of outerwear for men, women and children.

Check it out: http://sterlingwear.com/