Yes, We Can!

Halloween is over and that means the holiday shopping season is here. I think about all of the families that are planning on cutting back on their holiday shopping, mine included. Then I think about all of the families that are already struggling and wondering how Santa can possibly visit their homes this year. Can we help all these families when we are struggling ourselves? As our new president elect says, “Yes, we can!!”.

Every author, illustrator, and publisher of children’s and young adult’s books, I urge you to donate even one copy of your book to a program in your area that is collecting books and toys for children in need. If you don’t know, ask your local independent bookseller – they will be able to point you in the right direction. If all else fails, send them to BayShore Books and they will put your books in the hands of the children who will most appreciate them.

Business men and women, your community is what makes your business possible. This is the time to support them. Adopt a family, collect food from your employees to donate to your local food bank, send your management team on a shopping spree at your local book or toy store for gifts to donate. You will be boosting the economy in your home town while helping those in need.

Moms, dads and grandparents, think about if it were your children and grandchildren who will be waking up disappointed this holiday season. When you shop for the children in your family this year, pick up an extra gift for a child not fortunate enough to have parents or grandparents who are able to give them more than the necessities. And don’t forget the teenagers – the most forgotten age group this time of year.

Think about what kind of holiday season this will be if each and every one of us spent as little as $10 to purchase a gift or a meal for a total stranger. Think about how that meal or gift would affect us if we were the one desperately trying to show our children there is something worth celebrating. Together I know we can make this the best holiday season ever! “Yes, we can!”

Pondering Politics

I am not a political person. I consider myself well informed if I have some idea who is running, much less what they stand for. This is actually to my advantage in the retail business. People love to talk politics and I am easily able to nod and smile without offending or being offended. Truthfully, I am more than a little confused by the comments I hear this year. I should vote for this one because of the color of his skin or that one because of her gender. Gosh, I thought my decision should be based on each candidate’s beliefs and their capabilities of leading our country or maybe just the candidate most likely to do the least amount of damage.

I recently came across this commentary by Walter E Williams that caused me to stand up and cheer. This gives a whole new meaning of government. Do we want the government to give us money, jobs and housing when we can’t make it on our own? Sounds good to me! Do we want them to choose our doctors , tell us what we can and can’t eat, what we can and can’t do in our own homes and businesses, how much we should weigh, or what we should name our children? Where do we draw the line?

I know you have very strong opinions, so let me have it!

While you are at it can you tell me why there aren't a dozen new books out about McCain?