President Obama's Speech to The Nation - June 22 2011

For those who missed it tonight and would like to hear the speech from the POTUS himself, not a commentator. I respectfully give it to you in it's entirety, The President of The United States of America.

Ethical Buying and The United States

Every time I go shopping, not only do I look at the price tag, but I also take time to see where the item up for consideration is made. I am a fast growing group of Americans that choose to be ethical buyers. Now there is a lot to being an ethical buyer and some people find it too hard. They claim their pocket books decide for them and turn their eyes.

To me it is just a cop-out for lazy shopping.

I wandered into a Walmart recently, something I try not to do. Everything I picked up, said made in Nicaragua, China or some third world hole. What makes me angry is that Walmart did not used to be this way under Sam Walton. I am sure he is turning in is grave. It is the great time of year for many patriotic items to appear. I do not buy flags made in China. I will not buy clothing under the label of "Faded Glory" at Walmart. It is disrespectful. Maybe they want to call it faded glory in Nicaragua, but my flag is not faded and I will not support Walmart in their poor choice of manufacturers, nor this manufacturer in Nicaragua

What does one do when the article of clothing or manufactured item has no made in America counterpart? I do without, or I look for items made in countries that have good human rights records, and who are paying their employees what they should be. Also, I look for countries who are a part of the world economy and do not regulate their own economies such that the U.S. can have chance to compete. I figure if we lost our manufacturing base to a country, they had better play by the world market rules. Something the Chinese just do not seem to get. Much of their manufacturing takes place in work camps and factory run businesses where the employees are indentured there. The next time you buy a soccer ball, please care about where it was made. Most likely it is made in a third world country by some little kid, so he can eat for the day.

I invite you to take up the challenge yourself and become an ethical buyer. It is not a 'left thing,' or a 'right thing.' It is an American thing! We need to influence buyers in stores to buy American. If they choose not too, we as a collective group can have an impact on their decisions by not choosing to buy what they have to sell us.


Link to Ethical Buying Here




Watch this, it ought to bring it home for you.

Dance with My Father Again - Happy Father's Day

This was made in memory of my Dad. It was also made for every single little girl or grown woman who would love just one more dance with their Fathers. I know your pain and will wipe away your tears along with my own. ~ Hummingbird

My Dad was like a great oak tree,

with powerful protection all around,

a gentle breeze when none could be found.

He was truthful and caring, to everyone he met.

He taught me love and devotion for family,

a value some do not get.

I try to live in the honor of his memory everyday.

My Father is the man who planted the seeds of service,

which lay in my heart and actions to this day.

We live in a "Field of Dreams",

because we believe if we build it,

They will come....

All I want is to play a game of catch,

or just hold a hand and feel safe again.

To all who have lost their Fathers,

All I can say is live in their honor.

They are prouder of each of you,

because you are their Daughters.

by Christine McClintock Hudspeth

Copyright 2011

Peacepipe Chapter Celebrates A 100 Year Tradition

June 14th, 2011 was a very special celebration for everyone in attendance at the Flag Day celebration and raising of an American flag for Peacepipe Chapter, NSDAR. The flag raised was once flown over our nation's capitol. This patriotic tradition goes back with the Chapter for 100 years at Genesee, Colorado. Members of the family of one the original participants were there to lend support and honor her.

This video captures many of the wonderful moments of this historic event. Shown is the great love so many of us have for our country.

Below is a link to original photos taken that day. You are invited to view each one and comment. Each picture has a story and speaks to patriotism, preservation and education.

God Bless The United States of America

Please enjoy.

Travel to an Extrodinary Event Here

Photography by Christine McClintock Hudspeth