Chippewa Boots

Bought boots today: Chippewas. They are a glorious pair of hand-crafted American boots. Designed by, sewn, and sold to the people that live on my continent.

This is not about patriotism, this is about appreciating and supporting the work of skilled artisans in my (relatively) local community. You can do the same...wherever you live. This is about refusing to support a global economic system based on oil, in which the latest disposable consumer good is shipped from a nation that rapes the environment in order to turn a quick buck. See "Chinese Food (For Thought)"

SIDE NOTE: Talking with my brother on the phone the other day about pollution, and he said: "...at least the mess stays in China...we don't have to worry about it." Um. Wrong.

So sorry.

I bought the boots at Flemington Department Store, an excellent, budget-conscious, full-service, family-owned department store that puts more emphasis on quality goods and service than on elaborate presentation. In business 40 years.

Guess what is under construction immediately across Route 31?

Wal-Mart.

The Waltons will not get one dollar of my money. This is why.

My $150 spent today sent tiny ripples into the economic pond:

1. Supported American-made Chippewa Boot Co.
2. Supported Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway
3. Supported Flemington Department Store
4. Did not support consumer trade goods from China
5. Did not support Wal-Mart

Spending money is a moral choice. Choose wisely, Grasshopper.