Almost every American at one time or another has stepped into a mass merchant such as Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart and gasped at the unbelievable prices offered for goods. Well there are problems with these “Unbelievably Great Prices,” it is wounding America and the bleeding is out of control.

May as well call Wal-Mart, China-Mart due to about 90% of the hard-goods offered are made in China. (Or other third world countries).

I am all for Globalization, but we must stop and examine what we are truly doing to ourselves when we go for Cheap over America.

1. High Gas Prices – Not many on the news networks have really dived into this issue at large. But as we buy more offshore goods, and decrease our manufacturing base, the strength of the dollar falls. Hence our dollar cannot buy as much foreign oil.

2. Taxes – As we decrease our higher paying Manufacturing jobs, and increase our lower paying service jobs, the tax base falls. This is a very simple equation. Less the pay, less the taxes. So to fill the gap we must raise taxes to overcome the shortfall. Also with less manufacturing, less corporate taxes are collected. Hence we have less to help rebuild America’s infrastructure.

3. Dollar Strength – It is funny now that as the dollar is weak, our manufactured goods should be less expensive in our countries. The problem is we are not manufacturing that much to sell overseas.

These are just a few examples, there are many more out there.

We have truly reached the pinnacle of a consumer society. We are consuming goods at a rapid pace, but we are not manufacturing hardly any of these consumables therefore having to depend on other countries.

When Ronald Regan spoke of the “Trickle Down” economy, people said it was crazy and corporate welfare. But as you look at the cost of not manufacturing goods here in America, you can see the trickle down effect dramatically. The loss in our manufacturing base, less tradesmen and craftsmen, less tax income, weakening of the dollar, lower income potential and finally dependence upon other nations.

We as Americans have a choice each time we walk into a store. Either to buy a new shirt or a new sofa, we can look at the label and see where it is manufactured. And choose the products built with pride in America.

We can also place more trust in the products we buy, eat or use everyday here in America because we have strict laws and oversight into what we produce.

So choose America next time you shop. As I say “Buy American, or say Good-Bye to America”

Thank you and God Bless America

Please help me spread the message by purchasing my book, Grain and Grit-Ingredients of The True American at www.grainandgrit.com

Tom Taylor

In times not long ago, people would actually say “excuse me” when they passed in front of you while standing in the aisle of a supermarket looking at products. People used to hold the door open and say, “After You Please” until Political Correctness put and end to that. As you would walk along the street people would say, “Good Morning, how are you?” We used to wait our turn with patience and dignity.

But all that has changed today from the way we treat each other, to the way we are now treated as customers. It started to decay in the mid 1980’s and continued to erode to this very apathetic and angry society. When was the last time you walked into a fast food restaurant and was greeted with a smile and a, “Welcome to ______, How may I help you?” Nowadays it’s, “Yea, what do you want?” from an expressionless, emotionless, angry teenager who seems more interested in picking on the label on the counter than dealing with you. Or when was the last time someone actually said, “Oh, excuse me, am I in your way?” when their shopping cart blocked the majority of the aisle. No it is generally a look, a sigh and huff as they move their cart to allow you to pass.

Our common courtesy and decency has eroded even farther if you evaluate the internet. Now on such websites as YouTube and MySpace faceless individuals feel they can say anything they want, no matter how discourteous or hateful, because they are anonymous and feel fearless in the comfort of their own home sitting behind an emotionless box. On these sites, as many comment sites, individuals will attack the poster with indignity and obscenity with as much venomous negativity a human being has within himself to dispose of. In the case of free sites like YouTube and MySpace which requires no confirmation of identity, anyone can place a posting or comment that can be way out of line with no recourse. Even if the administrators “Block” the user, they can just go right back on and sign in under another anonymous name.

Either in our daily lives, where we interact with other Americans, or online where we interact with the world at large we need to bring back Good Ole American Courtesy. When you bump someone as you walk by, please say, “Excuse me, have a great day” or when someone lets you into traffic please wave and say “Thank you” even though they can’t here you. When online use decorum and honor when replying to someone, even though your beliefs and ideals may be different. It is easier to have a conversation with someone if they are easy to talk to, not when they are screaming vulgar slurs.

Maybe I ask too much of America. But if we really want to see a change in our daily lives as we interact with each other, we must start with a smile and a “Good Morning”. We also need to teach this daily to our children so their hearts can be filled with joy and pride instead of vitriol and disgust.

Tom Taylor
Freelance Writer and Author of Grain and Grit, Ingredients of The True American

From: American Family Association

The Maryland State Board of Education has ruled that the right of the state supersedes the rights of parents in teaching children about homosexuality. The Board said the “right (of parents) is not absolute. It must bend to the State’s duty to educate its citizens.”

The ruling means that the teaching of homosexuality as an accepted and approved lifestyle in Maryland public schools can move forward. Very important!  Some professionals feel that the Maryland curriculum could become the model for promoting the homosexual lifestyle in public schools across the nation.  That is the reason we are asking you to send the email.

The new policy prohibits any unfavorable view of homosexuality from being presented. A video for use with eighth-graders instructs students on how to put a condom on a pen-s.

The Board has been trying to incorporate the promotion of homosexuality into their sex-education classes. A federal judge overturned a previous attempt to include the promotion of homosexuality because of the curriculum’s expressed hostility toward Christianity.

But in approving the new curriculum, the Board refused to hear arguments from those who oppose the promotion of homosexuality in the classroom.

AFA suggests that parents find out if sex education is being taught in their schools and, if so, ask to examine the curriculum being used.

To read the Washington Post article on this, click here.

Liberal talk radio died on the vine early on because there is no support, or listeners. This shows you just how proud conservatives are, and how they desire and search for media outlets that talk directly to their and heart and soul. And since there is such a large audience out there, I am thoroughly amazed that the major news networks are still poised to be primarily liberal.

We are in the land of freedom of speech, and that includes all speech. Talk radio is not a “Political” voice, but an ideological voice that reaches into the homes and minds of millions of people with similar interest. It is conservative radio, not “Republican” radio. Just as the major networks are liberal and not “Democrat.”

Make sure your voices are heard loud and clear that you want the ability to hear ALL sides of the story. And you want to hear it from like minded people. You wouldn’t go to a Catholic Church and want to hear all the sermons from a Jewish Rabi. The sermon would not really come from the heart.

Please help keep freedom and the conservative ideal alive by buying my new book and spreading the word around. Grain and Grit, Ingredients of the True American at www.grainandgrit.com.

Thank you, and God Bless America!

Tom Taylor

During the last few weeks of signing my new book, I have had the wonderful opportunity to speak to thousands of Great Americans from all walks of life. I spoke to everyone from union welders, to doctors, to homemakers that all trumpeted the same sound; “We have had enough.”

They have had enough of the status quo of the government. The little guy, the John Does, of America feel as if they have been left in the dark, or feel they are no longer part of the process of government. Where has the “Of the People, For the People” gone, most asked. Well it is time for all of the “John Does” to stand up and speak up.

We as citizens need to band together and fight for what we believe. We all need to create a government more in the mirror image of its citizens, and not the image of a ”Ruling Class”. We fought over 200 years ago against the tyranny of a king and kingdom, taxation without representation and loss of freedom. Why after 200 years we have reverted back to what seems to be a “Kingdom” like rule of the government. We need to stop the self absorbed ego maniacs and money hungry trial lawyers from controlling our every move in America. We have been put down by some politicians as stupid and politically ignorant about both the process of government. Well I am here to say, NO WE ARE NOT.

I call for all who truly care about our Great Country to stand up today and take charge of the running and operation of our government. We now must take individual measures and responsibility to insure we are heard and our will is promoted throughout the land.

Now is the time for all Americans to band together and fight for the return of our country to its citizens. The little guy now needs to take control; it is now time for “The Meek to Inherit the Earth!”

Please gather everyone you know, your family, your friends, your neighbors, your communities and put a stop to the out of control spiraling of our government.

Please help spread this message by buying my new book, Grain and Grit, Ingredients of the True American at www.grainandgrit.com.

Today and for the next few days I am signing books at the Country Jam USA in Grand Junction, Colorado. As the songs of the Heartland fill the air, thousands of sun baked fans cheer on their favorite musician.

Thousands upon thousands of music patrons will be camping, drinking, eating and having as much fun as possible. But I have noticed one thing; every person has a positive happy attitude. There are smiles on the face, joy in the steps and happiness in their hearts. Here there are not people shoving each other, yelling at each other or demeaning each other. Just courteous, fun loving country fans listening to great stories placed to music by some of the greatest entertainers in the world, and great stories from the mouths of great honest Americans. Here the pride of America runs deep and strong as well toasted citizens sing songs that touch both their hearts and souls.

I would suggest every American to come to one of these Country Music festivals and enjoy the one of the greatest feelings of pride and patriotism you could ever imagine.

Spread the word of great Americans by buying Grain and Grit, Ingredients of The True American at www.grainandgrit.com

Thank you and God Bless America
Tom Taylor

Surrounded by the grand moat called the Potomac high above all the lands sits the Kingdom of Government, in which holds complete and total control of all its little subjects. As King Government, he has the right and power to tax at will, to place laws over its kingdom at will and to remove all rights or deny all rights to its subjects.

It may sound like a mythical place of the days of King Arthur, but its not. It is happening today right under your noses. The government has become its own entity, with its own kingdom, laws, lords, knights and ruling class. We have allowed our Government by the people for the people to be completely taken over by the lawyers for the lawyers, by the politicians and for the politicians and by the government for the government, with little or no regard for its actual citizens.

It is time for all to stand up and say NO MORE. It is time for all Americans to take back control of OUR government.

You may ask how? Well first stop allowing just the ego maniacs to run for political office, as a community go out and find a person you and your neighbors truly respect and ask them to run in behalf of your community. This is the way it used to be. Stop just the well connected Trial Lawyers and Political lifers running for OUR public offices. If we stand behind someone we truly respect, and believe in we will soon have a government we trust and believe in.

I will bring you more ideas in the days to come on my blogs.

Please help me spread a message of positive change by buying my book, Grain and Grit, Ingredients of The True American at www.grainandgrit.com.

Thank you, and God Bless America

Tom Taylor

Where has my “Great” service America gone? In the age of cell phones and email, it seems our love for great customer service is dissolving faster than an Alka-Seltzer on New Year’s Day.

The day of “May I help you”, or “May I assist you”, have been replaced with, “Yeah, what d’ ya’ want?” Or answering a call with just the company name by a person who sounds just like they have been in a bar fight. Or just plainly not answering emails.

On the emails, how long does it take to actually reply? A few seconds? But to get an answer 2 weeks later is a little ridiculous.

Let’s create a movement in America to achieve the best customer service possible. Greet people as if they were your friends. (They are! They are your fellow Americans!) Talk to people like you want to be spoken to. Go the extra mile just to make someone happy. It’s not that hard, and it will spread like wildfire. Then you will notice the attitude of America to change more on a positive note.

And if you don’t receive “Great” service somewhere, let the owner or manager know, or stop going there. The best way to start to change companies is in the pocketbook.

Help me spread messages like these throughout our great land; please buy my new book, Grain and Grit, Ingredients of the True American at www.grainandgrit.com.

Thank you and God Bless,

Tom Taylor

This morning as I sat and drank my coffee, contemplating life and country, my three and half year old son woke up and ran into the room. With arms opened wide, a grin from ear to ear, he shouted, “Happy Fathers Day, Daddy” in not so perfect English, but in perfect spirit. As he jumped into my arms my heart filled with warmth and a lump in my throat began to take over my emotions. That Father’s Day hug could not be bought or sold, not even for a billion dollars.

My wife then handed me a poem she and the little guy wrote titled, “Hand in Hand With my Superman.” Tears just filled my eyes with the words and the small little handprint that covered the page.

There is nothing better in life than being a Dad. It is the most rewarding, most fulfilling and the most important job I have ever had in my entire life and I take it quite seriously. But sitting in Hollywood and New York (Both great centers of the true family values, NOT!) there are those liberals and feminist who want to denigrate and demolish the institution of fatherhood by any means possible. We must not let these people dissolve the true foundations of our country and families by belittling the function of fathers in our great land. They say a father is nothing more than a sperm donor that is worthless and not needed in today’s society, I say BULL! Can a sperm play ball with his son? Can a sperm rock a little girl to sleep in his strong arms because she is scared of the dark? Can a sperm teach the great lessons of life? The answer would be a NO!

They say we need to change our outlook in our country and accept the “Two Dads”, “Two Moms” and “Single Mom’s” as the center of American life. All I have to say is, I will stand up and shout from every rooftop, “LEAVE MY AMERICA ALONE OR LEAVE MY AMERICA!”

The foundation of America, just as the foundation of the family, is solid in the unity of the entire family. Mother, Father and children. This is fundamental in our beliefs and in our hearts. This is where America is strong, and will remain strong forever. Help keep the American Family strong and alive by raising your voices above the gloom and doomers of our society.

Please help me spread the message by buying my book, Grain and Grit, Ingredients of The True American at www.grainandgrit.com.

Thank you, and Happy Fathers Day!
Tom Taylor

Angelina Jolie recently blocked news reporters from Fox News, limited questions about her personal life and shunned the media as a whole. What’s really weird is she is pushing her new movie about a journalist????

As usual the media is splashing her picture all over the place and phrasing her actions…what a joke. I would say boycott the film because of her actions, but it would hurt other hard working people. What we really need to do is stop listening to Hollywood, turn off our TV’s and start to turn this nation back around  to where we came from, and find what is truly important to us. I, as millions of Americans, care less what is happening to one star or another in the movies or on the TV. What really matters to us is the state of our nation, the state of our world and stories about real people, performing great accomplishments.Please take the time and do some research into the spine of America, her citizens. Here you will find amazing stories about God, honor, country, love and life. About true miracles that happen each and everyday that changes the complexion of America. If the media had a backbone, and really wanted to change the world, they would work harder to find stories of Great Americans. Although this will take actual work and research, which hasn’t been seen around a TV studio in years. Please help me pass along the positive message of America. Please purchase my book Grain and Grit, Ingredients of The True American at www.grainandgrit.comThank youTom Taylor

Here is a recent article sent to me from AFA (American Family Association) about the use of “certain” words in church or the workplace. Enough is enough…please stand up and say, “NO MORE”. Help me push this message out to America by buying my book, Grain and Grit, Ingredients of The True American on my website, www.grainandgrit.com

Here is the Article:
If pastors and other Christians don’t aggressively oppose a bill now in Congress, in the near future they will be subject to huge fines and prison terms if they say anything negative about homosexuality.

Another liberal gone batty!!!

Michael Moore in recent interviews now blames the media for the war in Iraq and for the health care crisis in America, because they didn’t answer the “Tough” questions.

The day after a so called “respected” doctor’s article in a medical journal came out about a drug, the lawyers leapt into action. On TV, Newspapers and on the internet these ambulance chasing lawyers started the “Scare Tactics” to get people to sue GlaxoSmithKline over the drug Avandia.

My question would be, “Why are the lawyers so quick to act?”

Well it’s an easy answer, MONEY. They want more of it, and will find anyway to extract it from the compaines of America. It makes me sick. They are not performing a so called “public service”, but a self serving service to line their own pockets.

While Michael Moore is out there promoting his new film, “Sicko”, about how America and the FDA is failing citizens, there is no mention (From what I have heard) about the evil lawyers sucking drug companies and Americans dry.

This is where we need to stand up and say, “I HAVE HAD ENOUGH AND I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!”

Next time you are at a pharmacy and you are making a decision about whether to buy food or medicine, thank the trial lawyers, liberals like Michael Moore and democrat politicians for making drugs so expensive due to our tort system.

God Bless America

Read my new book: Grain and Grit, Ingredients of The True American www.grainandgrit.com

Tom Taylor

It is now the time for all Americans to come together again and create a better, stronger America. How you ask? Well it is quite easy, start with you neighbors.

Say “Hi” to your neighbors and get to know them. Get to know “All” your neighbors. This is where is live and your children play each and every day, so make it the best possible environment. Once you get to know your immediate neighbors, have a bock or street party so everyone can meet each other and become aquainted.

Then invite your entire neighborhood to a park for a neighborhood party. Then have two or three neighborhoods get together for a huge party. This is where we become a united, stronger community. This is where we become a united, stronger America.

It is like a seed, that once planted, nourished and cared for will grow deep and vast roots, stron aznd stable. These roots become the tree of America.

Become the seed in your community today.

God Bless America

Tom Taylor
Author
Grain and Grit, Ingredients of the True American