Consumers - vote with your wallet

We all seem to forget that We, the People still control all of it with our purchasing power.

You don't like what's happening in Wall Street? - Don't give them your money - invest elsewhere, stick your money into local programs and local credit unions.

You don't like the Fannie and Freddy issue? - go to banks that are local, hold money locally, and lend conservatively.

You don't like fat cat CEO issues? - buy from the smaller guys, support your community.

Think the big box stores and large chains are bad for smaller local businesses? - Don't buy there, instead support your community.

Does that mean you're going to have to think a bit more? Yep - consider it exercise to stave off early Alzheimer's.

We, the People, can choose who we support, and where we spend our money.

Here is one company that seems to be doing it right.

I may or may not agree with the war, but I can choose to support the companies who support our people.

Check out what Sears is doing for the soldiers - then add them to the list of places to shop.

It is verified by Snopes.com

"Sears - Christmas shopping has already started

I know I needed this reminder since Sears isn't always my first choice. Amazing when you think of how long the war in Iraq has lasted and they haven't withdrawn from their commitment. Could we each buy at least one thing at Sears this year?

How does Sears treat its employees who are called up for military duty? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up.

Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years.

I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution. I suggest we all shop at Sears, and be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement it well deserves.

Pass it on.

Someone decided to check this before they sent it forward. So they sent the following e-mail to the Sears Customer Service Department:

"I received this e-mail and I would like to know if it is true. If it is, the Internet may have just become one very good source of advertisement for your company. I know I would go out of my way to buy products from Sears instead of another store for a like item, even if it's cheaper at that store."

This is their answer to the e-mail:

"Dear Customer:

Thank you for contacting Sears.The information is factual. We appreciate your positive feedback.

Sears regards service to our country as one of greatest sacrifices our young men and women can make. We are happy to do our part to lessen the burden they bear at this time.

Bill Thorn
Sears Customer Care
webcenter@sears.com
1-800-349-4358"

Please pass this on to all your friends. Sears needs to be recognized for this outstanding contribution and we need to show them as Americans, we do appreciate what they are doing for our military!!!