Today in History: May 25th - Ralph Waldo Emerson

'There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion;…The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried.' Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Self Reliance,"  Essays, First Series, 1841.

Essayist, philosopher, and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson was born in Boston on May 25, 1803. Son and grandson of Protestant divines, Emerson attended Harvard College and Harvard Divinity School, entering the Unitarian ministry in 1829.  Read more about Emerson at http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/today.html

History Teaches Everything!!

We just finished reading Federalist Number 19 written by Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.    Everyday  my thoughts on the direction of this country are validated.  Its eerie how the founders knew the troubles that lay ahead if citizens become complacent on their role to govern.   If you read the documents you learn about history and the cautionary words the founders wrote to educate people on how to safeguard the Constitution and the Republic.  Become part of the national conversation on the Founding Fathers and the founding principles... http://www.constitutingamerica.org/  .

Generations bring History Forward

Okay, so I've been working on a project for the last few months and its required much research...research on world history.    During which I often turned to my parents to discuss the days findings and it became apparent to me that their insight is priceless.  I could sit and listen to their perspective on world events and history all day!!!  So very interesting!!! 

Educating America's Children

I came across this website after seeing co-founder of Consituting America, Janine Turner and her daughter, on Fox & Friends this week.  Please take time to check it out.  Its inspiring, hopeful and educational...it is www.constitutingamerica.org .   Now is the time to educate ourselves and our chldren on the framework of America's history.  The Founding Fathers were wise men; there is a reason our great country is called The United States of America.  Constituting America offers simple fun ways to engage yourself, family, friends and your community to learn about the Constitution, Founding Fathers and founding principles.  Stand up be read....educate yourself, educate others!!

Get Rally Ready!

We've been overwhelmed with response to our apparel line and message tees. So excited that people are engaged and get it!!  We have Large and XLarge sizes still available in Abraham Lincoln 1863 & 1864, Uncle Sam, and Thomas Jefferson Question with Boldness.  All sizes are available in the Alexander Hamilton tee.  Get Rally Ready and recieve a 10% coupon on all Stand Up. Be Read.TM apparel.  Redeem your coupon using the code Rally at Check Out.  Offer ends April 30, 2010..hurry and place your order today!!  www.standupberead.com

Day 4: AAM - VOTE IN NOVEMBER

Its the last day at the Atlanta Apparel Mart.  We met so many interesting people...all of them business owners-wholesalers, designers, and buyers. The modo of day 4: VOTE IN NOVEMBER!  Over the past four days we shared stories with business owners about anxiety over the economy but also hope for the future.  In short, business owners want government out of their business, they want corporate taxes lowered, they want healthcare repealled, they want incentives to keep manufacturing jobs in the US, and they want politicians who are truthful.   Many of us are small business owners who, based on principle, use US companies to manufacture goods to support the American workforce. On the flip side we are penalized and at times not competitive because the cost to produce goods is more expensive and sets up our cost of goods to be more than the competition who don't care about 'USA made' labels and prefer to make their products overseas to take advantage of the lower costs.  
The bottom line is that there is a feeling that Washington DC talks a big story about looking after the small business owner, but they don't act on the talk...and this has been going on for years.  Policies just add to the burden in a sluggish economy.  'Where is Reagan?'
That being said, we are all hopeful that through the election process politicians will be forced to get out of the way of small business and the free market will pull the economy out of the recession.
Oh and one last note...consumers, please support the American workforce and buy products made in the USA!!  Go to this website for more information:  www.americansworking.com

Day 3: Atlanta Apparel Mart

Yesterday was day 3 at Atlanta Apparel Mart.  We continue to get great feedback from buyers and guests alike - "Great tees, great message, perfect timing."  Modo of the day: stay true to your passion and have faith in yourself.