Shunned For Gun Questions

Alright guys, before I get started on this post I would just like to make a few things very clear. First, I am all for the Second Amendment giving one the right to bear arms. Second, I am all for buying and selling firearms. Third, I am all for open carry and carrying concealed weapons. Fourth, I am all for owning and shooting guns and protecting people and property with guns. And finally, I am pro-gun through and through.

However, with all that being said, I am also a strong believer and supporter of smart, COMMON SENSE gun control including universal backround checks on all firearm sales, banning internet sales of all firearms, banning the sale of firearms ya know, typically used in warfare without special, yearly, safety classes, health screenings, and license/registration renewal, limiting the number of rounds a magazine is capable of firing, closing loopholes which allow bad and or sick people to easily get their hands on guns and also coming down harder on violators of these laws and people who have guns registered in their names that were used to break the law.

Ok, now lets get on with the story shall we? I've been a member of the Clio Montrose Birch Run yardsale site on Facebook for quite some time. I've been selling items weekly through the site. A few days ago I came acrossed a post with somebody trying to sell a few guns. It kind of suprised me so I finally decided to read through the rules of the site to see if there were any policies against such sales. I was even more suprised to see that the sale of firearms is 100% permitted through the site.

My mind began racing with all of the possible scenerios that could come from the sale of firearms through the site. What if a 16 year old changed their birthday on Facebook, became a member of the site and was able to get their hands on a gun because the person selling it was too worried about the cash to check their ID? I know I need not remind everyone that you have to be at least 18 years of age to purchase a firearm in Michigan no matter the type of gun it is or the means in which you purchase it. But I just reminded you all anyway didn't I? Now, just think...what if that 16 year old takes that gun to school and does the unthinkable? What if?

What if a criminal gets their hands on  a firearm through the site? What if somebody with a mental illness gets their hands on a gun? Is it possible that every seller of a firearm through the site is making sure the buyer isn't a criminal or mentally ill? Sure, it's possible but it's certainally not probable. I know I need not remind you all that you cant have a criminal record or a history of mental illness in Michigan and legally buy or own a gun. I wonder how many illegal transactions have been made through sites like this? And who is overseeing these sales, making sure they are legal and legit?

I can tell you who isn't overseeing the sales of firearms on the site. The owner and administrators. And I know this because after thinking about my concerns for a short while, I decided to message the sites owner to kind of feel her out on the issue. I asked her about the sites full policy on firearm sales and if the site would be liable if anything bad were to happen due to the sale of a firearm through the site. I also asked how she would personally feel if something bad were to happen through her site.

She explained to me that hand gun sales were to be done at police stations with paperwork but long gun sales could be done wherever/however. She also assured me that legally, she wouldn't be responsible if anything bad happened. All responsibility lies with the seller/buyer. Which, I totally agree with. What I do not agree with is the huge loophole she is leaving open by allowing the sale of firearms through her site. The loophole which allows almost anybody to buy a firearm at any time.

Now, in my opinion here is where the story gets good. The whole reason for my post. First, let me describe my tone and the mood during the converstation I had with the sites owner. I, in no way even remotely implied to her that she should ban the sale of firearms on her site. I, in no way was mean, cocky or rude in anything that I said to this lady and told her multiple times that I wasn't starting or trying to start any problems for anybody. Again, I was just simply asking her a few questions. And I asked those questions in a calm, mature, civilized and respectful way.

When I was done asking, and she was done answering I said thank you for your time and told her to have a Merry Christmas. She said it back and told me she was talking to the other administrators about it at that very moment. I thought to myself cool...they're at least having a discussion about it and I actually thanked her again for that reason.

I was feeling pretty good about myself. Starting a discussion about something that affects the safety of at least three communities, if not more. And I know how sensitive the subjects of guns and gun control are in this country so I had no expectations and no intentions of really trying to change anything. But after she told me that her and the other administrators were talking about it I was thinking that maybe...just maybe they would all see the point I was trying to make and realize that selling firearms through the site was a bad idea.

So, you can imagine how suprised I was-even more so than seeing a gun posted on the site in the first place and even more so than learning that the sale of firearms was permitted on the site...and how disappointed I was...and how frustrated I was when I woke up the next morning only to find that I had not only been kicked off the site but was also blocked completely from even seeing that the site exist at all.

It honestly kind of felt like someone had purchased a gun illegally through that Clio Montrose Birch Run yardsale site on Facebook and shot me dead killing my dreams of a safer, more responsible America. And the false hope is still bleeding out of my body today because after realizing I was blocked, I sent the owner another message asking why I had been blocked. I didn't get any answer from her and am still waiting for at least some sort of reply back.

You know, there is a right way to buy and sell guns and there is a wrong way to do it. Yardsale sites, etc. is the wrong way to do it. Regardless of anything having to do with guns and gun control here, in no way...for no reason should I have been kicked off and blocked from the site. That is not how America works. That is not how humanity works. Will these people ever realize this? Will people ever realize that by sitting back...and by not caring...and by not doing anything to fix these problems, they just make everything worse? Will these people ever be for America?

Well, thank you for hearing me out and feel free to share this story if you believe the sale of firearms through yardsale sites like the Clio Montrose Birch Run site is a bad idea and or if you agree that blocking me was the absolute wrong move on their part. Again, I thank you all for your time! Now, lets save this great country in which we all call home!

Peace On Earth, Good Will Toward Men?

With our country even more divided today then it was yesterday and last year and 20 years ago and with so much turmoil going on at home and abroad I'm posting these three Christmas songs to remind us all that without LOVE and PEACE and HOPE and COMPASSION this entire world would be lost.

We all need to do a better job at showing love, peace, hope and compassion not only around this time of year but throughout the entire year.

Please help me share these songs and practice the messages behind each one. Thank you. I love you all. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Amy Grant-Grown Up Christmas List
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RmF2rsDHOZc

John Lennon-Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sbKQ7nXx0o8&autoplay=1

Far f/ Chino Moreno-Feed The World (Do They Know Its Christmas)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dpZ3Hsif1jI

"Put Christ Back in Christmas"

I say "Happy Halloween" on Halloween, "Happy Thanksgiving" on Thanksgiving, "Merry Christmas" on Christmas and "Happy New Year" on New Years day. I say "Happy Holidays" when wishing cheer throughout the entire holiday season.

When somebody says "Happy Holidays" it's because they're talking about all of the holidays. They're not trying to do away with the name "Christmas". They are not knocking or trying to offend Christ. Or Christians. They are not trying to change what the true meaning of the holiday is...or excuse me what the true meaning of Christmas really is. They are not waging any kind of war on religion or Christianity. They are simply wishing you a happy Holiday Season.

Why people are offended by this is beyond me? If somebody does say "Happy Holidays" to you because they are uncomfortable saying "Merry Christmas", you should just be happy that they are even acknowledging the holiday at all.

Plus, I dont get why people are just now getting offened by people saying "Happy Holidays". I've heard people say "Happy Holidays" during each of my 30 years on this earth. I didn't see or hear anybody make a big deal about the "Happy Holidays" saying until recent years.

Not to mention the fact that there is how many different countries and religions and nationalities around the world that celebrate their holidays at the same time as us. Ramadan, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Omisoka, Fiesta of our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Lucia Day, Boxing Day and the list goes on and on.

And here is the thing. Unlike Christians, there are actually people who are considerate of other peoples beliefs. And seeing how America is the great and diverse country that it is, it's perfectly acceptable for one to use the phrase "Happy Holidays". Saying "Happy Holidays" is a universal and respectful way to send happiness to people of all religions and all nationalities during this most joyous time of the year.

I also dont know why people get offended by others calling their own tree a "Holiday Tree". I mean really? It's a tree. Who cares? If Christians are going to get offended by a "Holiday Tree", then as an enviromentalist, I am going to have to start getting offended that you're calling Pine Trees, "Christmas Trees".

Na, I wouldn't do that because I could care less what you call your own tree. And nobody else should care either. And you know what? I put up my tree before Thanksgiving and leave it up until New Years Day. So, technically...you know, it is a "Holiday Tree". I've even thought about leaving my tree up all year long to decorate it for every holiday. Would you be offended on the 4th of July by my "Independence Tree"? I would certainally hope not.

So for now on, just worry about what you call your tree and let others call theirs what they want. You say "Merry Christmas" all you want but let people just say "Happy Holidays" if that's what they want. Stop being offended by things that dont matter. As long as YOU remember and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, it doesn't matter what anybody else thinks or says.

Because if Christ isn't a part of Christmas anymore it's because Christians are making it that way. It's because Christians would rather complain about what others call the holidays rather then just celebrate what Christmas is truly all about, Christ.

No matter what you Christians think, who are offended by one saying "Happy Holidays", nobody is trying to take Christ out of Christmas. It's Christmas. It's the holidays. Either saying is fine. Stop getting offended by nothing.

Last thing, when schools, businesses or whoever else calls it "Winter Break" or "Holiday Break", they aren't trying to offend you. They just aren't trying to offend anybody else either. So just get over it and enjoy your holidays already.

Merry Christmas to all you Christians out there and Happy Holidays to everybody else.

Democratic Disappointment

Michigan's Republican Governor, Rick Snyder won re-election by 128,130 votes in this years midterm elections. 625,000 registered Michigan Democrats didn't vote this past Tuesday. That's DID NOT vote. That is unacceptable and may be more pathetic than anything Snyder has ever done. Then again, Snyder has done some pretty messed up, sleezy, low life stuff. Nonetheless, 625,000 Democrats not voting is still horribly, horribly disappointing.

So, I'm on a new mission. A mission to not only get Democrats here in Michigan but to also get Democrats all over the country to drop the "I dont care" attitude and realize the importance of voting in all elections. A mission to get Democrats excited about the fact that when Democrats vote, Democrats win. And when Democrats win, America wins.

But my mission will be more than just getting Democrats out to the polls for every election. My mission will include getting Republicans to vote blue as well. Because what's even more messed up than millions of Democrats not voting in this country is the fact that most of the policies and proposals passed on Tuesday favor Democratic agendas. The ones that failed favored Republican agendas.

-Marijuana was legalized in 2 more states (Oregon and Alaska) and in Washington DC.

-Proposals that raised taxes (for good things-parks,millages,etc.) were passed.

-Policies that discriminated against women were shot down.

-Hell, in Denton Texas they banned fracking. The city in which fracking was created voted to ban the practice. Imagine that?

Now, since the majority of voters in this past election were overwhelmingly Republican voters that only means one thing. It obviously means Republicans actually support Democratic policies. Yet, they elect Republican canidates who push Republican policies which hurt our country. It just doesn't make sense to me and desperately needs to be changed.

That's what my new mission is. To change the way people feel about politics and voting. To not only make those people understand the importance of voting in every election but to also make people understand the importance of voting blue in every election. Because as I stated above when Democrats win, America wins.

Are you with me here? Do you understand the importance of voting in every election? If so, will you help me with my mission? Will you help spread awareness and get people out to the polls for every election? Will you make people see that a vote for the blue is a vote for you. Will make people understand that a vote for the red means your vote is dead? Will you help me save America?

Republicans Are Big Government

Republicans are against "big government" but if Republicans actually looked out for the best interest of ALL Americans and fought for what was actually right for this country then "big government" wouldn't be required at all.

But when you want to give all the tax breaks to the people who dont need them (the rich) and people who dont make good on those tax breaks with job creation (the corporations)...."big government" is indeed needed.

When you refuse to give people (all people)-adults, teenagers, elderly, intelligent people, not so intelligent people, people between jobs, kids just out of college, etc-a fair and decent wage that they are able to pay their bills with and pay their rent with and buy groceries with and get their car fixed when needed, etc. then "big government" is needed.

When your answer to every conflict abroad is to invade countries, steel what you want, destroy everything else and kill whoever gets in your way even if it cost the lives of 4500+ American troops then somebody has to step up and say enough is enough. Somebody has to say there are better ways to solve these issues without massive bloodshed that will only lead to more bloodshed ten years down the road. And if you want to call whoever steps up to say this, "big government" then so be it.

When you discriminate against women by denying them things like equal pay or when you place the blame of rape upon the rape victim instead of the suspect then "big government" is needed. Besides, Republicans are all for "big government" when it comes to things like abortion and birth control.

When you discriminate against the LGBT community by denying them their right to marry the person they love, thus denying them the same benefits that people who make that commitment are entitled to, thus denying them the right to start a family by adopting kids (ya know, the same kids that were protected by Republican abortion regulations and are now-not suprisingly-just bouncing around from foster home to foster home suffering through the system....) then "big government" is needed.

When you refuse to believe in the facts of science (global warming, evelution, etc.) or just dont care enough about the facts to do anything good with your power then "big government" is needed. When you allow for the unsafe practices of oil drilling-like fracking-to destroy the earth beneath our communities then "big government" is needed. When you take bribes and "donations" in return for letting these non-environmental friendly companies and corporations pollute our land and dump waste into our streams, rivers, lakes and oceans then "big government" is needed.

When you consistantly lie about sensable gun control laws and scare people into believing our "big government" wants to take their guns away (one of the biggest and most dangerous Republican lies out there today) just to please the NRA who handsout billions of dollars to these Republicans for their lies-all while innocent people pointlessly fall victim to gun violence week after week after week then "big government" is needed.

So you see? "Big government" is needed. When it comes down to it, there is only one real reason why Republicans in this country hate "big government". That reason is greed. Plain and simple. Pure and arrogant greed. And its funny because those same Republicans are actually for "big government" and "big government" regulations when it comes to things like immigration, welfare and as mentioned before, abortion and birth control. But of course, the reason for their support of "big government" on these issues is yup, you guessed it...greed.

If we dont change our ways, greed will probably kill us all before any flood...or astroid strike...or solar explosion...or zombie apocolypes...or ISIS...or Ebola or WWIII or even Judgement Day for all you Christians out there. We must change this society in which greed has become the norm and rules our lives or that same greed will inevitably destroy us all.

If you're one of those people who think they hate "big government" for the reasons above, you should think twice about it and ask yourself...do I really hate "big government" or do I just hate the reason we need "big government"? Republicans.

Backup For My Boy Barack

I'm showing more love and support here for President Obama because he deserves a whole lot more credit than he recieves. These days, he can't even muster up support from his own party because of all the misplaced blame, hate and lies directed his way from the Republicans.

Now, I understand there are some Democrats out there trying to win elections in Red states, where most of these lies have generated from in the first place so most of this is directed at those Republicans. But I say this to the Democrats distancing themselves from our leader...don't forget that we are all on the same team here, fighting for the same things. And don't forget who is leading us there. If this country was going backwards then yes, by all means distance yourself from our leader. As a nation however, we are on the right track. Whether the opposing team wants to admit it or not. Whether the opposing team wants to lie through their teeth about it or not.

And that's what irritates me the most. The blatent lies. Ya know, if you don't like President Obama simply because you're a Republican then that's fine. That's your right. But you can't dislike our president because of all the lies being told about him by your Republican leaders. When you do indeed base your opinions on lies, your opinions are wrong. Your opinions are meaningless. Your opinions are nothing.

Examples:

1. If you don't like Obamacare that's fine. But you can't dislike Obamacare because it adds massive amounts of debt to our budget. And you can't dislike Obamacare because it doesn't help out millions of Americans because the REAL FACTS show it DOES NOT add debt to this country and it REALLY DOES help millions of Americans who were previously uninsured and possibly dying.

2. It's ok to dislike the fact that immigration reform is long overdue in this country. And you can not like the fact that Obama hasn't taken executive action on the matter (although, if he did do that the Republicans would complain that he acted alone even though there is a bipartisan immigration bill sitting in the Republican led House of Representatives waiting to be passed). But you can't dislike Obama because he just lets people into this country and then lets them stay illegally. Republicans forget or fail to mention the REAL FACT that Obama has deported more people than any other president before him. You also can't dislike Obama for following immigration laws passed by those same Republicans. Especially when the bill waiting in the House would fix all of these problems.

3. You can hate the fact that millions of Americans live in poverty and the fact that our economy isn't as strong as it should be. But you can't hate Obama for not creating jobs or bringing the economy back from the recession because REAL FACTS show that he has done both. You can't hate Obama for our poverty woes when Obama supports the strongest and quickest thing that would lift millions of people out of poverty...raising the minimum wage. REAL FACTS also show that to be true.

4. You can dislike Obama's foreign policy. But you can't hate Obama for not keeping the homeland safe (and regardless of the Republican fear mongering over ISIS, our borders and now Ebola, the homeland is safe). And you can't hate Obama because Middle Eastern countries let ISIS grow into what they currently are. You can't blame Obama for the problems of Iraq because he really did want to keep troops over there. What would you do when now former Iraqi Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki would not ensure your troops safety? And you can't hate Obama because of what Vladimir Putan is doing to Ukraine. If you want to blame anybody for the illegal actions of Russia you blame Russia and maybe the UN, NATO and the EU. You cannot justifiably blame Obama's foreign policy for any of these things. A foreign policy that keeps American troops and civilians abroad safe. A foreign policy that ensures another 9-11 doesn't happen on the homeland. On our homeland.

5. You can't dislike Obama because he supports gun control and wants to take your guns away. For the last time, that is NOT what gun control is. If you read up about REAL gun control and have just a little bit of common sense, gun control laws should be welcomed by us all. If you have the right to own a gun now, you would still have that right with gun control laws. That's the only thing that matters. So, dont hate Obama because you wouldn't be able to own, carry, shoot and buy more guns with gun control because you would still be able to own, carry, shoot and buy all the guns you want with gun control.

6. You can hate Obama because he's a Democrat. Or because he grew up in Hawaii. Or because he likes to golf and play basketball. But you can't dislike Obama because he's a Kenyan, a Muslim, a dictator, a tyrant, an imperelist, a communist, a socialist or a weak, un-American, out of touch leader. Because REAL FACTS prove all of those Republican made tittles for our Commander-in-Chief to be 100% false.

I only ask that you see beyond all of the lies. And these are just a few examples of the propaganda that people let Republicans force into their minds. Please don't let all the lies form your opinions of President Obama and all the important issues because that is the kind of ignorance ruining this great country. That is the kind of arrogance halting the REAL PROGRESS that could bring our nation back to #1 again in every category. And I mean no offense to anybody here. However, if you're offended by any of this, I would advise you to brush up on the REAL FACTS.

To finish, I will leave you all with this shockingly accurate newsflash: If you dont like President Obama due to any of these above mentioned lies or the hundreds of other false statements made about him by Republicans, then guess what? The truth is...that in reality...you probably...actually...like President Obama. <----Another REAL FACT. So, open your eyes to all of the ridiculously blatent lies and start fighting for our president the way he has been fighting for you.

#ThanksObama

I am so sick and tired of the #BlameObama mentality of this country. When things go bad, when things happen overseas with no connection to the U.S., when things happen here that have no connection to President Obama, big things, little things, important things, petty things and yes, even when good things happen both because of and not because of President Obama, people #BlameObama.

I understand theres alot of people out there who #BlameObama sarcastically or just for fun (I do it and I laugh when other people do it). But in all honesty that really just encourages Republicans to keep all of this #BlameObama nonsense going.

So, for the last two years of his presidancy, I will be using the #ThanksObama hashtag to show my appreciation and graditude for all of the good (and trust me, there is alot more good than bad) things that President Obama has done for me, for you and for this country.

And yes, just like the Republicans lie and #BlameObama for the most outragous things imaginable, I will also say #ThanksObama for things that he has absolutely no connection too. If and when Republicans stop blamming President Obama for everything just because of their selfishness and hate, I will stop saying #ThanksObama for everything.

Now, if you get sick of this which I imagine alot of you will, I suggest you open your eyes to all of the lies being told by elected Republicans. I suggest you start giving credit to President Obama for what he's been able to do with what he inherrited and what he's been able to accomplish even with all of the opposition to progress he's been meant with by the House of Republicans.

Its really easy. All you have to do is read, research and base your opinions on the REAL FACTS. Thats whats great about this country. We have the freedom to access the REAL FACTS. Now, you do need to know where to look. I'd stay away from Liberal leaning sources like MSNBC, Blue Nation Review, etc. and Conservative leaning sources like FoxNews, Independent Journal Review, etc. And please, please, please dont take the satire sites seriously. The right sources are out there you just have to research. Then, once you understand the REAL FACTS all you have to do is say #ThanksObama. And here is a good place to use my first #ThanksObama hashtag...

#ThanksObama for not being a tyrant, or a Nazi, or a dictating king who wants to limit your access to the real facts through the internet and media outlets.

I think its funny how the same kind of propaganda (negativity and lies) used by lets say ISIS and Russia-that everybody in America hates (including the Republicans)-is the same kind of propaganda that they themselves (the Republicans) use to drive wedges into this country and promote things like hate, fear and misplaced blame. And here is a good place to use my second #ThanksObama hashtag...

#ThanksObama for understanding that propaganda has no place in this country or this world.

If you go by the REAL FACTS and agree that President Obama deserves much more credit and respect than he presently recieves, please share this post and start using the #ThanksObama hashtag as much as you possibly can.

Thank You and #ThanksObama

The Price You Gotta Pay

Ever hear the expression “freedom isn’t free”? Well, my fellow Americans…it’s the truth. And that expression doesn’t just apply to the brave men and women overseas and around the world courageously putting their lives at risk on the front lines of war every day for our freedom. It doesn’t just apply to our heroic veterans of past, present and future who have served and will serve their country with great pride. And it doesn’t just apply to our fallen soldiers who have paid the ultimate price by sacrificing their lives to provide better ones for us…God bless their souls.

No, that expression applies to every single person who calls themselves an American. Nobody is exempt. We, as citizens of the United States of America-a free country-have an obligation to pay for that freedom. There are prices that we must pay to be able to do and say whatever we want, whenever we want to do and say it. There are prices for living free. And just like the prices of goods and products we need on a daily basis to survive change, and go up or down, so do the prices of living free. And we have a responsibility to pay the prices set by the people that we elect to determine those costs. (Yes, the people that we elect. We elect officials to look out for our best interest. We elect the people to do what is necessary to keep us and our freedom safe. We elect our government.)

Now, some people might not like the prices that have to be paid or the changes that have to be made to those prices or the politicians making all of those decisions-people certainly don’t like paying $3.50 for a gallon of gas, or being told where they can and can’t smoke cigarettes, or that the NSA monitors internet activity to potentially keep us safe from terrorism and other threats, or that when two people love each other they should be able to get married regardless of their gender, or the fact that the government is forcing them to buy health insurance because it is economically responsible to do so and will also keep insurance companies from driving up cost, dropping your coverage when you need it the most and worst of all, flat out screwing-over the elderly and the chronically sick, or that strict universal back round checks should be performed on ALL firearm sales to keep violent weapons out of the hands of criminals, the mentally challenged, the clinically insane and innocent children who just don’t know any better, or the fact that there are certain firearms out there that should be illegal to buy, period, or that their taxes go up on a yearly basis, or the fact that the United States has to “police” the world to ensure homeland security-but it is every Americans responsibility to pay for those rights of freedom, whether they accept the responsibility or not. Do you think members of our military like being targeted and shot at every single day? No, but they do it anyway because they understand that it has to be done.

If you don’t like the way things are then you have the ability to get involved and make a change. That’s what makes America great. That’s what freedom really is. When all you do is argue and disagree, in a non-productive way, with everything the government decides is best for you and your fellow citizens, that’s when you hurt our country, give us a bad name and put our freedom in jeopardy. Until Americans realize the government isn’t trying to take our freedom away from us, they’re trying to preserve it for our children, our young and our youth-the future leaders of the world-then none of us will truly be able to prosper in all the glories of what freedom really is and what freedom really stands for. It’s the price you gotta pay.

Box Tops 4 Education

We’ve all seen those cut out coupons on the top of our cereal boxes, but how many of us can say that we actually cut them out or even know what they are used for. The truth is, unless you’re a parent or a teacher, most people could probably care less what Box Tops for Education is, what it does or how to participate. With this post, I hope to bring more awareness to what Box Tops are and the absolute good they can do for you and your community.

Box Tops for Education is a program designed to help K-8 schools across the country raise money on a yearly basis for necessities to survive. With over 90,000 schools participating in the program, Box Tops have provided $525,000,000 for education since its beginning in 1996.

So, how exactly does it work? Well, when it comes down to it, it starts with us. You can now find Box Tops labels on over 250 consumer products including name brand items like General Mills, Betty Crocker, Bisquick, Reynolds, Fiber One, Gold Metal, Pilsbury, Yoplait, Totino’s, Old El Paso, Progresso, Suddenly Salad, Tuna Helper, Chicken Helper, and Hamburger Helper. Also products like Cottonelle, Scott, Ziploc, Green Giant, Grands, Ocean Spray, Reeses, Alpine Lace, Land O Lakes, Bugles, Chex Mix, Cascadian Farm, Cereal Treat Bars, Motts, Nature Valley, Larabar, Gardettos, Food Should Taste Good, and Hefty and Hanes products. You can also find eBoxTops at over 300 online retailer websites and can even find bonus Box Tops on receipts at participating grocery stores.

Once you find the labels all you have to do is cut or tear them out before you throw away the containers or print them out when you purchase something online. Then, send them to school with your kids or take them to the schools office yourself. You may even be able to find a drop box in your local grocery store. When the Box Tops are turned in, your school gets money for whatever it needs.

Now, here is where it gets a little political. With the national debt eating away at our pocketbooks and across the board spending cuts damaging our educational system, far too few of us participate in this program. We the people have the ability to make a change. We the people still have the ability to run this country and we the people have the opportunity to make things right for our children, our youth and our future.

And it’s so easy. Simply start buying products with Box Top labels (chances are, you probably already have items in your house with the labels on them) and take the time to clip or tear them off. You could even just collect the labels and turn them in once a year. They usually don’t expire for a few years depending on when you purchase the item. Each coupon is worth $0.10. Schools that participate in the program are able to earn up to $20,000 per year from Box Tops.

Yes, that’s $20,000 per year! And most schools don’t even come close to reaching that goal. When you look at the numbers a bit closer and break them down between 90,000 different schools, over the past 18 years those schools have only averaged around $325.00 per year, when they could be maxing out at that $20,000 mark. Granted, some schools achieve more than others and some schools achieve less, but we have far more schools not even coming close to that maximum number than we do reaching it.

 For example, Carter Elementary, in my hometown of Montrose, Michigan has only averaged around $2,332 over the last 5 years. Overall, since the program began, this school has only earned $22,701. That’s just over the total it could receive each year. These labels are essentially free money considering the fact that Box Tops are on items that we already buy and use each day.

It’s on us to help out our schools collect these Box Tops because if the government can’t find ways to fund education, then we the people must step up and do something. Even if you don’t have young children yourself, surely you know somebody that does or somebody that would benefit. $20,000 may not seem like that much but I assure you it could go a long way. Not only does clipping Box Tops help our schools by freeing up money to pay good teachers or make improvements with the newest technology and etc., but when you buy Box Tops products it’s going to help the economy as well. It’s a win-win for everybody and it all begins with us. So, start clipping those Box Tops. It will better our schools, our kids, our economy and our selves.

Sources:

http://www.boxtops4education.com/