Buying local?
The Christmas shopping season is here again. It's time to break out those checkbooks and credit cards and dive into the crowds, just like we do every year.
And though we gripe and groan about the high cost of toys and jewelry and other gifts, we enjoy it — it's fun to give people presents.
But where do we purchase these gifts?
That's when the local merchant's mantra comes to mind. Repeat after me: Buy local. Buy local. Buy local.
However, some Hillsboro residents take this too far. Let's take some time to examine the phenomenon of "buying local."
When you think of buying local, you probably think of heading to a store or business that's located in the town of Hillsboro, whether it's right downtown or on Highway 56.
But for some Hillsboro residents, that's not enough. For them, buying local means something much more complex. They want the business to be owned by someone who lives within the Hillsboro city limits.
Sounds pretty picky, doesn't it? A little legalistic? You bet.
If we went by those guidelines, you wouldn't be allowed to shop at many local businesses.
Plenty of local businesses have ties outside Hillsboro. Think of the names that are seen all across the United States: Alco. Radio Shack. McDonald's. Ampride. Pizza Hut. Subway. Dollar General. Alltel
And think of the stores that aren't owned locally, like the new Hillsboro Furniture and Photo Express.
Don't forget the banks, too — like Central National and Emprise.
The list goes on.
So if these "buying local legalists" follow their own guidelines, they shouldn't ever patronize the aforementioned businesses.
That's just ridiculous.
We always want non-residents to spend their money in our town, but we refuse to spend a penny in theirs. How selfish and hypocritical is that?
Another point: Who among us can say that they never, ever shop outside of Hillsboro? Some things you just can't find here.
If you say that you never, ever visit the McPherson or Newton Wal-Mart or head for a Wichita mall, you're probably not telling the truth.
And if you decide to look for some goodies at another town in Marion County — say, a visit to the Copper Shed near Marion — go ahead. Shouldn't we be supporting all economic growth for Marion County?
The bottom line is this: Shop at home first. Before you head out, see what's in town. If the toys on your child's wish lists can be found here, great! Buy them here. That way, sales tax dollars support your community.
But if you want to shop in Marion, Salina, Wichita, or Newton — go ahead! Don't feel guilty. It's your money, and you can do whatever you want with it.
Just because you do doesn't make you a horrible person.
— JENNIFER WILSON
