I didn't miss any part of your post. Bear in mind that priorities vary from person to person. For instance, retirees without children who relocate to Sowal may not reap the full benefits of youth soccer. There are a variety of demographics that need to be considered. On this thread more than once I've addressed those that extend beyond my own. Just talking reality. Some of these people can and do give to charities themselves. I firmly believe that if people focus on their own needs, their contributions to society will take care of themselves. After all, you're focusing on your needs, should you really expect different from others?
Can I ask what activities you participated in during your youth? Were you involved in a youth sports league? School Band, how about the drama team, the arts, boy / girl scouts, school athletics? If so, where did the funding come from? Did the uniform have the name of a local business?
There was an interesting story on ESPN outside the Lines program the other night talking about "Pay for Play" a new concept out of necessity for the youth to be able to participate in many of the activities that I above referenced. It discussed how so many programs across the Country are going away due to lack of funding and sponsorships. Programs just do not have the money as the main sponsors come from the local business owners. It was sad to see only the wealthy participating in the programs. Some of the less fortunate, but gifted athletes, musicians, artists, ext had nothing to do except find trouble in the streets. This is a whole concept that might need to become another thread.
This is not just a reflection on the Big Chains (Wal-Marts) coming to town, but also the use of the internet to purchase items. While the ease of purchasing items from your home without leaving can be nice at times, where does the Money go? Does a lamp that is purchased from a store in New York put any funding into this community?
You are correct in that there are many demographics and people with different needs. Maybe my needs are different from your needs. I need to spend my hard earned money at local businesses that give back even if it means a bit more out of my pocket. This concept works for me.
I like to remember my glory days of youth Athletics and I realize that without the local sponsorships those days would not have been. I need that. Children in this Community need this now. So to does America.
