With Christmas rolling around, I get a bit nauseated with the consumerism, and especially… and especially, the charity drives. These days, helping out one another does not come across as an obligation. No one wants to do anything unless Oprah is patting you on the back with endless thank you’s. With your donation you get your name written on some wall no one reads, you get a glossy booklet in the mail and an invitation to a party to remind you how great you are.

Why are people in need of reassurance? I personally do not believe in charity, I believe in smart consumer choices. Buy ethical, buy local and pay your taxes.