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View Full Version : Good liberty related gift for a middle school aged cousin (female)...?




Reason
11-19-2012, 08:32 PM
Please help with ideas!

UMULAS
11-19-2012, 09:06 PM
1984

Get. The. Book. Now.

invisible
11-19-2012, 09:21 PM
Ok, shameless plug here:

How about an autographed copy of Revolution: A Manifesto? Or perhaps some beautiful contemporary abstract Fine Art, produced in NH by a genuine libertarian artist? Maybe a Paul Family Cookbook, autographed by Carol? Pocket Constitution, autographed by Ron? A few small campaign items? I have a few other neat things to sell as well, some depression glassware and art glass.

tangent4ronpaul
11-19-2012, 09:27 PM
easy:

http://www.riflegear.com/blogimages/KittyRifle.jpg

http://blog.riflegear.com/archive/2007/12/26/hello-kitty-ar-15---evil-black-rifle-meets-cute-and.aspx

You can get them in .22 cal these days too...

-t

Eagles' Wings
11-19-2012, 09:30 PM
Please help with ideas!Check out Chuck Baldwin's website. He offers a book called "Freedom Documents" that contains "50 of the greatest documents of American History", in one volume. It's $35.00. I'd like to buy a couple for the young people in our family.

MelissaWV
11-19-2012, 09:34 PM
Check out Chuck Baldwin's website. He offers a book called "Freedom Documents" that contains "50 of the greatest documents of American History", in one volume. It's $35.00. I'd like to buy a couple for the young people in our family.

This is an excellent idea.

I would also add that physical precious metals are always nice, maybe with a book about the value of gold/silver over the years written at a level she can understand (I don't have one to recommend, sorry).

FindLiberty
11-19-2012, 09:39 PM
http://www.jonathangullible.com/ http://jonathangullible.com/sites/default/files/images/JonathanGullibleCover.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/The-adventures-Jonathan-Gullible-odyssey/dp/0962346713

deadfish
11-19-2012, 09:43 PM
Look up "Snap Circuits" on Amazon. Really popular I hear.

XTreat
11-19-2012, 11:48 PM
I bought my friend's sons Ron Paul C4L silver rounds when they were born.

Kregisen
11-19-2012, 11:56 PM
Sorry if I offend anyone here, but good lord...does your middle-school aged cousin give a shit about politics? Get her a stuffed bear.

Really people? Buy her gold or silver? Buy her a political book?

The whole point of fighting for liberty is to be able to enjoy life without government interference - so if a 12 year old girl is obsessed with politics (I'm sure there are a few out there?) then go on ahead - but otherwise you're being absolutely ridiculous, and you'll officially be the worst gift-giver ever.

A few of the people on these forums who act like life is 100% about politics remind me of this clip:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MyZTPPgsZA

specialkornflake
11-20-2012, 12:00 AM
Send her a piece of gold or silver jewelry that maintains its bullion value! Seems like compromise to me!

Kregisen
11-20-2012, 12:06 AM
This is an excellent idea.

I would also add that physical precious metals are always nice, maybe with a book about the value of gold/silver over the years written at a level she can understand (I don't have one to recommend, sorry).

Also, not to pick on you specifically Melissa, but precious metals might be good at retaining value, but are historically horrible investments. For example, if you invested $1 in gold in 1981, in 2010 you would have $4.71 in real terms. If you invested $1 in the Dow Jones in 1981, in 2010 you would have $189.39 in real terms.

loveshiscountry
11-20-2012, 03:27 AM
Ask her. When I want to know what people are interested in, I ask that individual.

cindy25
11-20-2012, 04:02 AM
How I found freedom in an unfree world by Harry Browne

cindy25
11-20-2012, 04:04 AM
Also, not to pick on you specifically Melissa, but precious metals might be good at retaining value, but are historically horrible investments. For example, if you invested $1 in gold in 1981, in 2010 you would have $4.71 in real terms. If you invested $1 in the Dow Jones in 1981, in 2010 you would have $189.39 in real terms.

can't be 189 times

A Son of Liberty
11-20-2012, 04:27 AM
can't be 189 times

One would think not... especially "adjusted for inflation" (and yes, I know that's what "in real terms" means).

A good percentage of whatever it is, however, is directly attributable to the Greenspan and Bernanke pumps; also I don't think it's a great idea to reinforce the notion that stock markets are generators of wealth in the minds of the nation's youth. A piece of gold or silver is a FAR better present on this grounds alone, regardless of return.

Stick with your first inclination, with which I agree - a 12-year old girl is probably going to appreciate a nice sweater or some such than a "political" lesson. Build the relationship, and she will have a lot more respect for what you have to say about the world around her.

(We really do tend to be over-zealous sometimes, gang.)

tangent4ronpaul
11-20-2012, 05:37 AM
Yeah, your right. Teenage girls like stuffed animals and stuff. So how about the best of both worlds?

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pmQH254HMrE/UADtR8854MI/AAAAAAAAClg/WYkDQKfMby8/s1600/Obama%25201.jpg

http://www.obamavoodoodoll.com/

:D

-t

Eric21ND
11-20-2012, 06:01 AM
I recommend the Persepolis books.

http://booklights.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/bookcoverpersepolis.jpg?w=510

tod evans
11-20-2012, 06:05 AM
22 or a .410

FindLiberty
11-20-2012, 08:03 AM
$100 Amazon.com gift card

Jordan
11-20-2012, 08:07 AM
Sorry if I offend anyone here, but good lord...does your middle-school aged cousin give a shit about politics? Get her a stuffed bear.

Really people? Buy her gold or silver? Buy her a political book?

The whole point of fighting for liberty is to be able to enjoy life without government interference - so if a 12 year old girl is obsessed with politics (I'm sure there are a few out there?) then go on ahead - but otherwise you're being absolutely ridiculous, and you'll officially be the worst gift-giver ever.


+rep

TroySmith
11-20-2012, 08:11 AM
Don't get a political book.

Get the Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. It's a great novel, but its core theme is about individual vs collectivism. The part at the beginning where Roark is standing up to his school is priceless for youth. There is some hate of Rand on this board, but most of it is from people who twist a youtube clip on Iran to mean something it didn't, or people who simply haven't read her.

rprprs
11-20-2012, 08:24 AM
Although, in general, I think anything with 'Hello Kitty' is a pretty good bet, there ARE some exceptions...

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm139/rprprs/ShootingKitty1.jpg

Follow Kregisen's advice.

Eagles' Wings
11-20-2012, 08:30 AM
Please help with ideas!You've gotten some good ideas here, Reason. You must have thought/hoped that this young lady would enjoy a gift that would educate her. You must have known/hoped that this young lady had enough teddy bears and sweaters. Kudos to you for hoping that. Often an adult who is not a parent can open the eyes and minds of our youth and that seems to be what you are hoping for. Give her something meaningful, something she will cherish in the years to come and will remember you by.

donnay
11-20-2012, 08:51 AM
The Uncle Eric book series are great!


In the Uncle Eric series, Richard J. Maybury writes from the political, legal and economic viewpoint of America's Founders. The books can be read in any order, and have been written to stand alone. To get the most from each one, however, Mr. Maybury has put together a suggested order of reading. the "Uncle Eric's Set A" consists of the first six books in the eleven book Uncle Eric series. For ages 14 through adult.

The "Uncle Eric's Set A" includes one each of the following titles:

Uncle Eric Talks About Personal, Career and Financial Security
Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?
Whatever Happened to Justice?
Are You a Liberal? Conservative? or Confused?
Ancient Rome: How it Affects You Today, 2nd edition
Evaluating Books: What Would Thomas Jefferson Think About This?


http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=uncle+eric+book+series&tag=googhydr-20&index=stripbooks&hvadid=6699259221&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=s&hvrand=1822258872979489761&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&ref=pd_sl_9ap3mrj188_b

Eagles' Wings
11-20-2012, 08:55 AM
The Uncle Eric book series are great!


In the Uncle Eric series, Richard J. Maybury writes from the political, legal and economic viewpoint of America's Founders. The books can be read in any order, and have been written to stand alone. To get the most from each one, however, Mr. Maybury has put together a suggested order of reading. the "Uncle Eric's Set A" consists of the first six books in the eleven book Uncle Eric series. For ages 14 through adult.

The "Uncle Eric's Set A" includes one each of the following titles:

Uncle Eric Talks About Personal, Career and Financial Security
Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?
Whatever Happened to Justice?
Are You a Liberal? Conservative? or Confused?
Ancient Rome: How it Affects You Today, 2nd edition
Evaluating Books: What Would Thomas Jefferson Think About This?


http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=uncle+eric+book+series&tag=googhydr-20&index=stripbooks&hvadid=6699259221&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=s&hvrand=1822258872979489761&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&ref=pd_sl_9ap3mrj188_bWow, I'm going to check into these.

Eagles' Wings
11-20-2012, 08:59 AM
This is an excellent idea.

I would also add that physical precious metals are always nice, maybe with a book about the value of gold/silver over the years written at a level she can understand (I don't have one to recommend, sorry).Thanks, Melissa, and yours in also very good. We have a few coins and the kids love learning about them, touching them, seeing the dates, what are they worth, etc.

PursuePeace
11-20-2012, 09:04 AM
What's the occasion? Don't use birthdays/christmas etc. as educational opportunities.
Buy her something you think she will really enjoy.

Then a few months down the road, buy her some liberty-related items other people have suggested. A gift out of the blue for no reason at all will be remembered and have a greater impact/pique interest more.

kathy88
11-20-2012, 09:56 AM
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CMl35yq0L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310734215/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00

rprprs
11-20-2012, 10:15 AM
What's the occasion? Don't use birthdays/christmas etc. as educational opportunities.
Buy her something you think she will really enjoy.

Then a few months down the road, buy her some liberty-related items other people have suggested. A gift out of the blue for no reason at all will be remembered and have a greater impact/pique interest more.

As the OP did not suggest that their cousin ALREADY had an affinity towards politics or liberty minded causes, then I will, again, agree with the above sentiments.

If you really care about your cousin, then I will assume you cultivate your relationship with her throughout the year, and there will be ample opportunities to guide her towards the cause of liberty, including bestowing nominally-priced 'out of the blue' gifts.

A 'PC SANTA' is just as likely to be seen as a GRINCH, no matter how "correct" the politics are. You're just as likely to be viewed as a political junkie and 'kooky' fanatic who can't give it up even one day a year. The result may be a less receptive ear at less celebratory times.

If you must, then, at most, tuck some easy-to-digest reading material (or other liberty-related item) in some generic fun or exciting gift, but not as a stand-alone gift.

MRoCkEd
11-20-2012, 10:34 AM
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51UsIAjblzL._SX500_.jpg

MelissaWV
11-20-2012, 05:34 PM
The OP was the one who titled this in terms of being a liberty-related gift. That doesn't mean there are no other gifts being given, or that he's forcing his views on her, or any of the other stuff mentioned.


Also, not to pick on you specifically Melissa, but precious metals might be good at retaining value, but are historically horrible investments. For example, if you invested $1 in gold in 1981, in 2010 you would have $4.71 in real terms. If you invested $1 in the Dow Jones in 1981, in 2010 you would have $189.39 in real terms.

I don't feel picked on. I did not say to get it as an investment. Physical metals also come in the form of jewelry :p and it is likely that a middle schooler would not mind getting some gold or silver for a gift. I mentioned the book as a tie-in because, at least if she's curious, learning the history of why things are valued as they are is interesting. Or maybe if she's not curious, a giant Twilight poster is the way to go.

These are just suggestions... and the OP asked for them... so some of you should maybe stop scowling so much and join in the idea-sharing :D

Danke
11-20-2012, 05:39 PM
Also, not to pick on you specifically Melissa, but precious metals might be good at retaining value, but are historically horrible investments. For example, if you invested $1 in gold in 1981, in 2010 you would have $4.71 in real terms. If you invested $1 in the Dow Jones in 1981, in 2010 you would have $189.39 in real terms.

Can you explain those numbers and why you chose 1981, DOW way down and Gold way up?

PursuePeace
11-20-2012, 05:40 PM
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CMl35yq0L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310734215/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00

Very cool.

GeorgiaAvenger
11-20-2012, 05:42 PM
http://imgs.zinio.com/magimages/500609008/2010/416148887_370.jpg

heavenlyboy34
11-20-2012, 05:45 PM
1984

Get. The. Book. Now.
This^ and "We" as a supplement. http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Library-Classics-Yevgeny-Zamyatin/dp/081297462X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353455092&sr=1-1&keywords=zamyatin+we

GeorgiaAvenger
11-20-2012, 05:47 PM
1984

Get. The. Book. Now.

I read 1984 and Farenheight 451 in high school, and they still do today.

Honestly they were depressing and I didn't get much out of them.

heavenlyboy34
11-20-2012, 05:49 PM
Don't get a political book.

Get the Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. It's a great novel, but its core theme is about individual vs collectivism. The part at the beginning where Roark is standing up to his school is priceless for youth. There is some hate of Rand on this board, but most of it is from people who twist a youtube clip on Iran to mean something it didn't, or people who simply haven't read her.
I dunno...I would've been bored with Rand at middle school age.

presence
11-20-2012, 06:43 PM
http://i1.cpcache.com/product/453960045/resistance_womens_light_tshirt.jpg?color=LightPink&height=460&width=460


cafepress has a lot of liberty female cut t shirt options


A new website. There are many major upfront costs associated with starting a business, including the expense of creating a website. “An affordable website is the perfect gift this holiday season for every entrepreneur. Services like Clover (http://www.cloversites.com/) enable small business owners and entrepreneurs to create professional websites without having to go through the trouble of hiring a web designer or programmer.” -Jim Elliston, Clover (http://www.cloversites.com/f/tiajackson)
http://brandmakernews.com/features/lists/4386/15-gifts-entrepreneurs-really-want.html

LibertyEagle
11-20-2012, 06:51 PM
All I know is that I wish Tangent would have been my older cousin when I was growing up. lol

osan
11-20-2012, 06:54 PM
Please help with ideas!

Rifle. And plenty of range time.

osan
11-20-2012, 06:55 PM
http://i1.cpcache.com/product/453960045/resistance_womens_light_tshirt.jpg?color=LightPink&height=460&width=460


cafepress has a lot of liberty female cut t shirt options


http://brandmakernews.com/features/lists/4386/15-gifts-entrepreneurs-really-want.html

I can imagine the shitstorm that would come down on that poor lassie's head if she wore that to school.

I strongly recommend she do so. Often.

osan
11-20-2012, 06:59 PM
Holy shit dude... that was fucked up.

I think you're my new hero.


Yeah, your right. Teenage girls like stuffed animals and stuff. So how about the best of both worlds?

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pmQH254HMrE/UADtR8854MI/AAAAAAAAClg/WYkDQKfMby8/s1600/Obama%201.jpg

http://www.obamavoodoodoll.com/

:D

-t

tangent4ronpaul
11-21-2012, 01:34 AM
Although, in general, I think anything with 'Hello Kitty' is a pretty good bet, there ARE some exceptions...

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm139/rprprs/ShootingKitty1.jpg

Follow Kregisen's advice.

Just to note, I believe post 19 and 41 were agreeing with me. I also got 5 +reps!, which I think is a record for any single post I've ever made here. There is a lot of support for the "cute" .22 - which btw, is also available as a bolt action rifle.

I really liked the other suggestions for books and stuff. For a younger person, "Help Mom There are Liberals Under the Bed!" is a good one, as is a companion book on Hollyweird influences.

As a kind of out there idea, build her a bug out bag, then teach her how to use it.



All I know is that I wish Tangent would have been my older cousin when I was growing up. lol

LOL! :D

So would you have rather had the Hello Kitty .22 AR or the voodoo doll? I'm guessing the former ;)



I can imagine the shitstorm that would come down on that poor lassie's head if she wore that to school.

I strongly recommend she do so. Often.

So do I!!!!

You might get her a copy of "The Student Resistance Handbook" too ;)

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?395234-Educators-Want-quot-The-Student-Resistance-Handbook-quot-Banned

-t

EDIT: Before getting her a copy of 1984 or other common books, ask her school if they are regularly assigned. Be a drag to get a copy and then be given one by the school a few weeks later.

EDIT2: You might consider some cyberpunk books like Neuromancer and Burning Chrome. They describe a distropia in which corporations rule the world. Seems to be the direction we are moving.

tangent4ronpaul
11-21-2012, 03:14 AM
Get her a copy of Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_Shelby%27s_ABZ_Book

Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book (ISBN 067121148X) is a satirical alphabet book by Shel Silverstein. First published in 1961, it is sometimes described as "subversive". The cover on some editions of the book read "A primer for adults only" while other editions read "A primer for tender young minds" instead.

Much of the humor derives from a cynical drive to give the reader misleading, harmful advice. A portion of the book originally appeared in a slightly different form in Playboy magazine. Silverstein urges the reader to keep termites as pets, play hopscotch with real Scotch whisky and give Daddy a haircut while he sleeps. He tells the reader that "Mommy loves the baby more than she loves you", and he uses the letter "E" to encourage the reader to throw eggs:

See the egg.
The egg is full of slimey gooey white stuff and icky yellow stuff.
Do you like to eat eggs?
E is also for Ernie.
Ernie is the genie who lives in the ceiling.
Ernie loves eggs.
Take a nice fresh egg and throw it as high as you can and yell "Catch, Ernie! Catch the egg!"
And Ernie will reach down and catch the egg.[1]

He defines gigolo as a woodwind musical instrument similar to the recorder, assumes the reader can eat as many as 116 green apples in a single day and states that quarantine means, "Come on in, kids. Free ice cream." He also tells kids that there is a real live pony inside the car and elves inside the TV set.

Of course this is all offered in a humorous vein; Nevertheless, some readers have been offended by the satire. Indeed, Silverstein is one of the American Library Association's most challenged authors. While some view the book's humor as directed towards adults, it was Silverstein's belief that children and elderly people should be treated no differently than anyone else.[2]

-t

"Steal This Book" is also a classic - but might piss the parental units off...

It's also very dated... At the same time, I'd wait for something like 14-16 before giving something like this. Just because of some of the content.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steal_this_book

Steal This Book is a book written by Abbie Hoffman. Written in 1970 and published in 1971, the book exemplified the counter-culture of the sixties. The book sold more than a quarter of a million copies between April and November 1971.[2]

The book, in the style of the counter-culture, mainly focused on ways to fight the government, and against corporations in any way possible. The book is written in the form of a guide to the youth. Hoffman, a political and social activist himself, used many of his own activities as the inspiration for some of his advice in Steal This Book.[3]

...

Steal this Book is broken up into three sections, “Survive!”, “Fight!”, and “Liberate!”. Each section has several sub-chapters each pertaining to its section.

The section “Survive!” is all about getting “free” things and as its title indicates, surviving. It includes chapters on how to acquire food, clothing, furniture, transportation, land, housing, education, medical care, communication, entertainment, money, dope, and other assorted items and services. The section “Fight!” is all about the counter-culture imperative of rebelling against the government and corporations. It includes chapters on starting an underground press, guerrilla radio, guerrilla television, what to bring to a demonstration that’s expected to be violent, how to make an assortment of home-made bombs, first aid for street fighters, legal advice, how to seek political asylum, shoplifting techniques, stealing credit cards, monkey warfare, gun laws, and identification papers. This section also includes advice on such topics as growing cannabis, living in a commune, and obtaining a free buffalo from the Department of the Interior. It discusses various tactics of fighting as well as giving a detailed list of affordable and easy ways to find weapons and armor that can be used in a confrontation with law enforcement. The section advocates rebelling against authority in all forms, governmental and corporate. The third section is “Liberate!” with the chapter headings: Fuck New York, Fuck Chicago, Fuck Los Angeles, and Fuck San Francisco. The book also includes an appendix that lists approved of organizations and other books worth stealing.[8]

As the book ages, the specific details of the various techniques and advice Hoffman gives have become largely obsolete for technological or regulatory reasons, but the book iconically reflects the yippie zeitgeist.

(more at link)

Here is a pdf of it:

http://www.semantikon.com/StealThisBookbyAbbieHoffman.pdf

-t