I'm not one for shameless promotions. Gimmicks just don't do it for me. But every once in awhile, there is a project that I can get behind.

My children do not know it yet, but they will be getting a brand new laptop for Christmas. Why such an extravagent gift? Because of what we are really giving.

Beginning on November 12, the One Laptop per Child program will be offering a "Give one, Get one" promotion through their website. Details can be found at: http://www.xogiving.org/ . When  you buy a laptop for $400, you will receive one and another will be sent to a child in a developing nation.

This is the kind of "do it yourself" liberalism that is needed. Instead of appealing to the government to raise taxes and send billions for this project, you can take money from your own pocket to help someone else, someone you've never met.

And I can think of no better gift to give my children than the knowledge that the laptop we're buying to help their education is helping the education of someone not so privileged as to live in a great country such as this!