Made in the U.S.A.

Lately, especially in light of the downhill spiral of the U.S. economy, I keep pondering about American-manufactured goods or American-grown products. It seems that these are harder and harder to find, and this is NOT a good sign. I can remember about 35 years ago, when I had a Japanese pen pal. The pen pal would ship me a gift or two in the mail that was definitely Japanese-made and unique. Those items were a thrill to receive, and a treasure. But, when it came time to reciprocate, I really couldn’t do it. I thought of toys and fun items (things that a kid or adolescent would like). About all I came up with were some plastic combs (for a girl), and a Frisbee. Both were made in—you guessed it—Japan! That was really the best I could come up with. These kinds of items were readily available in the store and were considered “American.” The best I could rationalize was that just because these items were manufactured in Japan, does not mean that they were products readily available to the public there. I hoped my presents were well-received, but I never found out if Frisbees and such were an easy to find commodity in Japan.

Still, through all this, I came to realize that a lot of goods in the U.S. are manufactured in other countries and imported here. I’ve long been familiar with Pier 1 Imports, which seems to have more exotic furniture and home furnishings. That was all right. But what about toys, household appliances, sporting equipment, “souvenirs” from U.S. landmarks, clothing, and the list goes on and on. A lot of clothing and other items for years have said things like “made in Japan,” “made in China,” “hecho in Mexico,” etc. And now, it seems that more and more things are made in China.

Another thing I have been pondering is the department store giant known as Wal-Mart. Back in the early 1980s, I was fond of shopping at K-Mart (which at that time was a giant in department stores). Since then K-Mart and almost every store has been outdistanced by Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart not only sells clothing and household items, but also automotive, hardware, and grocery items. Wal-Mart Superstores and Sam’s Clubs have been multiplying around the U.S. They have become pretty much a one-stop shopping place—with no need to shop anywhere else—for most items. It is a known fact that in some small communities, Wal-Mart has ended up putting some smaller established companies out of business. Wal-Mart seems to continually have the lowest prices (just as they advertise), but at what cost?

If they put other companies out of business, then they are doing away with healthy competition (as well as some people’s jobs).

And I remember back in the 1980s when Wal-Mart became popularized in Missouri, where I live, the standard slogan was “Buy American.” This made Wal-Mart sound very patriotic and very people-oriented. And having low prices on top of that, made Wal-Mart the very best choice, it seemed. People started shopping at Wal-Mart because it was a good place to shop—plus by shopping at Wal-Mart it was supposed to help the American workers. Now people are hooked on Wal-Mart because of the lower prices.

But anymore, Wal-Mart’s “Buy American” program is virtually non-existent. I haven’t heard this slogan for at least 10 years, and by looking at their products, you can understand why. Practically ALL of their goods are foreign-made. So, in all actuality, everything that Wal-Mart one stood for (during the time that Sam Walton was still alive) is no longer true. In fact, buying from Wal-Mart (and really, to be honest, almost every other department store of any type in the U.S.) has become un-American. When we buy goods from other countries (when the U.S. is perfectly capable to make the same goods here), then we are hurting our own economy.

And every day I hear of manufacturing companies moving their factories to Mexico or other places (where labor is cheaper). This is a way to bypass the U.S. taxes, insurance, and other factors that are costly for business owners. But by moving factories elsewhere, this means wide-scale loss of jobs for American workers. This is all about money for big business—it is not about helping the common man or our country as a whole. And I’ve leaned that unions (which are supposed to help the common workers) may be just as much at fault. Unions constantly make demands of the employers—higher wages, better benefits, etc. Those things are all well and good, but the company has to see a profit. If the demands become too high—then what is the easy way out? Move the company to Mexico or South America where the demands are much less. That is simple to understand. But it is a very grave situation for the common worker who loses his or her job in the process.

Here is a quote from one of our foremost presidents:

“I have come to a resolution myself, as I hope every good citizen will, never again to purchase any article of foreign manufacture which can be had of American make, be the difference of price what it may.” —-Thomas Jefferson

It all comes down to “Whose pockets are we lining?” Why not line our own? We must be able to pay for the things that “We, the People” have demanded from our country. Buying American benefits everyone. How?

1) Workers in foreign countries don’t pay taxes to America.
2) American-owned companies pay twice the amount of taxes as foreign-owned companies do.
3) More taxes paid means more benefits reaped. Seventy-five percent of all federal spending goes to Social Security, Medicare, defense, education, farm subsidies, highways, parks, and interest on the national debt.
4) When you buy American, you help to secure jobs for American workers.
5) By helping American workers, you also help to secure the American economy.

Now, I challenge you to find products that are American-made—I mean totally American-made. We have car manufacturers in Detroit and other places—but even “American-made” cars have components that are manufactured overseas. Even many of our produce items come from Mexico or South America.

About the only thing I can think of is to buy from your local farmer’s market (instead of Wal-Mart or a grocery store). The local farmer will take more care and pride in what he grows—and hopefully it will be a healthier product. And it is a very good thing to support local businesses and local farmers. It will help the economy locally, and eventually, hopefully, help the economy as a whole. Don’t support overseas merchants—support our own American people. It just makes good sense!

I have learned of a new book that I would like to promote. It is How Americans Can Buy American by Roger Simmermaker

Roger Simmermaker also has an office called:
How Americans Can Buy American
Post Office Box 780839, Orlando, Florida 32878-0839
Tel: 1-888-US OWNED (1-888-876-9633)
Emergency Backup: 407-234-4626
Email the Author: Roger Simmermaker
Web: http://www.howtobuyamerican.com

Union: Wal-Mart `Buy American’ program is a sham
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/1997/07/28/editorial3.html

Wal-Mart’s “Buy American” Program Just a Memory
http://www.talkleft.com/story/2006/01/08/394/92650

How Americans Can Buy American
http://www.howtobuyamerican.com/simmermaker/ba-030517-wal-mart.shtml

SEE THE MAIN SITE OF GLENN GOHR’S WEBLOG:
http://glenngohr.wordpress.com