Before you you decide to jump on the "Buy American" bandwagon!

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 02:09:00 GMT

Buy American! Hey you! Yeah I am talking to you. Buy American, support American companies and American families. Uh huh! Well, before you jump on the band wagon let’s have a little discussion. It is no secret that for decades that China and other countries abroad have developed and manufactured products for U.S. consumers. Let’s face the facts. Having products made in other countries has been a very lucrative and viable process for many American businesses. Consumer wants for new and innovative products was fuel by the once easy accessible credit from financial institutions every where. Adding to demand was the fact that many of these goods were inexpensive and in stock.Now that demand has slowed, finances have dwindled, and unemployment has raged above 10% in over 15 states, many people are wondering where the jobs went. Well, I’ll tell you. They’re gone…after you stop cursing, read on.
I am a strong supporter for bringing jobs back to America and rebuilding American commerce both locally and abroad. I do not discriminate against foreign made products, nor have I refused to ever purchase products made outside the U.S. I do prefer to buy American, and I am proud to say so. One of the major obstacles that I face when “buying American” is, that a majority of the products are not made in America. Take Wal-Mart for example. What happened to all the Made In America signs that they used to display in front of their isles and on there clothes racks. Bet you forgot about those days. Well I do believe that sometime after Sam Walton passed away, a subtle change started to place. So subtle indeed that almost nobody seemed to notice or maybe just did not care.

Wal-Mart is not the only company selling us out. Many Fortune 500 companies do big business outside the states. Take a look around in your house and in your garage. Look in your closets and look at the tags on your shoes. Heck, look at the tag on your underwear. Hmmm. For those that claim they are only going to buy American, might find it a little difficult and time consuming. Maybe a better approach to this process would be that similar to “Going Green”. It may be a little more time consuming, but if you want to show support, you’ll look at label before you buy.

I have an idea. Why not figure out a way to invest in American businesses that would be willing to support state-side manufacturers. Since there are incentives for companies to have products made outside the U.S., why not offer incentives to have those products made here. Would you be willing to pay more for those products? What would be the difference in cost to consumers for products made here, verses, tax dollars being spent for unemployment. Choices, choices, what shall we do? China and other countries should be able to bid for our business, but they should also realize that they have a huge consumer base sitting in their own front yard. The idea that there is a huge imbalance in the trade industry between the U.S. and the rest of the world makes me wonder if American’s are being taken advantage of, or if some people just don’t care.
Now that jobs have disappeared and business stores have closed for good, I think the current economic situation has gotten most peoples attention. It has taken decades to create the dilemma we now face, and it will surely take more than a year or two to decide what actions to take. However, it should not take too much time for people to consciously decide to help America get back on her feet.

Consider This!

Before you you decide to jump on the "Buy American" bandwagon!