A Small Way to Fuel the Economy
A Small Way to Fuel the Economy
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If isn't made in America, he won't buy it and if it is made in Tennessee, he'll stock up. Perhaps it is because my brother-in-law is active, almost-ready-to-retire military, or maybe it is due to him being unable to buy American products while he lived abroad in Japan for four long years, but for whatever reason, Kenneth feels a compelling obligation to support the American workforce. What if all of us cared enough to do the same?
"Made in the USA" presents a common sense solution for America's jobless problem, the economy and the country's growing trade deficit so why don't we at least attempt to check the label before plunking the money down? It has been said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results and that is what American consumers are doing when purchasing foreign products on a continuous basis. History proves manufacturing was once the lifeblood of our economy. While your own job might not be directly related to manufacturing anymore, money earned by manufacturing jobs could certainly provide income for the rest of our economy.
"Buy America," a grass roots movement, took root somewhat in the mid 1950s when textile companies began closing U.S. plants and taking their businesses overseas, basically abandoning America and leaving local communities and hundreds of devastated workers in the wake, but as many problems go, it has since been put on the backburner in the midst of economic meltdowns and government bailouts.
A couple of misconceptions fuel the reasons consumers offer for not buying American. Perhaps the most common excuse is that foreign made products are less expensive. We have all heard the old adage "you get what you pay for," and it is inherently true. Less expensive sometimes means cheap. "American-based" Wal-Mart, the world's largest public corporation, claims to save the average family of four over $2300 per year and insinuates the American consumer deserves to make purchases at the lowest price possible, even if it means turning your back on your country as Wal-Mart is the single largest importer of foreign-produced goods in the United States, with the majority of its private-label clothing manufactured in at least 48 countries around the world including their largest trade partner, China.
But history has shown that once a market is captured by foreign competitors, prices tend to rise. In other words, if you find some "cheap" items at Wal-Mart, the average shopper assumes that all other items there are "cheaper" than another store whether that is true or not.
Another misconception revolves around simple economics supply and demand involving the questions of what to buy and where to buy it. For the internet savvy, there are numerous websites providing directories of products made in America including www.americansworking.com, www.usstuff.com and www.madeinusa.org.
As far as Tennessee goes, Dr. Enuf, JFG Coffee, Mayfield Milk and dairy products, and Jimmy Dean sausage are all made in the Volunteer State. Considering apparel, Pointer overalls and denim clothes have been made in Bristol, Tennessee, since 1913.
Additionally, handmade gifts and crafts are a wonderful way to buy local gifts.
Think it's not your problem? Think again. Americans lost almost one trillion dollars to foreign interests in the year before the current downturn. In other words, the trade deficit was a major cause of the current recession. The trade deficit, which now reportedly approaches $700 billion, must be eliminated and the logical way to do that is with balanced trade. We simply cannot afford to continue the insanity and expect different and better results.
This is a complex problem that obviously cannot be reversed overnight, but perhaps if each of us would go out of our way to buy products that are made in America it would have to help, wouldn't it? Feng Shui Design Process For Your Living Room Miami Holidays: So Much Fun With Family Perseverance For Home Business Success Not Just For Kids: Adults Can Take Advantage Of Human Growth Hormone Show Your Individuality With Personalised Number Plates Available Here How to Make the Most Out of an Online Relationship Wholesaledeals Scam How True Is It? Understanding The Theories Behind Product Liability Choosing The Right Corporate Award Or Gift Find Out Where To Buy Kindle Cheap Eyeglasses Online are Wonderful Choices Dont Forget Liability Insurance For Your Gym Or Fitness Center What Should Women Wear To The Club?