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A good way to get people back working!
We keep hearing about people being out of work and when the economy will take a turn around and if it will? I think I know the answer as well as most of you out there. My wife buys lots of cookbooks and bought one over the weekend. She was looking at Sat. night and she said " do you know where this book was printed?" I took a shot and said China! Sure enough, that is where it was printed! It is a CRISCO cookbook. How american can you be and have your book printed on China. I know wen I go to Wal-Mart, if I buy anything, I might be getting China goods. How many of you remember the TV ads "we buy american when we can". Well, they can't anymore, because they buy China made goods.
So many of the large companys have sent jobs overseas that they have started closing their plants and importing the products back to market to the people that they have put out of work and no longer have the money to purchase the product. I do try to buy american when I can, and boy, it is getting more and more difficult. I see a lot of Stanley tools that is now made overseas and even Klien tools appear to be "knockoffs" or are being imported. I saw on HT about the candy being made other place and I started looking and sure enough, it was. I will not buy candy not made in the USA, not only to save jobs, but wonder what they might put in the candy? Remember the toys and baby bottles? Now, if your were a political genuis and wanted to help to put people back to work and have good jobs and security again, would you not think they could pass some laws that would stop the jobs going away and then buying everything back that put people out of work. I know, we have all said this before and buy american, but as I said earlier, it is difficult not to buy sometimes. Even if you have to buy it sometimes, it, most of the time will not be any good and will not last (tools, etc.). Just thought I would vent for a few minutes. I wonder if Chevy and Ford will wind up in China or Mexico and no longer an american company. While I am at it, some american companys do not have the quality of product that we would have seen a few years ago, which has hurt them somewhat. America is and has always been first at everything that is good, and I hope that the old girl will continue to have a chance to be the best she can be. What do you think? Thanks for your time. |
People have been screaming about how much of the junk we buy is made in China for years. It has become a sad joke. There are some families who are now working very hard to only buy things made in America. It's not easy.
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There is a Toyota plant outside of San Antonio. If I buy a Toyota am I supporting Japan or the American workers in the factory?
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Reptyle, that is the hard part, trying to buy what you can that is american. I think that you are supporting the american worker, at least they do have a job. The vehicle is made here and workers work here and spend their money here. Sure would be nice if everything was the way we would like it to be, but I guess it will never happen. Thanks!
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Dorsett's Treatise on Agriculture
In 1867 my grandfather published a book called "Dorsett's Treatise on Agriculture".
I have a standing search with several used book sellers with the hope of one day buying an original copy. In the meantime it is one of the Making of America series books that the University of Michigan has available only and they also publish softcover and hardcover new editions. One of the book sellers a month or so back had a hit with their search and the book is now available----published in India. I don't have a pocket full of rupees and never will so I will stick with good old American published books whenever I can. If you wish to view the book online at the University of Michigan site you can do so here: http://foxyurl.com/Qxg |
Actually Toyota Motor Company now operates twelve manufacturing plants in the US, producing 1.55 million vehicles, 61.66% of the roughly 2.5 million vehicles the company sells in the US each year.
From http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/auto...can-made-index Here is the top 10 Made in USA cars(including parts) 1. Ford F-150 2. Chevrolet Cobalt 3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4. Toyota Tundra 5. Pontiac G6 6. Toyota Sienna 7. Ford Escape 8. Chevrolet TrailBlazer 9. Chevrolet Malibu 10. Ford Explorer/Sport Trac (only 75% made in the USA) GM (Chevy) and Ford now have plants in over 50 + different countries. That make the majority of "American" made car parts. Goto a dealership and look at the sticker on the door frame. Most are assembled in Mexico or Canada now. Even most of those are assembled with part made outside of the US. Ford and GM make more money from their overseas operations than they do here in the US. I still don't see why we call them "American" anymore Here is a list of Ford's Factories and where the models are made. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ford_factories And the same for GM http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_GM_factories |
Sunday morning, as I was coming home from a trip, I saw quite a few Wal-Mart trucks on the highway. Using the same reasoning as some, that means that if we don't shop at Wal-Mart, those truck drivers will be out of work. I think we are in a global economy and nothing will change it back "the way it used to be". I know it runs counter to US economic theory of consumerism being the engine that drives the economy, but I think we will now have to learn anew how to save and buy only what we need--no more trinkets and gadgets and cars with butt warmers, and insist on the best quality--and not accept junk. Right now, 90 percent of the stuff in any BB store--whether Wal-Mart or any other, will show up at a yard sale in just a couple of years--what a waste. In the future, the country whose citizens who have the most cash stashed, will be the winner in the long run. We are at the beginning of a long, painful process of doing that. It's a new world out there--better get used to it.
Just another opinion by geo |
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There are documented cases where Walmart went to their suppliers and told them "Either move your production to China, or we will drop you, and do it ourselves." Walmart even partnered American suppliers with Chinese manufacturers. Walmart's entire goal in these moves were to slash costs. For instance, lets say WM was paying $1.00 for a pair of socks, and reselling them for 1.50. They forced the American supplier of the socks to have them made in China, thus being able to buy those socks for 50 cents a pair. In other words, if you want to sell to Walmart, you need to make your product in China. What a shame. |
Actually it would be very easy to bring jobs back to the US. Although it would result in a slight price increase,we would in result get lower taxes since less people would be on welfare and working,paying taxes.
We have the 2nd highest Corporate Tax in the world. (39.3%) Japan is the only one higher with 40%. If we would lower that companies would flock here in droves. Although we would need to make up for that lost money. Thats where tariffs come into play. Since we are a consumerism country we will always (unless we stay on this current path)consume more than we can produce. All of this "free trade" is really costing us. If we would increase our tariffs then it would be cheaper to make the products here and less would be imported. This country was founded on tariffs. There was no income taxes, no property taxes, no health insurance taxes, no other taxes except tariffs. The Federal government has grown into a money machine. Look at the Constitution:"The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States" The federal Government was designed mainly for the military and thats it. The states were supposed to have most of the power for taxes and control. That way if you didn't like the way one state was controlled you could move to another state. With this bloated federal government we have no choice unless we leave the country. That's not how this country was setup. |
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When you do see name brands, their usually not real. like the Sony televisions sold at Walmart. Their not really made by Sony, just has a Sony name on them. But I guess thats what happens when a single company is shooting for a 30% market share of the retail sector. Walmarts net sales are $244 Billion thats more than the entire country of Sweden's GDP. They bring in 2% of USA's GDP which is pretty good since the government takes up around 55% |
Clovis, you are right. I know a person, who is now retired that was in sales for Cains coffee and he said when sales people would attend meeting in Bentonville they were told how much they would pay for their coffee and if they wanted to sell in WM, then that was the price. I don't know about all WM's right now, just where I shop that nearly everything is being replace by their brand. Sure, or at least I would guess that it is made by some of the larger mfg's., but quality and taste is not the same in all cases. I know there has been some word that some of the name brands are being replaced back on the shelves. I do know without question, if everyone can support the local american economy, even if some of that is supporting foriegn companys here in the US then it will help everyone and maybe get some back to work. I never thought that being on a fixed income would be good, but right now, I at least feel like I will get a check monthly, and not worry so much about not getting one. I do feel like there has to be some way to make things better in Washington, but seems like no one knows how to get it done.
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If you want to buy only American-made goods, be prepared to pay more. A self-published author gave a talk at our writer's group & said that no matter where he looked, it was cheapest to get his book printed in China. He also got very good service & ended up with a lovely book.
Had he printed it in America, he would have had to add $5 to the price, & he didn't think enough people would be willing to pay that. |
sure it is easy to buy stuff made in america..cause most of the stuff made in china is stuff that is a luxury to buy rather than a need..if you NEED something..you can almost always find it made locally.
if you NEED candy, there is Hershey from PA, or locally made mackinac Island fudge (cost you an arm and a leg but it IS local)..there are candy stores in all the towns around me, as well as places that make their own jerky, sausage, deli meats and stuff like that.. you buy your food at farmers markets or local bakeries..you'll always pay a little more..but you will be supporting your locals did she really NEED that crisco cookbook..nope..she just wanted it..if we didn't buy all the things we want ..and see at stores that entice us..we wouldn't be having to buy from China at all. there are a few things that are harder to find made locally, like shoes..but Wolverine is a local Michigan shoe company and i'm sure there are others. |
a sequel to my above post..when was the last time you walked into a local bakery, candy shop or deli and actually bought something they made????
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It almost seems to me that our government is weakening our country on purpose. Why else would they do such frivolous, degrading and damaging things? Are they being paid off by warring countries such as Islam to weaken us so it's easier to attack us?
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ronby, you are right about the book. She did not really need the book, but likes cookbooks and does buy them from time to time. The only thing is, had no idea where it was printed and futher more I was unaware that things were being printed in China. I know it is going to be impossible to buy all american made items, but will try when I can and will pay more. I live in such a small area that it is really hard to just find somethings, let alone good quality things. I bought a Puma knife online (ebay) and seller failed to mention that it was made in China. I know Puma is made or was made in Germany. I also buy american made knives old and new. I am sure we do not have the answers, but if the ones on the site were running the country, I am sure there are some out there would do a better job than the ones who are running it today. Jobs is the answer to a failing economy. I am sure if you are watching, there are some out there that steals the better stuff and leave the junk behind. Just read on yahoo that in Tulsa someone had broken into a house and stole a 500 pound gunsafe with 22 weapons and just happened to be $200,000 that belonged to someone who had gotten the money in an enheirtance. Peroson was on fishing trip and money, safe, guns were gone when he came back. (Does this sound like an inside job or what?).
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We live in a small rural area. There are larger towns about 20 min. away, but if I want to go to a really large city, I have to travel 55 min. (which is just fine with me...) We've only been here a few years and we're still trying to establish relationships with locals who produce food and goods. To accomplish this, we almost always have to travel regardless if it's down the street or into the next county. But for us, it is worth it. By determining whether we "need" something or just "want" something determines where and how we spend our money. We deliberately go out of our way NOT to purchase items made in china and truth be told...it's not that easy. Our cell phones are beginning to fall apart (surprise!) and will likely be replaced by ones made in china. Like it or not, we ARE the United States Of CHINA as we have been bought and paid for. RVcook |
Well said. Most Chinese stuff is luxury. Although most people wouldn't consider shampoo or cellphones luxury items. It's just a fact of life here. "I want it, somehow I'm gonna buy it".
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Trade between countries has been going on since before civilization. Archeologists are constantly finding shells or stones or jewelry that could not possibly have originated in the immediate locality. The "global" economy has existed as long as man has.
In the pre-industrial period, when most people lived on farms and labor was primarily heavy farm work with the aid of beasts of burden, the effects of trade was less of a factor to well-being than the weather. However, even then there were tariffs on imported products to create a safe haven for local craftsmen. Once the industrial revolution hit, the great equalizer of manual agriculture was no longer the dominant economic force. Nations that industrialized and embraced that style of economics suddenly could create more finished goods and use those goods to their advantage in trading. The British empire had multiple functions, but the big three were 1. trade partners that could be exploited 2. sources of raw materials and items not easily grown or mined in Britain 3. defense against other competing empires or colonization attempts. Edwardian and Victorian British "upper crust" lived at the pinnacle of society and better than 99.9% of people in the world. The United States stole ideas from Britain, such as steam engines and fabric milling machines, used both local and foreign resources and eventually overtook the economic lead, in part because of a looser social structure, and in part because of a more egalitarian view of the relation between the individual and society. The curse and blessing of the U.S. was the introduction of "Income" tax. The iron laws of bureaucracy treat government as an entity with the primary purpose of surviving and growing. That meant that income tax, an initially socially responsible idea, morphed from a way of taking the excess profits of the robber barons into an income stream for government that allowed the reduction of tariffs. With the reduction of tariffs, businesses could grow and the government could include an increasing percentage of the population on the income tax rolls. Other countries continued with tariffs, and suffered economically because of their inherent restraint of trade and stifling effects on businesses. Moving along in time, we come to the one person, the one administration most responsible for our current situation. Henry Kissinger, lauded as one of the greatest minds in diplomacy and economics, convinced Richard Nixon to begin overtures to open trade with China. This was a radical idea at the time, literally dealing with the enemy, a source of men and material to the North Vietnamese, and friend to North Korea. Jane Fonda's misguided attempts to de-popularize the war in 'nam were no more than dust particles in the face of Kissinger's sandstorm of opening up trade with China. There was a trade-off, and I am sure that Kissinger knew it. China was now under a strong government that was beginning to train a MASSIVE agrarian population into an industrial powerhouse. If development continued primarily along the lines of weaponry and a military societal structure, the sheer numbers of men and major quantities of natural resources would lead China into an inevitable direct war with the U.S., with the U.S. ultimately being defeated. Any technological advances the U.S. had would shrink over the years, to the point that an eventual defeat in war would be almost certain. This is a concept you will not find in any U.S. history book, but one that becomes obvious upon reflection and study of history. Once China decided to accept Kissinger's opening, it began learning how to compete in the economic arena, and quickly realized that it held a huge advantage in its massive and underpaid workforce, and the realization that it as a country could manipulate currencies and other factors to gain market share. Have you ever wondered about the increasing restrictions on industry in the U.S., such as limitations by OSHA, quasi-governmental agencies limiting the workplace, enforced ecological rules? Even if China does not have a hidden part in promoting those restrictions within the U.S., it benefits from them. China has not only learned the Capitalist game plan, but had outplayed the major players. Wal-Mart may be a little more than a pawn in this international chess match, but even if it is a rook, the kings and queens are the governments and international corporations. The U.S. has never guaranteed easy jobs. The U.S. workforce has been the side beneficiary of games played by those governments and corporations. The area of play has changed and the workforce has to again adjust and fend for itself. Be thankful that subsistence farming is still not the norm here. |
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Our favorite coffee shop uses biodegradable cups, but plastic lids. So we do our little bit by requesting them to leave the lid off. We drink it there anyway. Where are the cups & lids made? I have no idea. For those who would like to buy bulk products in the USA but can't due to cost, we need more companies at the next level to help out. Either that, or many more people would need to be willing to pay extra for the "made in USA" label. I try, but sometimes it is impossible. |
I do it as much as I possibly can (buy locally). My preference is:
Local Ethical American manufacturers (e.g. I choose based on a grid that I have about their environmental and workforce policies) Other American manufacturers Ethical European Import (see above) European Import Walmart If I can't find what I need going down that list, I generally don't buy it. I'm trying to get to the point where I don't buy anything if it's not local, but there are still a few exceptions to that rule. |
As someone who does payroll and tax return preparation for a living, my solution for keeping jobs inside the US would be to not allow deduction of any wage or tax expense paid to or in a foreign country. If you want to pay so much less off-shore, then pay tax on the entire income. If the people of the US don't have benefit of that expense, then it's not tax deductible.
It's very difficult to buy locally and pay more, but it's even harder when our neighbors and friends don't have jobs at all. Kit Oregon |
A good way to get people back working!
Take away welfare and unemployment checks and other hand outs. Hand out shovels and rakes. Take away an appropriate number of tractors---surely you can see where this is going. Instead of the farmer buying fuel he buys labor. |
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As others have mentioned, the entire production of goods is dependant upon foreign production.
With our disposable society, and the hard sell advertising bombarded to those who watch TV, we keep thinking that we need something, when we really don't. New clothes, new cars, new 66" TV's, and so on. My daughter just had me put together a plastic trike for our grandson. ALL plastic from China, except for the front and rear axle, which were metal. It will wear out in less than a year. Remember metal trikes, they would last decades, could be passed down in families and be around 30 years later for grandkids. Now, there are no replacement parts for virtually anything, you simply throw it away and buy another it is so cheap to buy, 'cause it is made overseas. That is why I am typing this on an IBM X-23 laptop, which I have rebuilt several times using other broken laptops. Windows 2000 OS as well, works fine for me. |
Many years ago, I got fed up with the increase of Chinese made goods, the laminate pressed "fake" wood furniture, and almost everything else I wanted that was new. So, I did it...took the LEAP.
Just walking around my home, and then open an album from ten years ago, 15 years ago, twenty years ago... Yes, the same antique table/chairs, the same original watercolors, some oils, some prints, same decor items, same china, and the list goes on. Have we accumulated? Sure, and it is all "vintage OR antique." Then, it gets more amusing. Good thing I didn't have wild taste and bought clothing that really didn't go out of style. Yes, I have clothing that is actually up to 35 years old, and I can still wear it, and get compliments. It is funny when I am asked where I bought "that pretty shirt..." Not all my clothing is that old, but I established another rule- stay as close to the same size as possible. First, for my health, but also due to frugality. Yes, I did bear two wonderful children (DD & DS, 22 & 20). The clothing lasts so long since I have been washing and hanging my clothes to dry for most of my life! We buy as much as possible American made, locally grown, locally produced, and DH builds much of what is needed around here, fixes just about everything (when he isn't doing paid work fixing other people's stuff). When I want books, I go to a used book store, or buy one used online. If I need a piece of furniture, I buy from individuals and get vintage/antiques. When I wanted an Express machine, I looked on Craiglist, and did end up buying one made in Europe. A local gal used it a few times; didn't drink coffee (was for her visiting family). She paid $500 for the dern thing. I bought it from her for $75. DH had some junky juicers. I wanted one like I used to have, a more industrial type, using centrifugal force. I looked online and a gal was selling hers, that sat on the shelf for years, in perfect condition (Omega). I wanted an Elliptical, so you guessed it. Bought it used, locally, of course. The way I see it, is we have a choice to buy new mostly "crap," made in China, or can buy gently used almost everything, save money, most was made here, and better quality. As far as printing books, go, I'd be the type to pay more for a book printed HERE than in China. When I go to buy ANYTHING, I look to see where it was made or prepared. Right now, DH (Len) is finishing up his work on our 1978 Dodge 1-ton van (he is using it as a mobile welding service van). He rebuilt the front end, put new tires on it, rebuit the carb, finished doing a complete rebuild on the motor, and is finishing that installation tomorrow. He bought almost all of the parts made here, but couldn't avoid a few (choices limited) made elsewhere. The newest vehicle we have is my 2001 Pt Cruiser, which Len keeps running like a top (replaced the tranny last year). His old Ford F250, 3/4 ton diesel truck is in need of some more work. The motor is getting tired. You know where this is going... Len will fix that, too, when the time comes. This rig looks ROUGH, as he used it for logging, and it got pretty bashed up. On the comment about "not finding parts," Len is a machinist, so he makes anything he can't find or can't afford. He bought a nice steel bender last year (American made), but need another die. Since funds were skinny, he built it. What he fixes borders on hilarious, sometimes. Ending my rambling... I think using a bit of thought, we could very likely do without, or find it locally used, online, or even make something we want/need. There are local farmers and small businesses who can provide just about everything we don't produce or grow ourselves. |
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seems to me gm already is made in mexico and long ago canada. havnt read all the post but know people they offered positions in mexican facilitys more to train then anything. infact I think I have a few parts on my flint made 85' chevy truck marked made in mexico. (after market but gm endorsed) |
unemployment checks are not just a hand out, every job I have worked has paid into that system and no not out of my check (in the general sense) but the employers bottom line.
so its not welfare per say and had it not been offered I would of required more for my time and many times over my career I have not utilized it. but yet it seems that money was paid. yes I have taken it but not always so the gooberment should just hold those dollars. huh? WRONG! I kinda agree with the tractor statement as well as robotics, they keep finding ways to decrease the work force. the population is not going down though. I'm easy with a lighter work load gives me energy to be productive else where, that is not the case though. we need tarrifs on imported goods, give as good as you recive. if chinas best cost as much as our lowest think you would see a difference. , more so if american buisness had to deal with goverment regulators, seems enough Persuasion to push the US factor! get rid of our current goverment and replace it with one that actually depended on the people rather then selling us out to the UN and people would be working! |
I want to buy a new toaster. I am willing to buy foreign (USA or Europe) and pay lots more, but I refuse to have another Chinese toaster in the house. They use inferior wiring which burns out in a few years. Does anyone know what toaster I can buy that isn't made in China?
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Star Manufacturing is based in MO and makes the Holman popup toaster and I believe they are still made in the US. Buy it here http://www.akitchen.com/store/star-s...7c585_a_7c1977 Other than that you can but a remanufactured one at http://www.toastercentral.com/toaster40s.htm Here is a commercial made one assembled in the UK with Chinese made parts. http://www.comforthouse.com/dualittoaster.html |
what I love about the recession is the local governments are getting tight enouhg for money that they are finally considering cutting their pay and bennefits. The blood suckers have been sucking us dry for years. I love to see them squirm under the same financial distress as the people paying them.
Annother good thing about the recession is Ive seen in the news that michigan's agriculture is increasiing as manufacturing decreases, and people, at least the people wiht any ambition, are getting creative. One guy near me is opening a small scale slaughterhouse. A few people around here who in the past only saw a forrest as a wood source, are now tapping trees and selling sap. I think that people who have any ambition will always have work. Now before people jump down my throat, I understand there are hard working people who have become disabled, and arent able to do a lot, but I bet even those people are doing everything their body will let them do. I have no sypathy for any able person sitting at home waiting for a good job to come along, |
Thanks for the sources, blooba
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