When I first heard Born In The U.S.A.,I never really thought about being American or what that really meant. I was a young high school student when this song was released. Several years later, I found myself working at the local Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC). Those veterans taught me a lot about being American and the price they paid. I learned to love those veterans like they were my own family. I transferred from the VAMC to the U.S. Department of the Army as a civilian employee. I got a chance to work with soldiers from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Some of these soldiers earned their citizenship while serving in uniform. I remember the morning of the September 11 attacks and how we learned many of our collegues were lost at the Pentagon. My love for soldiers and their families deepened tremendously. Everytime I see a soldier, I stop and thank them for their sacrifice. What a wonderful country we live in.
When the economy crashed last year, I couldn't reconcile how America had gotten into such a financial mess. We know about the corruption and the greed leading to millions out of work and thousands losing their homes. Entire industries are gone, never to return. Consumers are under seige and being crushed by mountains of debt. It seems so hopeless, but it's not. I wondered, "What can I do, as an individual, to help the economy?
I've decided to start buying high quality American products whenever possible. Key words here: high quality. One person can't make much of a difference, but millions can. True, its a global economy, but that doesn't mean we have to give up on 'Made in America'. Those words used to imply commitment and a willingness to stand behind a product. I'm not a protectionist. The free market systems seems to work. However, as a consumer, I want high quality products even if I have to pay a little more. I'm tired of cheap, poorly made, tools, clothes, shoes and other items. Cheap labor doesn't guarantee a good product. I may not always be able to buy American, but I will do my part to help our economy. Join me and consider this a call to action! Explore American made products, find the ones you like, share the information with family & friends. Let's help save the few American companies we have left.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. US Savings Bonds - Series I & EE bonds can be purchased online or at a local financial institution. Check the US Department of Treasury website for more in-depth information. Consider savings bonds for gifts, college saving plans or workplace incentive programs. Check with your employer to see if purchasing bonds through payroll deduction is available.
2. Buy American Websites: The Christmas shopping season is approaching fast. Instead of the Black Friday chaos, try these websites for unique gifts and ideas. Support the economy and help save someone's job.
* Made In USA Forever
* Fat Brain Toys
* Toys of USA
3. Product Specific Websites: I know there are many more websites out there, but these are two of my favorites:
* Riccar Vacuums, St. James Missouri - I tried one of these out at a local vaccum store. Incredible high quality machines.
* Midwest Textile, Suamico, Wisconsin - Providing high quality products since 1947.
4. Local flea markets, craft and art shows: Check local classified ads and websites to find events in your area. Often, these venues support local vendors who create unique items. Quilts, dolls, crochet, ceramics,and jewelry are just a few examples of what you may find. Supporting these events can give a big boost to local economies and helps us connect. If you area doesn't have a anything available for local vendors, think about organizing/hosting an event.
I hope this list is enough to get you started. If you think you can't make a difference, just listen to 'The Boss' belt out the lyrics to this song. Do you have the passion? Are you ready to help?
Hello My Name is Dumbass
1 hour ago
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1 Comment:
Anita:
You've hit on an important social issue here. If we do not support the economies that promote and ensure (through regulation) fair trade, fair labor practices, then we should not be surprised when these protections are increasingly diminished.
I would add that it is important for all Western Cultures not just the US to support their regional manufacturers, and each others. In other words, buying European, Canadian and Australian products (Not to leave out New Zealand) is just as beneficial because we know that in those countries labor policies are sound, and individual rights are protected.
At the end of the day, the danger of buying cheap products from countries that do not comply with fair labor laws and fair trade practices, is that we are in fact supporting slavery.
We go through our modern daily lives pleased with ourselves for having eradicated slavery, but in truth we have not, we've just put it out of sight and out of mind.
Everyday around the world, adults and children alike work in unacceptable conditions to make the cheap trinkets we buy and discard without a second thought.
As a result, our own national manufacturers lose market share and have to put employees on the street, or cut wages and necessary benefits (such as health-care.)
We need to learn and accept that cheap comes at a very heavy price. By changing our practices from wasteful spending to frugality, from discarding the mountains of inferior quality junk we buy to buying keep-able, reusable, quality products, we can make a positive difference not only for our own nations, but for those around the world who suffer the scars of our mindless consumerism.
Buying responsibly is a green step, it is a pro-worker step, it is a patriotic step, and it is, most of all, a critical humanist step. We each must take these steps every day.
With millions following these guidelines, as you say, the world will be very different, and much, much, better.
My congratulations and heartfelt support. Keep writing wonderful pieces like this, I'll keep reading.
Best Wishes,
Clarisa Brown
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