Just how do you BUY AMERICAN?

[Scooby074]

I dont think its taxes, workers, unions or regulation. I think the blame is split between corporate greed and consumer indifference.

Ever notice that when a product that was made in North America ( i say North America, because we Canadians are feeling it too) gets manufactured in asia for pennies on the dollar the price never lowers? I wonder where that difference in cost goes? Corporate Greed. And yes i understand that a corporation's only role is to make profits, but at what cost?

We as consumers are to blame ( well maybe not the ones in this thread) when we go to walmart, harbour freight and the others and buy based on price, not quality or place of manufacture. I refuse to buy Walmart and i do make an effort to buy made in North America products.

As a case in point, i just bought a new mitre saw. I bought the makita, not only because it was a good unit, but it was also made in Georgia. The Dewalt was similar price ( maybe even cheaper) but made in China. This is what we as consumers have to do if we ever expect to see manufacturing return to NA. Really the only leverage we have is to vote with our wallets.

 

[froggy]

As long as the product is not made in China, I'll buy it.

 

[JGY]

July 4, 1776
Declaration of Independence

Independence? ... from tyrannical government.

Bill of Rights?!

What Independence?

Currently a Government of Interference is what we have.

Personally, I prefer independence, and as for interference, well ....

The answer to the question since I digress is that you cannot "Buy American." But you can "Buy America!"

Joe

 

[JGY]

We have met the enemy and it is us.

Joe

 

[KubotainNH]

It's tough when it comes to anything electrical. I recently replaced my old Milwaukee cordless drill with a new one. You'd think it would have some American components, nope...China. This has been going on for a long time, when I checked my 15 year old drill it was also made in China. I try to get American when possible but it isn't always a choice. I don't think skipping Wal-mart is necessary the fix, I bought my son a knife made in the good old USA from Wally world. It does seem like consumers are starting to care a bit more, that will be what it takes although unions don't help much. Look at the auto industry.

 

[Tom_H]

Just how do you BUY AMERICAN?

Pat

Well, if you can afford it, you could order a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Unfortunately, that (and some computers) is about the only American made item I can think of that's in high demand.

 

[mjncad]

Well, if you can afford it, you could order a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Unfortunately, that (and some computers) is about the only American made item I can think of that's in high demand.

Think again Tom about that Dreamliner as Boeing is getting components from all over the globe. As I recall the tail section is scheduled to be made in China. I can hear the hew and cry from D.C. (District of Criminals) when one of these birds goes down due to shoddy Chinese materials and manufacturing.

All I want is a choice as to whether to buy First World (e.g. North American (except Mexico), European, or Japanese versus cheap (e.g. China, India, Thailand, Vietnam)).

An earlier poster mentioned the never ending spiral of decline due to decent paying jobs going overseas for greater corporate profits. OK, if the First World consumer is the target for companies to make a buck importing cheap junk; then what happens when all the First World consumers are making minimum wage because there are few good jobs left? Oh, by then the Chinese and Indians will take our place, and then we will be the cheap labor market supplying crap to them. But before that happens, the Chinese will exploit cheap African labor as they are pouring money into Africa in a big way.

Just think, if the Cold War hadn't ended, we very well wouldn't be having this discussion.

 

[CCWKen]

Well, if you can afford it, you could order a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Unfortunately, that (and some computers) is about the only American made item I can think of that's in high demand.

Nope, try again. Boeing has parts made in China too. I think it's the tail section. I think the wings are made in Canada. And there are no computers made in America either. They're assembled from foreign components. I do believe the US still makes toilet paper though.

 

[Renze]

We used American engine brands in the loaders produced at the company i work.

Cummins engines from England, and John Deere engines from France !!


But anyways:
IF we dont want the people in low cost counties to profit from the luxury we buy, we'd either have to settle for lower wages ourself, or accept that the production cost of luxury will double. Either way we wouldnt be able to afford the luxury anymore....

Just think about that, before we all start complaining without realising the consequences..... It just aint that simple....

 

[scott_vt]

Good Mornin Pat,
Everything that you stated in your post is true !!!


The only way around it is to buy used !

Heres a used acquisition for yea, all kidding aside, I think its about impossible in todays world !

Its really sad, and i wish I had an answer for you.

BTW, my wife got me a new Dewalt drill driver cordless for Christmas, thanks for reminding me its Chinese !