made in the usa
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
No, wrong.
see here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongolia
With all due respect to k26c:
"Buying American won't change the basic rules of global economics...."
I sincerely hope the majority of US citizens do not think this way. Remember: We (USA) Used to be THE Global Power, and THE most powerful, wealthiest nation on earth. The British Empire went through this complacency /arrogance / greed phase in the late 1800's / early 1900's, and lost a huge chunk of their Empire forever.
When we buy "Made in USA", we make our nation stronger. When we buy "Made in China", we make China stronger. Doesn't get much simpler than that. When/if China someday commands the World Economy.... look out.
Bob
see here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongolia
With all due respect to k26c:
"Buying American won't change the basic rules of global economics...."
I sincerely hope the majority of US citizens do not think this way. Remember: We (USA) Used to be THE Global Power, and THE most powerful, wealthiest nation on earth. The British Empire went through this complacency /arrogance / greed phase in the late 1800's / early 1900's, and lost a huge chunk of their Empire forever.
When we buy "Made in USA", we make our nation stronger. When we buy "Made in China", we make China stronger. Doesn't get much simpler than that. When/if China someday commands the World Economy.... look out.
Bob
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 5
From: IOWA
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,908
Likes: 29,889
From: PNW
And with that sad truth I feel you have put your finger on the cause. We all, me included, bitch about how our wages should be higher, our purchases cheaper so we can afford to live a lavish lifestyle and at the same time complain if somebody (country) steps up to the plate and provides us with the cheaper goods we want because it ruins our economies. We all, in the western world, have fauled our own nest.
You are missing what everyone is saying - we need to take responsibility for ourselves and take action. Don't buy that cheap Chinese drill bit - buy the better "Made in America" (or England) drill bit. Cast your vote with your dollars. And as mentioned, let your representatives know how you feel. Don't just give up.
Yesterday Cheryl bought me a Zippo lighter. I checked the stamp on the bottom before she bought it. Made in America sealed the deal. Made in China would have been a pass.
Last edited by nevada72; Nov 11, 2012 at 10:32 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,908
Likes: 29,889
From: PNW
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,721
Likes: 372
From: Tonopah Az
Not really, especially when you realize most large companies are publicly traded.
Consumers demand lower prices to stretch their dollars further.
Shareholders demand higher returns so their nest eggs grow faster and (hopefully) allow them to retire earlier/better/at all. And who are these shareholders? Probably every swinging d!ck on this forum, through 401(k)s, mutual funds pension plans, even indirectly as taxpayers since public employee pensions are invested in the Market, etc., etc., etc.
So, for the most part, Consumers and Shareholders are one in the same, putting pressure on the publicly traded companies from both ends of the equation.
In a global economy, we will learn to compete or suffer. Tariffs don't work because it only causes protected industries to continue their inefficiencies rather than become competitive, and when the inevitable correction comes it's only that much more painful.
Somebody mentioned regulations - boy, is that an issue. Think of the regulations that control you at home and multiply it 1000-fold for work. I bought 2 extension cords yesterday for Christmas lights - each had 4 safety labels wrapped around (certainly adding cost)! I have 2 plastic gas cans with spouts that now require 3 hands to keep open when refueling. Regulations likely proposed by some 25 year old snot-nosed bureaucratic still living at home with mommy. I'm sorry, if I don't know how to use an extension cord or fill my lawnmower, my DNA should be eliminated from the gene pool.
Buying American won't change the basic rules of global economics....
Consumers demand lower prices to stretch their dollars further.
Shareholders demand higher returns so their nest eggs grow faster and (hopefully) allow them to retire earlier/better/at all. And who are these shareholders? Probably every swinging d!ck on this forum, through 401(k)s, mutual funds pension plans, even indirectly as taxpayers since public employee pensions are invested in the Market, etc., etc., etc.
So, for the most part, Consumers and Shareholders are one in the same, putting pressure on the publicly traded companies from both ends of the equation.
In a global economy, we will learn to compete or suffer. Tariffs don't work because it only causes protected industries to continue their inefficiencies rather than become competitive, and when the inevitable correction comes it's only that much more painful.
Somebody mentioned regulations - boy, is that an issue. Think of the regulations that control you at home and multiply it 1000-fold for work. I bought 2 extension cords yesterday for Christmas lights - each had 4 safety labels wrapped around (certainly adding cost)! I have 2 plastic gas cans with spouts that now require 3 hands to keep open when refueling. Regulations likely proposed by some 25 year old snot-nosed bureaucratic still living at home with mommy. I'm sorry, if I don't know how to use an extension cord or fill my lawnmower, my DNA should be eliminated from the gene pool.
Buying American won't change the basic rules of global economics....
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
Not a cop out. An attempt not to delve deep into the problem, b/c all it does is start arguments. Plus, nobody wants to know. They'd rather just ACT like they care. Politics plays a big role. We proved 4 years ago we were complete morons voting Osama in. Now we might as well of just lined up in front of a firing squad. We need less entitlements keeping people out of the workforce. Less entitlements/government/taxes so we keep more money in our pockets. Less credit so people will only buy what they can afford. Tarrifs so it will cost more for imports to be imported.
Oh, and "CRAP" from China? It all depends on the industry you are talking about, but that "CRAP" can be MUCH higher quality than it's American counterparts. Heck, most of the time American isn't even an option. We are so bad at some stuff that their is no option but places like China, India, Peru, Honduras, etc. The stuff we are comparable to costs at least twice as much. Even then the import is a better product.
I hate it, I'm all for buying American and do when I can. We just aren't competitive in pricing and quality at the same time. Whole lot needs to change. Unions being one of them. Yep, I said it...Now I see you a "Cop out" and raise you a full fledged argument.
Oh, and "CRAP" from China? It all depends on the industry you are talking about, but that "CRAP" can be MUCH higher quality than it's American counterparts. Heck, most of the time American isn't even an option. We are so bad at some stuff that their is no option but places like China, India, Peru, Honduras, etc. The stuff we are comparable to costs at least twice as much. Even then the import is a better product.
I hate it, I'm all for buying American and do when I can. We just aren't competitive in pricing and quality at the same time. Whole lot needs to change. Unions being one of them. Yep, I said it...Now I see you a "Cop out" and raise you a full fledged argument.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 13
From: Sussex, South of England
Sorry guys - that's a cop out. It only serves to complain about the complaints, but does nothing to move in a positive direction. It's a prelude to (and excuse for) giving up entirely.
You are missing what everyone is saying - we need to take responsibility for ourselves and take action. Don't buy that cheap Chinese drill bit - buy the better "Made in America" (or England) drill bit. Cast your vote with your dollars. And as mentioned, let your representatives know how you feel. Don't just give up.
Yesterday Cheryl bought me a Zippo lighter. I checked the stamp on the bottom before she bought it. Made in America sealed the deal. Made in China would have been a pass.
You are missing what everyone is saying - we need to take responsibility for ourselves and take action. Don't buy that cheap Chinese drill bit - buy the better "Made in America" (or England) drill bit. Cast your vote with your dollars. And as mentioned, let your representatives know how you feel. Don't just give up.
Yesterday Cheryl bought me a Zippo lighter. I checked the stamp on the bottom before she bought it. Made in America sealed the deal. Made in China would have been a pass.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Sorry - my apologies. I don't get winked at very often these days!!!
To all:
The Toyota Camry's you see here in the USA... are Made in USA. They are perennial winners in the Consumer Reports Quality rankings.
Channel-Loks? Made in USA - are there better ones out there?
Carhardt work clothes? Pretty nice quality USA made stuff, I'd say.
The list goes on and on, depending on your perspective, and definition of "argument".
Re: Walmart cheap goods: Not "Cheap" at all. Actually, it's a circular thing. One cheap Made in China Walmart T-shirt? You'll buy three or four of them Vs buying one quality Made in USA Carhardt T-Shirt. Same with tools, furniture, clothes, etc. Low income consumers are lured into the trap of continually buying cheap shoddy goods, that need to be replaced constantly, vs learning the value of purchasing quality made goods that will last.
Can't afford it? Actually, they can't afford NOT to. The first step is always the hardest in change.
401K argument? The debater assumes that everyone has only Chinese associated investments in their Portfolio. They also assume that the investments in the portfolio are locked in forever. They also misunderstand that the Monitors of you'r 401K's are paid a handsome fee to constantly monitor and upgrade your portfolio.
With this knowledge, you can clearly see that if American corporations, and the American Economy started to show an attractive Profit, the 401K monitors would change the Portfolio contents to reflect the better investment. Be American... and buy American.
Bob
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Joe Kucinski
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
As Pogo said. "We have met the enemy, and he is us!"
As usual there are always options.
A new, American made, V-Twin motorcycle is now being produced in America from NASCAR roots.
With all American parts, the Viper Motorcycle Company is ramping up production of a new line of American made bikes.
They have teamed up with American racing technology Ilmor engines for the very powerful V-Twin. It is air cooled and produces over 100 hp.
It has state of the art hydraulic adjustable suspension, so you do not need to change everything out just to get your feet solid on the floor.
I had the chance to ride one of these in Charlotte NC. last month, and it is the real deal.
Sounds like a Harley should, breaths through a carburator, and every piece I saw was of the old fashioned, American made quality, that I thought was gone forever.
Worth checking out if you are serious about buying American.
As usual there are always options.
A new, American made, V-Twin motorcycle is now being produced in America from NASCAR roots.
With all American parts, the Viper Motorcycle Company is ramping up production of a new line of American made bikes.
They have teamed up with American racing technology Ilmor engines for the very powerful V-Twin. It is air cooled and produces over 100 hp.
It has state of the art hydraulic adjustable suspension, so you do not need to change everything out just to get your feet solid on the floor.
I had the chance to ride one of these in Charlotte NC. last month, and it is the real deal.
Sounds like a Harley should, breaths through a carburator, and every piece I saw was of the old fashioned, American made quality, that I thought was gone forever.
Worth checking out if you are serious about buying American.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 35
From: Fl
Geeze, here we go again....
Do you like 40 hour work weeks, paid holidays and vacation, overtime, benefits, safe working conditions, etc.? Who do you think is responsible for all that, big business owners?? It's fashionable for conservatives to bash unions these days, but do some history research to see what conditions were like before them. Oh yeah, no unions in China!
Do you like 40 hour work weeks, paid holidays and vacation, overtime, benefits, safe working conditions, etc.? Who do you think is responsible for all that, big business owners?? It's fashionable for conservatives to bash unions these days, but do some history research to see what conditions were like before them. Oh yeah, no unions in China!