Is there anything left for America to manufacture?

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Who is "WE"? It sure isn't the hell, "ME"!

Trade was okay when a giving country had some specialty that no other country could produce. Today it a matter of finding a country that lacks human rights with absolutely no concern about the environment. Wal-Mart has the power to bankrupt many 3rd world countries, they better do what Wal-Mart says or starve to death, even though they are already half starving. And we are not seeing the true cost of these savings, all going into the pockets of some very powerful men. It's those guys that compose that "WE". I use to deal with these very arrogant guys and know what I am talking about.

Unless you grow/raise your own food, make your own clothes and don't own any consumer electronics then we are all of us (without exception) complicit in the systematic abuse and exploitation of other nations.

[FortLaudy 10]

Unless you grow/raise your own food, make your own clothes and don't own any consumer electronics then we are all of us (without exception) complicit in the systematic abuse and exploitation of other nations.

You have a good point, that's why I'm all for labelling everything made in America with a sticker such as the one South Africa has. Proudly American. More people will hopefully look out for these products and buy these products exclusively, promotion of patriotism and less dependance on goods manufactured abroad.

I Definetely make a point of only buying locally grown fresh produce, buy used stuff instead of brand new whenever I can and keep things until they practically fall apart before buying new... yes, it has to do with the frugality that runs through my blood but more so because of what you wrote.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

You'd discover very quickly how difficult that is because very little of what we buy is made in the US.

[FortLaudy 10]

You'd discover very quickly how difficult that is because very little of what we buy is made in the US.

and that's the big problem !!!

I try and do my bit though... it's hard when it comes to such things as electronics, but for furniture luckily I'm into antiques, haha

[Dan J 277]

You have a good point, that's why I'm all for labelling everything made in America with a sticker such as the one South Africa has. Proudly American. More people will hopefully look out for these products and buy these products exclusively, promotion of patriotism and less dependance on goods manufactured abroad.

I Definetely make a point of only buying locally grown fresh produce, buy used stuff instead of brand new whenever I can and keep things until they practically fall apart before buying new... yes, it has to do with the frugality that runs through my blood but more so because of what you wrote.

Most people care about price more than where something was made. Made in America doesn't necessary imply better quality anyway, so what's the point of paying more for the same #######?

[FortLaudy 10]

Most people care about price more than where something was made. Made in America doesn't necessary imply better quality anyway, so what's the point of paying more for the same #######?

My opinion: Well it's this mentality that has America in the mess it is in now, Greed: ordinary american people buying unnecessary things on credit they cannot afford and living way above their means on someone else's money in an effort to keep up with the Jonese's. Also money stupidly spent: Too much money going for wars and free aid.

People Should start caring where things are made and have more pride for locally manufactured merchandise, live within their means even if that means more humbly. It's about patriotism and planning for the future.

Most people care about price more than where something was made. Made in America doesn't necessary imply better quality anyway, so what's the point of paying more for the same #######?

The money is kept in the USA instead of going abroad along with the billions of $'s towards the war and free aid to poor countries.

[Ali G. 37]

My opinion: Well it's this mentality that has America in the mess it is in now, Greed: ordinary american people buying unnecessary things on credit they cannot afford and living way above their means on someone else's money in an effort to keep up with the Jonese's. Also money stupidly spent: Too much money going for wars and free aid.

People Should start caring where things are made and have more pride for locally manufactured merchandise, live within their means even if that means more humbly. It's about patriotism and planning for the future.

The money is kept in the USA instead of going abroad along with the billions of $'s towards the war and free aid to poor countries.

You clearly get it.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Paying more just so you can "do your patriotic duty" isn't going to sway a lot of people to stop shopping at Walmart.

[Dan J 277]

My opinion: Well it's this mentality that has America in the mess it is in now, Greed: ordinary american people buying unnecessary things on credit they cannot afford and living way above their means on someone else's money in an effort to keep up with the Jonese's. Also money stupidly spent: Too much money going for wars and free aid.

People Should start caring where things are made and have more pride for locally manufactured merchandise, live within their means even if that means more humbly. It's about patriotism and planning for the future.

The money is kept in the USA instead of going abroad along with the billions of $'s towards the war and free aid to poor countries.

When you buy a product, alot of the money does stay in the US. The only portion that doesnt is the manufacturing cost, and depending on the product that can be pretty low. Take an iPod for example, while its manufactured in China, that makes only a small portion of the overall cost. Most of the money goes to Apple.

But then not many people make the connection between price and the available jobs here in the US.

[FortLaudy 10]

Paying more just so you can "do your patriotic duty" isn't going to sway a lot of people to stop shopping at Walmart.

True, but if they have no choice they will. but that aint going to happen, just my two cents.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

True, but if they have no choice they will. but that aint going to happen, just my two cents.

Well yeah....

Of course its not going to happen.

[FortLaudy 10]

But then not many people make the connection between price and the available jobs here in the US.

I do believe supporting only locally manufactured goods and locally grown produce will create enough jobs for everyone willing to work.

Not everyone is willing to work though and rely on free handouts, but that's for another thread.

Well yeah....

Of course its not going to happen.

I do my part and my part in promoting, can't hurt, right?

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I do believe supporting only locally manufactured goods and locally grown produce will create enough jobs for everyone willing to work.

Not everyone is willing to work though and rely on free handouts, but that's for another thread.

Sure, if we go back to the agricultural practices of the 18th century. Of course then we'd find out how hard it is to maintain production at a level to feed everyone - and I doubt many people would relish living life like a character from the Grapes of Wrath.

[Dan J 277]

I do believe supporting only locally manufactured goods and locally grown produce will create enough jobs for everyone willing to work.

Not everyone is willing to work though and rely on free handouts, but that's for another thread.

I do my part and my part in promoting, can't hurt, right?

There are a lot of people willing to work, but without a college education, its difficult to find a job that can pay a living wage. Its a downward cycle really, Even if we made college education affordable for everyone, it would end up devaluing collage for everyone else. For many professions you would create an oversupply of workers further driving salaries down.

[Amby 490]

shani - do you have a veggie garden?