I just received this interesting e-mail message from a good friend (even if he is a Republican).

It read: "Did you all see that Diane Sawyer has a special report coming up this week on this very subject?  They removed ALL items from a typical, middleclass family’s home, that were not made in the USA.  There was hardly anything left besides the kitchen sink. Literally.  During the special they are going to show truckloads of items – USA made – being brought in to replace everything. And will be talking about how to find these items and the difference in price etc. 
It was interesting that Diane said that if every American spent just $64 (more than normal) on USA made items this year, it would create something like 200,000 new jobs.
Made ME think!

Check the Can
I WAS BUYING FOOD THE OTHER DAY AT WALMART.
ON THE LABEL OF SOME PRODUCTS IT SAID 'FROM CHINA'.

FOR EXAMPLE THE "OUR FAMILY" BRAND OF THE MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT ON THE CAN 'FROM CHINA'.

I WAS SHOCKED!!  SO FOR A FEW MORE CENTS I BOUGHT THE LIBERTY GOLD BRAND OR THE DOLE SINCE IT'S FROM CALIF.

TAKES FOREVER JUST TO BUY FOOD AND DO LABEL READING ! !

Are we Americans as dumb as we appear --- or --- is it that we just do not think? While the Chinese, knowingly and intentionally, export inferior and even toxic products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in American markets.

Yet 70% of Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended.

Well, duh..why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges?

SIMPLY DO IT YOURSELF, AMERICA!!

Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in China ' or 'PRC' (and that now includes Hong Kong), simply choose another product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.

Who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use real ones and benefit some American farmer. Easter is just an example, the point is do not wait for the government to act. Just go ahead and assume control on your own.

THINK ABOUT THIS:   If 200 million Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor...fast!!

The downside? Some American businesses will feel a temporary pinch from having foreign stockpiles of inventory. Wahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

The solution?  Let's give them fair warning and send our own message. Most of the people who have been reading about this matter are planning on implementing this on March. 4th and continue it until April. 4th  That is only one month of trading losses, but it will hit the Chinese for 1/12th of the total, or 8%, of their American exports. Then they will at least have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness were worth it.

Remember, March. 4th to April. 4th

START NOW.

Send this to everybody you know. Let's show them that we are Americans and NOBODY can take us for granted.

If we can't live without cheap Chinese goods for one month out of our lives, WE DESERVE WHAT WE GET!

Pass it on, America."

This was my response:

"I've been doing just that for nearly twenty years (or more).

I tried buying a new pair of dress shoes last fall. I visited nearly every shoe store I knew of and couldn't find a pair of American made dress shoes. Even Red Wing didn't have American made dress shoes. I took my old dress shoes to the cobbler for a forth set of soles. He said this was the last pair of retreads these shoes will accept. What to do?

I hate the thought of buying foreign made goods and that extends to welding supplies as well. I recently refused to test a group of welders until the client purchased American made filler metal. It is unfortunate that many name brand manufacturers have elected to cheapen their brand with Chinese imports. If the product I purchase is made in China, why would I buy Victor brand when I can buy Ching Chong brand for half the price and it is made in the same plant? If seems even the “marketers” have forgotten the value of "branding."

The problem is as bad for pipe and pipe fittings. I tried to buy some pipe fittings for the Welder's Rendezvous last year. I couldn't find any (even on line). I changed the welder's test rather than buy foreign materials."

I should have added that my sentiments extend to oil as well as hard goods. I burn charcoal, not because it is so much less expensive than oil, but because it is produced domestically (New York in my case) and it keeps the dollars I spend in circulation here in the good old USA.

I will say that my wife may have a point in telling me I’m fighting a losing battle, but that doesn't stop me from looking for products that are American made.

I find it interesting that many of us do not consider goods made in Europe in the same class as Chinese goods. I have to say I am one of those people that typically buys good made in an European country without hesitation. I believe perception is a major consideration in making my purchasing decision. Goods made in Europe are usually on par with American made goods and they are of much higher quality that those made in China. European worker’s compensation is on par with the American worker. Can the same be said of the Chinese worker’s pay?.  With the exception of a little "Mad Cow disease", I can't remember the last recall of European imports because of lead paint or poisoned foods, or toxic toothpaste.

I once heard that we American vote with our wallets. I believe it is true. Unfortunately I appear to be a member of the minority party based on the election results.

Best regards - Al