The Fourth of July weekend is the ultimate day to celebrate ourpatriotism and love for the USA. Lee Greenwood blares from speakers,Oscar Mayer makes a killing on hot dogs and the Stars and Stripesfly from almost anything that stands still.
You'll be surprised to learn which one isn't produced solely onU.S. soil.
The total value of U.S. imports of American flags in 2008 was $3million, the latest figures from the Flag Manufacturers Associationof America. Of that amount, $2.5 million worth were made in China.By comparison, only $920,277 in American flags were exported in 2009and neighboring Mexico was the leading customer, buying $333,882worth of the Stars and Stripes.
"Made in China" has become ubiquitous in the American lexicon.Fireworks. Mardi Gras beads. Drywall. You name it and that infamousphrase likely is tattooed on the product or packaging somewhere.
Cheap labor in other nations that has led to mass outsourcingamong U.S. companies has helped make products more affordable, whichis key as the nation continues to crawl out of the economicrecession and unemployment remains high.
But just because it's less expensive doesn't mean it's the bestpractice.
In case you're interested, a quick Internet search came up with awebsite called "How Americans Can Buy American." There's an optionfor a free monthly email listing American-made products, but there'salso a book that teaches Americans how to buy locally for $18.95. Soeven learning how to buy American has its cost.
At the end of the day, it's about the bottom line. The simplefact is businesses will go with the least expensive product to keeptheir finances in the black.
A vital import-export industry is vital to our overall economy,but keeping any and every dollar possible in America is just asimportant.
This happens all the time on the local level. One parish willlobby hard for a retailer or new company to set up within theirboundaries so they benefit from lucrative sales tax dollars.
The same theory should be considered on a national level. Keepingthose jobs, capital investments and tax dollars in the U.S. couldhelp stave off the next Great Recession for as long as possible.
The "Buy Local" campaign hit its stride in the New Orleans areaafter Hurricane Katrina, encouraging residents to support localbusinesses from homegrown restaurants to mom-and-pop restaurants.
The same concept has been playing out on the national stage underthe "Buy American" banner for years.
A recent example was the American Recovery and Reinvestment Actof 2009. The intention of the stimulus act was to increase publicspending to save jobs and stop further economic decline. Readingbetween the lines, the federal government apparently also felt ourown companies were being overlooked.
The legislation says that unless three exceptions apply --because it wasn't available, the cost was unreasonable or theproduct was inconsistent with the public interest -- and a waiver isgranted, none of the money received may be used for a constructionproject unless all the iron, steel and manufactured goods areproduced in the United States.
The stimulus act was a great example of the government providingincentives to keep American dollars with companies doing businesswithin our borders. While there are many similar incentives on thecity, state and national level, there's always room for more.
Doing so may keep manufacturers from outsourcing production ofour national banner.
Have you checked your flag recently? I did and while I don'tremember the manufacturer or where I purchased it, I probably pickedup the cheapest one.
And in the upper right was the tag: Made in China.
No comments:
Post a Comment