We are a nation of consumers, that is our problem.

**SteyrAUG** · 01-12-10, 19:27

Nothing wrong with being consumers, especially if that means buying our own products. Problem is we are no longer producers. Clinton's NAFTA and Bush's outsourcing means we really don't make anything any more.

Simple economics, if you don't make it you can't sell it.

And the idea that it is cheaper to ship raw materials to Mexico and China then bring them back rather than make things here is absurd. And the lie that building in Mexico helps prevent illegal immigration is as offensive as the lie that there are some jobs Americans are unwilling to do.

China is building a middle class because they produce things. We are losing our middle class because we no longer are. We need to rebuild our infrastructure and provide for ourselves. And if US steel can't make steel at least as cheap as we can ship it in from China then they are doing it wrong.

**SteyrAUG** · 01-12-10, 19:30

Originally Posted by hickuleas

This is why it is truly important to buy american.

It's not quite that simple.

If you buy a Ford it is actually assembled in Mexico by Mexican workers. If you buy a BMW it is assembled in South Carolina buy American workers.

Buying a Ford rewards those in America who ship jobs to Mexico, buying a BMW rewards American workers and those willing to invest in America.

**Aurispector** · 01-12-10, 19:37

People often shop for price, not quality. With a virtually endless supply of cheap labor, the cheapest goods will pretty much always come from the 3rd world. The US will virtually never be able to compete on price alone. Hence it's pointless to try. It really depends on your definition of "manufacturing".

A lot of our "exports" tend to be intellectual property; movies, music, software. The big advantage here is that you can sell the same string of bits as many times as you like. The big disadvantage is that it's all easily copied and pirated. In spite of that these industries bring in a tremendous amount of revenue.

We do have a few positives to work with: creativity, innovation and quality. Job creation generally comes from innovative small businesses. Think Apple and Microsoft.

I don't cry about the textile sweatshops moving overseas, but I do about the crushing over-regulation and taxation that stifles innovation and entrepreneurship.

**kwelz** · 01-12-10, 20:27

Originally Posted by SteyrAUG

It's not quite that simple.

If you buy a Ford it is actually assembled in Mexico by Mexican workers. If you buy a BMW it is assembled in South Carolina buy American workers.

Buying a Ford rewards those in America who ship jobs to Mexico, buying a BMW rewards American workers and those willing to invest in America.

It amazes me how hard it is to get this through to people. My car is a GM that was made in the US, but a lot of them are made in Canada, Ford makes a lot in Mexico, etc. My Ex Wife had three Hondas during the time we were together, every one of them was made in America, same with my Acura. There is a major Toyota plant in Kentucky and a moderate sized Honda and Subaru plant in Indiana.

These plants are also Union free. Another plus for them in my book. I would say that buying Honda, Toyota, etc is more American than buying Ford or Especially GM or Chrysler.

**glocktogo** · 01-13-10, 00:39

I'm one of the reasons the economy is in the crapper. I refuse to spend my hard earned $$$ on crap AND quality goods if they're overpriced. When I see a $35K big 3 car or a $40K big 3 pickup, I laugh my ass off. Who the hell are they to think they deserve that much of my money? Same thing with a $2 Chinese widget in Wal-Mart.

Sorry, I ain't buyin it.

**Mac5.56** · 01-13-10, 00:59

Originally Posted by dmancornell

Absolutely agree, but the original post implied it is better to buy American regardless of source. American manufacturing was destroyed by unions and government regulation. When you Buy American, make sure the goods aren't tainted.

Man did you get this info spoon fed to you from Rush Limbaugh? Just wondering...

Enjoy your weekend buddy.

**tracker722** · 01-13-10, 00:59

******

**chadbag** · 01-13-10, 01:08

Originally Posted by tracker722

People don't care as much about quality these days. Take a look at most of the crap that comes out of the WallyWorld. What happened to the days of WallyWorld promoting "Made in America" signs over their products?

Sam Walton died.