The can from China
I was buying food the other day at the country market. 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'.
If one were to take a can of "American Canned" and then take a can of "Asian Canned", drain the liquid from each and weigh the actual food left, one would probably realize that they are getting cheated by buying those cheap asian cans lol. They are actually paying more per ounce for WATER instead of for food....BUAHAHAHAH
Those Asians sure know how to do business don't they? Just sell to those "dumb Americans" because they don't care about quality so long as it's CHEAP.
As one who also detests Wal-Mart because the company went from "Proudly American" to "Cheap, Low-Quality Goods", I must say I find it funny when I see people at Christmas loading up on the cheap plastics, they spend hundreds on junk that is going to be in the landfill by the next year....and clothing that's going to be in shreds after ten washings....if anyone wishes to save money, they should spend money on high-quality "American Made"that is made to last, That one suit that costs 50 on the discount rack at the mall, will last for decades.
I'm glad to see this post, hopefully enough people will start supporting "American Made" more, and shop with their brains instead of relying on splashy ads that were made by someone who doesn't care about the person, but only about getting that persons dollar.
While I have not compared apples to apples, so to speak, I have noticed the decreasing quality of items sold by American retail houses. Plastics from China. T-shirts from Bangladesh. Shoes from Korea. And the list goes on. I am all for American enterprise and I do think that the tax situation placed upon American businesses is largely responsible for pushing companies to outsourcing, I also think that as consumers we should be investing in our own economy as well as doing ourselves a favor and buying quality goods that will last and be the more economic and beneficial choice.
I've learned that people in Lamar County will disagree on certain topics just because they do not like you, and I am NOT well liked in the community because I do speak my mind, and I don't tolerate ignorance in others.
Ignorance can not be blamed on parenting, schooling or anything like that. It's pure laziness. It's up to each individual to improve their mind, there's plenty of resources to do this, yet they are too lazy to even pick up a good book, or to even read the labels on the things that they are purchasing.
They prefer being entertained by a TV that does nothing more than keep them ignorant.
Not everyone is like this of course, but sadly, a lot of the people in Lamar County are. If they would just wake up and realize that they can improve their lives and the community, then Lamar County can be great again as it once was decades ago. I hate to see another town go the way of Flint Michigan, just because the people are so dependent on “corporations” instead of community resources, but there are towns all across the nation doing exactly that.
Lamar County is heading in that direction, but it doesn’t HAVE to. Many citizens in the county are just puppets, being played by masterful puppeteers. They should break those strings, and start thinking and acting on their own. Of course it’s this way in most small areas, not just Lamar.
And the Asian countries pull the strings like masters as well, in the form of advertising and pricing while relying on the fact that most are too ignorant to actually check their advertising “claims” for themselves.
Walmarts say made in USA
In the meantime, here is a great site that might help you out:
http://www.americansworking.com/index.html
There are always going to be times when we vehemently disagree and that is okay. That promotes dialogue which is the enemy of ignorance. An ignorance that seems to have caused you some lack of popularity. But who cares? I applaud you for speaking out...even if it goes against me at time.
Like you, I agree that we come across as puppets on many occasion and I, for one, refuse to be at the end of anyone's strings.
And the TV? Is there an TV made in the USA?
As for the strings, you're one of those I never took to be a puppet. I've read your work carefully, as well as your comments, and have been thinking that it's great to see Mr. Geiger finally get someone on board who isn't "old school".
The newspaper is the communities source for knowledge about the community, and it's very refreshing to see that things are being reported better....since you came on board.
I don't know if it's because you bring fresh eyes to an old business, or maybe because Mr. Geiger hired more than just you, or maybe even because Mr. Geiger got tired of seeing the community go to waste. It doesn't matter; it's just nice to see that the newspaper is no longer a "mockery".
Maybe Mr. Geiger would consider a section on the site that promotes "American Made". Information about how to properly read labels, what companies have the most "American Made" products (Target has more than Wal-Mart etc.) and online resources where people can learn more.
Maybe even a tips section where community members could post places they have "found American Made" or how to save money while still purchasing high-quality American Made goods.
And for those who truly have very little money, point out the importance of shopping at thrift stores and yard sales. Even if they purchase something made out of America, they are not padding the pockets of Foreign companies, but instead are helping a local small business and local families....which in turn is helping the community.
There are communities across the nation who are finally waking up and realizing that they are not going to get “help” from the government for their woes. Look at the recent GM bankruptcy, they received bailout funds and yet still tens of thousands will soon be out of a job.
People are realizing that if they want help, they should take stock of what they have on hand…and look to their community for help. Hire local help, barter for things needed to save money, buy high-quality “American Made to ensure that the item lasts. There are many things a person can do. Can one help the whole Country, no, but since the community is where one resides, one can certainly do his or her part to help better the community.
We don't agree on most things, so I'm delighted to see we agree on this! (Actually, I believe this may be the ONLY thing you've agreed with me on, I may be mistaken, but I don't seem to recall anything else you and I could agree on lol)
I agree that China has a huge quality control problem. As the quality goes up so will the price. I have spent a considerable amount of time in mainland China and they have yet to learn some of the hard lessons that we in the US have already. As said before we still have a ways to go ourselves for example, peanut butter. Have you had to throw any away lately?
Anyone know a local producer of citrus?
I am a bit "old school" but only because they are active decisions I have made and through much research and dialogue. I don't follow anyone for the sake of following. I would rather be run out of town for being honest and having true dignity than to be one of the many marching along to the beat of a drummer I haven't even heard.
I love your idea about a "Made in America" section and I think it would make for some refreshing summer reading in the newspaper. I am going to run with this idea and see if we can't build something up highlighting this idea.
If you read my Barnesville Green blog than you know I am a huge supporter of recycling, reducing, and reusing. It is time that as a society we stop thinking of thrift stores and second hand stores as just for poor people and "stinky, old people things" and start looking at them as a way to reuse perfectly good things and live more economically as well.
Our community, our businesses, our consumers, our retired folks...it is time for us all to demand change in Barnesville. We can't always live "the way it was." Aldous Huxley once wrote, "The charm of history and its enigmatic lesson consist in the fact that, from age to age, nothing changes and yet everything is completely different." Progressing and growing and even changing our quaint town does not mean that we have to abandon our manners, our courtesies, our heritage, etc.
Again, thank you for your kind words. Together I hope we can build a more attractive Barnesville.
For instance.
7.62x39 ammo that is imported was (pre obama) 3 dollars and some change per box of 20rnds or 140ish dollars per 1000 rounds. Why would i buy american made ammo and pay 9 dollars a box for winchester for the same ammo. Now ofcourse since Obama has taken office the imported and other ammo has more than doubled in price. The imported 7.62x39 ammo is just a hair under 400 bucks per 1000 rounds within a years time.
Moral of the story is why should i support winchester when they are outrageous on their product prices just because they are based here in the U.S. Its my money and we should get the best deal for our hard earned money. No matter where the product is made. More product for less money and same quality or better is always good to go.
If there is a quality issue, it is due to everyone (consumers & businesses) wanting things as cheap as possible.
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!!
It's a great point, but if one does the math, it's actually $4 billion, "resolved in our favor," not "a billion."
That no one appears to have noticed I think expresses the deeper problem of the American trade imbalance. Do the math!
Well, maybe?
China Sucks....USA Rocks! You can be a sucker or a rocker. I rock with America myself!
I hope your 3 dollar ammo doesn't cause yourself harm. Ammunition is certainly one area one should NEVER sacrifice quality for.
I can't believe someone from Lamar County (I've always thought the hunters and sportsmen and women in the area were very gun smart and extremely pro-gun safe) actuallly purchases Asian imported generic ammunition, I may accuse people in the area of being ignorant, but I always thought that in general that most still had a lick of common sense. Even my 2 year old nephew knows that you don't buy cheap ammunition. Geesh, that's scary. That's like buying generic brakes for your car......bad idea.
It may interest you to know that the Chinese are having some products made in India, because they can get them made cheaper there.
Go figure!
Oh by the way my primary use vehicle was made in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Even though it was made in the USA, you probably won't like my loud pipes, or the hippie music that comes from my speakers!
And my favorite set of chopsticks that I own are made of Jade.
1) In order to keep a constructive dialogue and turn these threads around into positive exchanges of ideas (rather than racist and shallow wells of criticism) we need to really think before we type and try to set emotion aside more and restrain ourselves from ridiculing others.
2) Blind patriotism is NO friend of mine. Extreme nationalism is NO friend of mine. I love the United States; what it stood for and what it can still stand for. The two have been the downfall to may empires and great men.
3) Backwater attitudes are rampant and we must all try to withhold ourselves from entering into the "Dueling Banjos" mentality.
I also enjoy your comments. They are very creative and humorous, although, I wish they were more constructive at times. I very much look forward to meeting you some day. To share a cup of jo would be a blast I’m sure. Some day when you know your going to be at the Red Rooster let me know…I’m buying.
Scott
-Drew
There is no competition from my end. I only talk about one or two days a week unless I am really compelled and lately the conversation has kept me really interested in where Lamar Co. has been and where it could go (and this does extend to national issues).
By the way, did you say Saki? That is the ONLY reason I lay down my chopsticks.
Now if i was going hunting sure i would go to walmart and buy the best ammo for my particular gun that will accomplish my goal the best. I could hunt all year off of one box of ammo. With sport shooting one box=one magazine. That isnt good for my wallet. That is pretty dumb.
gun-deals.com/ammo.php?caliber=7.62x39
"Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief."
It was so hard to even find cloths or anything really,but if you kept looking you would find things that are made in the good old USA!!
Now I remember wishing my dad would let it slide a couple of times, just so I can have the things everyone else had.
But he never did,(thanks dad) now of course, there is just some things that you can't buy made in the USA!
But now, I wished EVERYONE had did the same, then maybe, just maybe we would all have jobs, and not be in the mess we are in now.
I still look at labels, just to see where things are made.
We won the lawsuit but our own Government would not help us collect. This forced us to look at building some things in Mexico, and eventually out of the USA manufacturing business.
Republicans and Democrats alike would not help. They would not enforce trade rules, they would not help us collect the judgement.
I also watched this happen in another industry as the GM of a division of Prime. The house I owned in South Amherst was started by a steel worker who lost his job to the Koreans because of us not equalizing trade.
My good friend Harold Merce from Merce Boiler did all the work on Lake freighters like the Edmund Fitzgerald. Harold had several hundred employees, and they lost their jobs when steel collapsed.
We have let industry after industry go away starting in the 70's. The only thing that puzzles me is why no one noticed this until now?
This along with declining education is the real reason we are broke, and we all let it happen for a long time. Now we are stuck with Chinese junque.
Tom
The point is, that we have it really, really good, here in the US of A and maybe too good to be competitive in the international market place. Big business is all to ready to take advantage of those who have little of nothing and don’t mind polluting their land to the point that it is uninhabitable. Nothing is sacred when it comes to a bigger number in the almighty profit margin.
Lately, there has been a saying on Wall Street. “10 years ago capitalism saved China, 10 months ago China saved capitalism.”
Check Yes___ or NO___
Sign Enoc
Just the thought of you doing as Simon says, is more than I can “bare”.
“Big Love” I can not do. So you think you “Got Talent” and he will make you an “American Idol”. “Goodbye Girl”
“May good luck be your friend in whatever you do and may trouble be always a stranger.”
Enoc
I am strongly convinced that if we don't somehow find a way to get our manufacturing back to these United States, and soon, that we will fall so far down the "tubes" as they say that we will never be able to pick ourselves up again.
When I was growing up I can remember when shopping with my Mother it was a prideful statement to read that we were purchasing something that was made right here at home. We were supporting the families who put their time and energy into making a product that would help support their families. And the other good part was that our products were being sold to other countries and we were able to keep our budgets in line and yet still make profits for all involved.
My prayer every night before I got to bed (besides asking for forgiveness if I have done anything that wasn't in favor by my Lord and Savior) is that I never have the chance to wake up when this GREAT UNITED STATES is no longer a free country.
Wake up Americans, start buying nothing if that is what it takes to get our great nation back to the position we used to have. A great manufacturing country that was respected, and even feared by our enemies.
I personally would rather do without something at this point then to add to the riches of another country. I want my grand children and their children to live in the United States of America and experience the same privileges and rights that I have for over 60 years.
God Bless America
Keep my Country Free and bring back our manufacturing!