Buy American!

Go to any store or any business selling manufactured goods and examine the merchandise for a country of origin.

Chances are that you will find 'Made in' labels containing the names of China, Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mexico, or any number of countries with only a few stating "Made in the U.S.A."

More than any other country, you will find "Made in China." This happened under President Bill Clinton, when he instituted GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade), NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), and MFN (Most Favored Nation) status for China with legislation that allows Chinese manufactured goods to be shipped into the United States without the usual duties or taxes.

I protested this at the time and was told that Americans would be able to buy these goods at a lower price, which would be the real benefit.

My response to this was that jobs of American workers would be sent to China and other countries. How could this benefit Americans when the wealth of America would be going to other countries along with the manufacturing jobs?

Trade deficit figures have grown larger year after year while politicians and authorities have defended and expanded the deficit policies. We need to trade with our world neighbors, yes, but our government's first duty is to defend America.

Instead, the politicians and bureaucrats have sold us out, adding injury to insult by having to borrow back the wealth that has gone to China - trillions of dollars worth - on which we must pay billions of dollars in debt interest.

More, these goods from China often lack quality or safety. Look at recall lists of merchandise in the newspapers. These record Chinese-made goods more often than any others because of sleazy work, manufacturing defects and safety hazards.

I deplore the dearth of U.S.-made goods. When my old General Electric waffle iron finally gave up the ghost, I bought one made in China that bore the name of an American manufacturer. I paid less, but it only lasted five months. I describe such merchandise as Chinese junk and avoid it whenever possible.

We're in a recession due to borrowed money policies where government, businesses and citizens cannot repay loans.

Business slows down.

Employers face bankruptcy.

Jobs are lost.

The economy spirals downward.

We need our factories back without the detrimental demands of labor unions and government restrictions that hamper and destroy U.S. businesses.

We need jobs to produce and make a profit from our own goods.

Instead, we have a president who seeks to "borrow our way out of debt."

Buy American. The job you save may be your own.