China taking too many of our dollars

Well, it’s finally getting some big time attention; at least on a national television talk show.

We Americans have a choice, to support America or China at the grocery store and other retail businesses. The Chinese seem to have us by the throat when it comes to shopping in the good ’ol USA. I’m referring particularly to our food supplies.

There is a march going on that will hopefully catch on; that is if more of us would only get on the bandwagon. The next time you go to the grocery store, check the label on what you are about to purchase.

Yep, it most likely says Made in China. I really never thought about it before, but it’s true. Much of what we buy is coming straight from China and it’s not just electronics.

I love canned mandarin oranges, but if you buy one brand instead of another optional brand, you could be supporting China. Personally, I know Liberty and Dole are both from California, so there are choices in this product.

Are we so dumb that we can’t figure out what’s happening here in our country? Or, do we just not pay attention? Either way, we are succumbing to toxic products, dangerous toys and other questionable goods sold in America.

Do we really need the government to step in and suspend trading privileges? I should think if all Americans would do their part, America could win.

The call is for Americans to do it themselves, look on the bottom of each product you are about to purchase. If it is from the People’s Republic of China, which now includes Hong Kong, pass it up and try another brand.

Easter is around the corner, but do we really need plastic eggs?

When I was a kid, we reveled in the concept of dying our own American-grown poultry eggs. I know, you

like to fill them with candy. But, baskets were for the candy.

What if 200 million Americans refused to buy just $20 of Chinese goods apiece? It would be a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor. A lot of us thought that about gasoline, too. Set aside one day and don’t buy gas. It definitely should send a message as we all know what that situation is about.

We need to give the foreign trade countries fair warning with a stern message.

I understand that from March 4 to April 4 many Americans plan to boycott Chinese products, at least at the grocery store.

While it is only one month of trading losses, it will hit the Chinese for 1/12th of the total or 8 percent of their American exports.

Are they becoming a bit too arrogant?

Well, maybe this will show them.

I will say this; I plan to check the labels on everything I purchase at the market from now on. We are already being forced to tighten our belts and find ways to save in every aspect of our daily living. While we are saving ourselves, we just might be saving America, too.

It is high time America and Americans are not taken for granted.

We were the strong leader during the industrial generation, but something went sideways after that. We have cheapened ourselves. I certainly think we all could live without CHEAP products for one month.

I remember when craftsmen, farmers and manufacturers took pride in MADE IN AMERICA. We are long overdue returning to our roots.

First, send a message. then work on the rest of the plan, even if it is inch by inch.

We need to become resourceful once again. We have the means to get back to the basics that this great country was founded upon. A little denial here and there can help pave the way.

And, right now, denying ourselves additional conveniences and extras we’ve enjoyed the past few decades could perhaps just save our bacon. If we could only convince the gang of the 1960s to ’80s and the now generation, as we need them onboard, too.