Posted on 02/21/2011 12:23:56 PM PST by JDW11235
Hey Freepers,
On the subject of free trade, unions and patriotism.
Earlier this morning I was thinking about the goings on in Wisconsin, and about a purchase I wanted to make later today, and I started thinking. All my life I have been told to buy things "Made in America." I have done so as much as was possible, and buy locally, if I can, but I was recently thinking about the union goings on in Wisconsin.
I have been spending money on "American" tools, vehicles, clothing, foods, etc. as much as I can find, but I recently have though, "What if I'm helping the unions, which I abhor, who are trying to tear us apart from within vs. the Communists who are trying to dominate us from without?"
So, I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this. I'm all for patriotism, and I believe in the free market (which we don't have), and I will say it, I don't shop at big box stores, I buy from local hardware stores and grocery stores (with the exception of kroger on occasion). I was wondering if anyone has any suggestion, or any labels/brand names. I'd like to be able to spend my labor/money on goods and services that are pro Republic, and pro America in nature.
Anyway, I don't know what more to say, I've just recently thought about this, and am looking for some ideas to bounce around. My parents were union laborers (though VERY disenfranchised with the Unions, they've been retired for many years now though), and they would always say to buy American, and would tell me how Unions support each other with "Be Union, Buy Union." I would love to see a "Be Patriot, buy Patriot," network.
Anyone have any ideas, suggestions, comments? Thanks.
JDW
Just a note to say I see the dilemma. I am not interested in supporting the big labor unions, and unfortunately, “Made in America” often means support big labor.
Good American companies that believe in the right to work often outsource because unions make them noncompetitive in the US. Do I want to punish those companies? No.
Buy what is best for you at the time. If you think you have to make a decision, buy as local as possible, from small, independent producers. The thing is, even most ‘Made In America’ items aren’t completely, components and parts are made overseas as well as the machines to make it. Sometimes, it is just as unclear. A Toyota truck, for example, is more ‘Made In America’ than some Dodge models.
“Just a note to say I see the dilemma. I am not interested in supporting the big labor unions, and unfortunately, “Made in America” often means support big labor.
Good American companies that believe in the right to work often outsource because unions make them noncompetitive in the US. Do I want to punish those companies? No.”
Thanks for responding. I think Unions and Big Government have both (As they are a two headed dragon) have regulated the little guy, or even the mid-sized but non-union guy, almost out of existence. Once upon a time, there was an American Dream. Now there’s the get an Unsustainable Government Job lotto dream.
Made in America but not by union workers is indeed a task to locate. But it can be done. A few minutes of research on the net can usually solve the problem. Yet remember that final assembly IN America even though manufactured outside the CONUS still may carry a Made in USA label.
Tshirts made in Bangladesh can be complete shy of a logo stamped in it or on it at an American factory.
I restored old cars to new condition versus buying new late model off the lot.
As to electronics etc...I use local computer shops to assemble an warranty the products locally albeit the stuff is almost all made again outsude the conus.
Good that ya vote with your dollars between elections. Starve the beast.
“A Toyota truck, for example, is more ‘Made In America’ than some Dodge models.”
You make an excellent point. Something I often forget is that when Saturn, with it’s big “Made in America” push came out, I was in college, and a roommate of mine, on a foreign program from Taiwan, was employed there (in Taiwan), as an engineer for Saturn car company. Still, I wish there was an alternative to supporting communist governments or communist unions...
“As to electronics etc...I use local computer shops to assemble an warranty the products locally albeit the stuff is almost all made again outsude the conus.”
I’d never thought of that, but it’s a very good point. Also, I admire the inspiration behind your tagline.
Buy used made in america locally
Buy used made in america locally
Taiwan isn’t communist.
In the case of tools I don’t buy American brand names that are made in China. That’s purely aiding and abetting off-
shoring. Not to mention contributing to the bonus package of some jack a$$ executive VP or CEO.
I would rather just go down to harbor freight and buy the ching chong brand. It’s made in China too but not by some flag waving, traitorous US manufacturer masquerading as a “US” company.
Just my opinion.
I hadn’t even thought about “Used” being a good option. That is a great idea, and saves a lot of money, too. Great suggestion, thanks.
I understand. That sentence wasn’t meant to say that Taiwanese are, it was a split thought. The Taiwan part was to say how even the made in American car, had ties to another country. Sorry I wasn’t being clear.
make that “made in America car.”
“In the case of tools I don’t buy American brand names that are made in China. That’s purely aiding and abetting off-
shoring.”
Agreed. My family always said the iron and steel that came from China was of a lesser quality. I don’t know if it’s true, but seeing how most everything else is, I’ve jsut avoided it.
“buy the ching chong brand.” I have to admit, I laughed.
Sorry. Companies that put a higher value on money than they do American citizens are not 'good American companies'. They are in the same category as people who accept money to sell American secrets - traitors for money. American companies put Americans first. Soldiers put their lives on the line for this Country. Making a couple of bucks less is hardly a sacrifice.
I am not complaining about the bucks, and am willing to sacrifice quite a few to bolster my nation.
I am not willing to sacrifice quite a few to bolster the AFL-CIO. That is my dilemma.
Some states have “classic vehicle” tags and registration for 25+ or older vehicles. Mine does and charges me 50$ every five years and has no “mileage” record keeping per se or limit.
That said I restore 25 year or older vehicles to like new condition. Overhauling the drive train, body, interior an exterior, weather stripping , wiring harness etc myself using and building as many parts as possible myself.
5k to 15k $$ out of pocket for average costs to me on my last two vehicles. Yeah I am sure a few of my parts, gaskets etc... that were new from a union shop, yet they were less than 300$ versus what was cleaned up, bead blasted, powder coated and used again.
I did purchase a 06 Dodge Cummins 4x4 from a friend at work as the deal was to good to pass up. 46k sticker price, 3 months old at the time with 4200 miles on it and all he wanted was for me to take over his payments of 32k $ . Bought it out in cash and am happy with that.....:o) Always wanted a cummins diesel, just wasn’t sure of the wrappers they came in so I did buy that.
Point being we can’t always avoid the union BS but I try every day aka as stated vote with my dollars between elections.
My next project vehicle is to restore a VW Golf Hatchback with the TDI as my daily commuter ride. Price of fuel concerns in the future makes it one I am working on every day....LOL !
Going the hypermiler route to squeeze as much miles per gallon I can so super light weight, remove back seats, run flat tires versus a spare and other tricks such as a smaller fuel tank, synthetic POL products, endurance mods like bypass filters and such . Shop is clean and shelves are empty so now just looking for the best year, make and version on the forums of the TDI Golf that lets me remove the emissions BS so for diesel here it’s pre 2006.
.....it’s a hobby.
Stay Safe !
That’s pretty impressive! Thanks for taking the time to tell me that in detail. I’m always looking for ways to save money, and learn new skills, I think that working on my own auto would be great, but I’m not gung-ho about doing so without any instruction. My dad taught me a little about cars, but I was mostly the flashlight holder and tool passer. I can however change a tire with superhuman proficiency, haha.
I like the concept of voting with our dollars, because it’s more intensive, and ultimately, I think, tells what we care about, because our money is really just a symbol of our time and energy. My county doesn’t have emissions requirements, thank goodness, so I’ll count my blessings concerning that token freedom!
By whatever you need at lower prices to become self-sufficient, and don’t buy anything from anyone after that. Help to starve the beast. ;-)
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