----I’m depressed. And shocked. And appalled.
----Why? I’ve been watching the news, and I have to admit that all the Doom and Gloom is really starting to freak me out. Earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, snowstorms, floods…the list goes on and on. And after the newscasters finish talking about the weather, they move on to the government and our economy. Now, please know that I’m not trying to start a discussion on party lines or who’s doing what or who won’t do whatever. No way! Everyone has their own opinion, as it should be.
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| "Hey, Buddy. Can ya spare me a dime?" |
----No, the thing that alarms me is hearing about the unemployment rate, the loss of jobs, the companies who are closing branches and franchises. It seems all across America everyone is tightening the ol’ belt another notch. And it’s not just companies. Individual Americans are battening down the hatches to weather the economic storm that’s blowing across our country…heck, it’s blowing around the world. And the devastation left behind is as horrible as any tornado or fire. People are unemployed, scraping by on what little savings they might have, and many are losing their homes. Losing everything.
----Seems that if we quit spending money, company profits will continue to plummet, more stores and businesses will be closed, and more people will lose their jobs. A vicious circle indeed.
----So, what are we doing as a nation? Well, from what I see on the news, it appears we’re standing around looking to the government to fix things…sad to say, there is no quick fix, so we might be waiting for a while.
----But should we? Hmmm…
----Yes, the news depresses me, so imagine my shock when one evening I found myself motivated! World News with Dianne Sawyer did a special on Made in America. A story that did my patriotic heart some good.
----Did you know that if we all spent just $3.33 a year on American made goods that it would create 10,000 jobs? Yep. But wait, take it just step further. What if we spent $3.33 a month? Well, that would create over 100,000 jobs. Double that to $65 a YEAR and there would be 200,000 new jobs created.
What’s the catch? The tag or stamp has to say Made In USA.
----Did you know that 98% of clothing here in the U.S. is made overseas? Computers, televisions, light fixtures, linens… Have you been through your house, checking labels? I did…
----Dishes – Malaysia. Sneakers – Mexico. Coffee pot – China. Throw Pillows – China. Towels – Mexico. Bra – China. Panties – China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Bangladesh. The list goes on and on. Ack!
----So, here I am, throwing down the gauntlet to all you fab readers. Buy local whenever possible, support the stores in your area to keep them from closing and all those wonderful people from losing their jobs. But take it a step further. Check the label for those three words: Made in USA.
----Don’t get me wrong. I am sooo a bargain shopper, and those overseas products have great prices. Variety is the spice of life and all that. We all want or need different things, and with the Internet, we’ve evolved into a global community, too, after all.
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----But when you do go shop, try to spend at least $3.33 this year on durable American made goods and help create new jobs. I know the Americans who are out there every day beating the bushes for employment will appreciate your help.
----And last…email me: mail at lj-garland dot com. Tell me what you bought and where you got it. I’d love to hear from you. And in a few months, I’ll post another blog listing what everyone bought.
----Together, I truly believe we can make a difference.
