"Made in America" in the stimulus bill-two insights

[underpants]

My first job out of college was working for an industrial supply company. We sold heavy industrial pipe, fittings, and the like. When I first heard of the "Made in America" provision in the stimulus bill (now I am reading that will only be a percentage of goods used) I thought of how all union jobs refused anything but "Made in America". Yes we do have unions here in Richmond-particularly at the Phillip Morris/Reynolds plants. So aside from the PR part and the fact that it SHOULD be "Made in America" this could be a tip of the hat to the unions by Obama making sure that they will be in line to get some of these jobs with their supply demands already in place.

Second-"Made in America" is subjective. The Tom Delay-Northern Mariannas islands story was a perfect example of how "Made in America" has been skewed and manipulated over the years. For every product (from sweatshirts to black pipe) there are specifics that can be met and still be able to claim that it is "Made in America" when most of the process actually takes place in other countries. For black and galvanized pipe, as I understood it, they need only be painted in the USA in order for "U.S.A." to be stamped on them.

[Vinca]

1. The sorry fact is, we've outsourced just about everything and

a "Made In America" clause probably won't work because nothing is made in America anymore. And that's the problem. Bring the factories back to our shores and let us make the damn pipes here. If those jobs were still here the economy would be humming along. The outsourcing got a few people fabulously wealthy, then they got tax cuts from Shrub and the rest of us got screwed.

[underpants]

2. Want irony?

maybe not the pipe but the "product" Michael Phelps was photographed using was probably MADE IN AMERICA

weed is still the major cash crop in most states

[ogneopasno]

3. While I know the situation is dire, I do hate the "NOTHING is made here anymore!" lament, because

it just isn't true. The main thing this is aimed at is steel production, and as such, it is HUGE for the domestic steel industry.

[Vinca]

4. Okay, let's take steel. My husband wanted to buy some scaffolding.

The only kind he could find in the tri-state area was from China. Chinese steel. And it wasn't cheap. The stuff began to rust immediately because they didn't bother to put primer on before they painted it. I'm happy if we still make some steel, but I'd be a whole lot happier if that steel was trucked to a plant within the United States that makes decent scaffolding. Find me clothing made in this country. Housewares. Even shrimpers have been put out of work because Vietnamese product is cheaper. At our local grocer the salmon is from Canada. I asked the fish guy why we didn't have salmon from the farms in Maine, 3 hours away. He said it was because that salmon goes to Europe. It's all a big clusterfuck for the sole purpose of making the folks at the top megawealthy.

[underpants]

6. "Wild American shrimp" can be hard to find

and let me throw in that all of the t-shirts and hats for the "Kerry/Edwards" campaign were made at union shops here in the USA. There is still some (not much but some) clothes made in the USA.

[Vinca]

9. The problem is you have to search out those shops if you want

American-made products. Chinese crap is everywhere while looking for American-made products is a treasure hunt. It shouldn't be that way. The other day I bought some Wilton paper muffin cups. Lousy paper muffin cups. Made in China. Given their track record the things are probably laced with arsenic. We used to have 2 paper plants within 10 miles of me that employed hundreds of people, now gone. It makes me furious. The assumption is - I guess - manual jobs can be outsourced and those workers can be retrained as neurosurgeons or something. Sheesh!

[ogneopasno]

7. I'm glad your husband at least tried.

And I know what you're saying. But there is stuff out there.

Here's clothing made in the USA: www.unionhouse.com, www.pointerjeans.com, www.justiceclothing.com, www.smartwool.com, www.wigwam.com, www.wintergreendesigns.com
Housewares: www.hlchina.com (Fiesta Ware), etc.

It's hard, but it's out there.

[Sinistrous]

10. I believe New Era still makes a lot of their hats here.

Not all, but a lot.

[ogneopasno]

14. Yes...and not only that, but their two U.S. plants are union.

But you're right, some aren't made here. Have to check the label.

[nc4bo]

19. I'm extremely worried about buying Chinese sub-standard steel.

We're talking about infrastructure stimulus projects here; highways, bridges, buildings do not need to be fabricated with sub standard steel, lead based paint or improperly prepared drywall.

Chinese steel = crap.

"Somebody" is going to have to ensure that any imported product is up to OUR building codes. A simple handshake just won't due.

[Lasher]

8. If it is a misconception it is a common one.

If you are troubled by the assumption, why don't you educate us with supporting documentation to the contrary?

[ogneopasno]

13. Do you mean providing a few links to American-made products?

I believe I did that upthread. You can also try stuff like this:

http://tinyurl.com/dcqu5e

[Lasher]

16. No. I was thinking of US historical manufacturing production statistics.

And how any trends relate to the rest of the world. International import/export relationships would also be useful.

Pointing to current domestic availability of American-made products does not legitimately support your argument if it is left in question whether this is a remnant of a downward trend. I'm not saying you don't have a point. I'm just encouraging you to support it.

[ogneopasno]

17. I had no argument -- I was objecting to the language, however hyperbolic, that "nothing"

is made here "anymore." Some stuff is made here. People can buy that stuff. It's hard to find and takes effort, but if it's important to people, they can look for it. Yes, it is a downward trend. We can either support what's left or let it go to hell, too.

[Lasher]

18. OK I understand.

Looks like I need to improve my listening skills.

Lasher

[Auggie]

5. I'm for it -- even if it means paying more

[Lasher]

11. This needs to occur by government policy.

It's admirable for individuals to seek out US products but this will do little good but little tangible change will come about if it is left up to personal choice.

[Auggie]

12. Ideally. But it's a tough sell to ask for legislation that dictates higher prices.

[demokatgurrl]

20. Me too. Other countries do it

especially on government spending.

We sure as hell don't make much here any more but I go out of my way to find it and buy it, even if it does cost a bit more. With our economy in the toilet, why should we be propping up China's?

If you search the net you can find US made stuff.

Duluth Pack: makes bags, briefcases, duffels etc.
American Apparel (although I have heard some bad stuff about the CEO) - made in US
Blue Canoe: organic cotton apparel for women

[.... callchet ....]

15. Made in Mexico is made in America too.

Remember Canada and Mexico and anything else made in North or South America is made in America. That is why in all my writings I am specifically careful to use US America. Made in the USA. Made in Venezuela is made in America also. Made in the USA !