Made in China

[josephhanson]

One big problem I see that has happend through the years is that wages haven't keept up with the cost of goods. In 1973 I was making $5.00 Per Hr. - a low cost car cost $2000.00 That meant I had to work 400 hours (not counting taxes) to pay for that car. A low cost car will cost today around $15,000. I would need to earn $37.50 Per Hr (not counting taxes) just to give the same buying power as I had in 1973. (not counting taxes).
Buying power is what is eroding.

[Joseph]

Decent roads???? You've never been to PA have you?

OH yes! I used to go up I-81 from I-66 in Virgina to I-84 in PA two or three times a year and I always ran into major construction delays. Oddly enough, my latest trip up I-81 to the Adirondacks was the first time where I didn't see any road work in PA at all. They must be "fixing" some other stretch of road.

Don't have any kids so I shouldn't have to pay school taxes anyway, I payed my share when they were in school.

I paid (and still pay) taxes to support a school system that isn't the powder to blow it up, so on top of that I paid to send my kid to private school.

Joseph

[robfisher]

Great Topic! Been in manufacturing over 30 years. Have owned my own stamping plant for 18. Have lost two jobs to China.

Most of the reason we don't manufacture here is because all of YOU guys who have built your tears on HF trailers, using HF tools, while wearing clothes and shoes from China.

Don't blame the unions. Don't blame the government. Look in your tool cabinets and clothes closets. Then go out and buy AMERICAN.

[robfisher]

While I'm ranting and making new "friends" I would like to ask Ira why you say "For God's sake"?

If He don't exist, don't invoke Him.

[SteveH]

Great Topic! Been in manufacturing over 30 years. Have owned my own stamping plant for 18. Have lost two jobs to China.

Most of the reason we don't manufacture here is because all of YOU guys who have built your tears on HF trailers, using HF tools, while wearing clothes and shoes from China.

Don't blame the unions. Don't blame the government. Look in your tool cabinets and clothes closets. Then go out and buy AMERICAN.

And don't forget the people who drive to Harbor Freight in a Toyota or a Nissan, or any other foreign car.

[Steve_Cox]

I too no longer work in manufacturing because the products we made are now being made in Brazil, for low wages, no benefits for the workers, no environmental protections, and a favorable tax status. De-industrialization of America is not the fault of American unions, workers, or the government. It is all about the multinational corporations going where they can make the most profit. Even if our government had taken measures to keep strategic manufacturing viable in this country it would have ended up the same. It's a world market and there are 3rd world people just waiting to be exploited. American workers are not to blame. Corporations have no allegiance to any country only to their share holders. If you want to point a finger at least know where to point it. This thread with the accusations that American people are to be faulted for the decline of industry in America is total crap. America is just another victim of corporate greed, as all the declining industrialized nations are. Competition in a global economy is good. Exploitation of people and the environment for profit ain't so good.

[robfisher]

Excuse me, Steve. If it doesn't say "Made in America", don't buy it. Of course Corporate America will go to the cheapest place to get it made. But only people can make a difference. Just say NO! As for me and my house we will buy American, even when it costs a whole lot more. Unfortunately, it's getting harder and harder to do.

[Laredo]

Buy second-hand made in America.
Stay away from Wal Mart.

Repair what you can yourself.

[rampage]

I too no longer work in manufacturing because the products we made are now being made in Brazil, for low wages, no benefits for the workers, no environmental protections, and a favorable tax status. De-industrialization of America is not the fault of American unions, workers, or the government. It is all about the multinational corporations going where they can make the most profit. Even if our government had taken measures to keep strategic manufacturing viable in this country it would have ended up the same. It's a world market and there are 3rd world people just waiting to be exploited. American workers are not to blame. Corporations have no allegiance to any country only to their share holders. If you want to point a finger at least know where to point it. This thread with the accusations that American people are to be faulted for the decline of industry in America is total crap. America is just another victim of corporate greed, as all the declining industrialized nations are. Competition in a global economy is good. Exploitation of people and the environment for profit ain't so good.

Well put, Steve. When I started this thread I was just pointing out the irony of patriotic American decorations being made in another country.

[PresTx82]

The unions were needed back in the day when the workers were taken advantage of. I'm a federal employee and was at one time a union shop steward. I saw what this one union did from the inside out. It was corrupt to the core. I got tired of "this union" representing deadbeats and lazy employees who were whiners. They paid dues, so they had the legal right to representation. That's the law. I've seen so many employees fake injuries and go on workmans comp, it'll make your stomach turn.

Unions are a necessary evil at times, but I don't have to support them with my dues. I quit over five years ago and chartered another orgainzation that manages a "Legal Defense Fund" for federal employees in my area if they need legal representation. The federal government is a little different than the private sector as far as unions go.

I feel if you don't agree or like something, change it if you can. Have an alternative. We do now in my workplace and of course the unions don't like it!

Sorry for the rant .......

[southpennrailroad]

Excuse me people. Have you really looked at all the items (parts) placed in your American made cars/trucks to see just where they were made??????

[josephhanson]

Thirty years ag there were areas of our country that earned much less than others, and the jobs were moving out of the state to other states for economic reasons. Now that we are importing more than we export, the same thing is happening globally. It's good to say "buy American" but for the folks that are barely making ends meet on minimum wages that's not a realistic expectation. Any one that says I don't buy anything but "American Made" doesn't own a car, radio, CD player, TV,kitchen appliance, etc...... There needs to be import/export laws enacted.
Just my take on the mess we're in.
Joe Hanson

[asianflava]

Excuse me people. Have you really looked at all the items (parts) placed in your American made cars/trucks to see just where they were made??????

I got this pic for a 2006 Dodge 3500 Megacab on eBay (Yes, I'm looking into buying one of these beasts). Look at the bottom where it says where the truck is made.

[Joseph]

Have you really looked at all the items (parts) placed in your American made cars/trucks to see just where they were made??????

I know. My Ford Ranger has a German engine and a Japanese transmission.

Joseph

[bledsoe3]

Excuse me people. Have you really looked at all the items (parts) placed in your American made cars/trucks to see just where they were made??????

I got this pic for a 2006 Dodge 3500 Megacab on eBay (Yes, I'm looking into buying one of these beasts). Look at the bottom where it says where the truck is made.

Rocky, Just cause you're getting a trailer for free doesn't mean you have to go spend $40K on a new truck.