"Economy... WHAT Economy?" or "How To Save America by Buying American"

I think that by now we all understand that the United States economy is in trouble. It's in the news everyday, President-Elect Obama is talking about our economy and his plans to repair it once he takes office. Businesses are "trimming the fat" by letting employees go or cancelling bonuses and "holiday parties." And retailers are pushing deep discounts to try and stir up more sales this season. 

A huge part of the problem with the economy today (probably the biggest!) is that the United States just doesn't produce and sell enough products to keep our money circulating within America. Most cars, electronics, clothing, and other consumer products are made overseas and sold here. Then OUR money goes back to those foreign companies to pay THEIR workers. And it seems this is happening as fast as the Federal Reserve can print the money!

One thing we can all do to help our economy, make sure American workers keep their jobs, and strengthen the value of the U.S. dollar is to bring back an old saying:

"Buy American!"

It's great to get those wonderful electronics and the lastest fashions at those low prices that sweatshops and foreign labor laws (or lack thereof) enable. But we can all clearly see now that a few dollars saved here and there turns into a huge recession in the long run.

We NEED to support those companies that still reside in America. We NEED to buy their products and services. This is the only way the American economy is going to survive over the long-term.

"But HOW do I buy American?" 

This an unfortunately valid question these days. Especially considering that practically every label you find at most large department stores say, "Made In {insert foreign country name here}" Foreign products are being pushed on us everywhere we turn today. Well, ALMOST everywhere.

With a little research, internet surfing, or a mindful eye, you can help ensure that your American dollars go back to American workers. Hard working Americans trying to make a living and support their families. Again, let's bring back another old saying:

"Look For The Union Label!"

Go to stores that sell American made products. Only buy cars that are manufactured or (at least) assembled in the United States! And electronics.... well, good luck with that. But there are resources to help you find these mysterious products. Here are just a few to get you started:

http://www.americansworking.com/

http://www.madeinusaforever.com/index.html

http://www.madeinusa.org/

http://www.stillmadeinusa.com/

http://www.usab2c.com/

http://www.usstuff.com/

Or if you're feeling particularly patriotic and have an entreprenurial spirit... Perhaps you could build your own website that sells all American Made products. You'll be helping the economy, the nation, and yourself by putting that money in American workers' pockets.... as well as your own!

If we don't, this could soon be a typical day for ALL of us:

"Joe Smith started the day early having set his alarm clock (MADE IN JAPAN) for 6 a.m. While his coffeepot (MADE IN CHINA) was perking, he shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN HONG KONG). He put on a dress shirt (MADE IN SRI LANKA), designer jeans (MADE IN SINGAPORE) and tennis shoes (MADE IN KOREA). After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA) he sat down with his calculator (MADE IN MEXICO) to see how much he could spend today. After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN) to the radio (MADE IN INDIA) he got in his car (MADE IN GERMANY) and continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB. At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day, Joe decided to relax for a while. He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL) poured himself a glass of wine (MADE IN FRANCE) and turned on his TV (MADE IN INDONESIA), and then wondered why he can't find a good paying job in.....AMERICA....."