The Can from China
Thanks to Bruce Beattie for sending this to me - - I'm doing it, are you?
THE CAN FROM CHINA
I was buying food the other day at the Country Market. On the label of some products, it said, "From China". For example, the "Our Family" brand of Mandarin oranges says right on the label, "From China". I was shocked!! For a few more cents I bought the Liberty Gold brand or Dole, which is from California.
Are we Americans as dumb as we appear --- or --- is it that we just do not think?
While the Chinese, knowingly and intentionally, export inferior and
even toxic products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in American markets, the media wrings its hands and criticizes the Bush Administration for perceived errors. Yet 70% of Americans believe that the trading
privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended.
Well, duh..why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges?
SIMPLY DO IT YOURSELF, AMERICA !!
Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in China' or 'PRC' (and that now includes Hong Kong), simply choose another product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without. Who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use real ones and benefit some American farmer. Easter is just an example, the point is do not wait for the government to act. Just go ahead and assume control on your own.
THINK ABOUT THIS: If 200 million Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor...fast!! The downside? Some American businesses will feel a temporary
pinch from having foreign stockpiles of inventory. Wahhhhhhhhhhhh
The solution? Let's give them fair warning and send our own message:
Most of the people who have been reading about this matter are planning on
implementing this on June 4, and continue it until July 4. That is only one month of trading losses, but it will hit the Chinese for 1/12th of the total, or 8%, of their American exports. Then they will at least have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness were worth it. Remember, June 4 to July 4.
EVEN BETTER. .. . START NOW.
Send this to everybody you know. Let's show them that we are Americans, and NOBODY can take us for granted. If we can't live without cheap Chinese goods for one month out of our lives, WE DESERVE WHAT WE GET!
Pass it on, America
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I've never checked labels so much as I have in the last year. Everything from food to cloths to paper plates.... Buying American is more than a car.
Awesome post Linda!
Hi Oliver -
The "Thanks" goes to MCC member Bruce Beattie, who sent this post to me.
Hope to see you in the grocery store!
Linda
I second the great post remarks Linda! We definitely need to be reminded about the idea that buy american far extends past our cars and trucks. However I would challenge everyone to take the canned food one step farther and consider visiting your local farmer's market. Not only will save money in the long run because they are fresher and will last longer, but you are supporting your fellow neighbor. We harp on others about doing business locally with our company why not extend the same to theirs! Thank you for the reminder though - we all need it sometimes:)
As we get into fresh produce season here in Michigan, I absolutely agree with you Maureen - there are Farmer's Markets all over SE Michigan, they are fun to visit, and keeping our local farmers in business is critical to all of us.
I've done some research today on Kirkland Signature brand (Costco's "house" brand). It appears that all of their products are "manufactured" in the U.S. or Canada, although there is a facility in Puerto Rico.
Also learned that Kirkland canned tuna is actually processed and packaged by Bumble Bee - and outsells the Bumble Bee brand, to boot!
If anyone has additional insight or info into the Kirkland Brand (such as: are they buying the tuna from China, but packaging it here?) please let me know.
Meanwhile, eat fresh!
Another interesting fact is American Greetings. While they are an American Company based out of Cleveland, Ohio, I found a gentleman checking the back of the greeting cards this weekend at Meijers. I thought he was checking the prices when he told me to be careful the majority of these cards were made in China. I started looking at the back and found "made in China" or "made in USA" in the back of the cards. So now I check and only buy made in USA cards.
I noticed that as well, Lisa - thanks for pointing it out.
I have always been a big proponent of hand-written cards, but find it difficult to locate quality cards made in the US - and for that reason, I have started using the Send Out Cards system. It allows me to design my own cards (or use the thousands of designs in their catalogue) and know that they are printed right here in the United States.I'll happily show any MCC member how this system can make a difference in their business ecologically, financially, and patriotically.
When checking labels, keep in mind that there is a difference between items "distributed by" U.S. companies (possibly imported, but packaged here), and those "manufactured by" U.S. companies (made and packaged here).