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Up By Our Bootstraps....And Other Random Musings

Reblogger Cindy Jones

Real Estate Agent with Integrity Real Estate Group

August 23, 2011 06:56 AM

This post came at a perfect time. I was off to look for a backpack for my grand-daughters first day of kindergarten. Taking a page from Karen's "Buy American" post I made sure that to find one that said "Made in the USA."

She got her new backpack in the mail today and is very happy to be ready for the first day of school.

I love this country!

I love the country which is the United States and the ideal which is America. I get choked up at patriotic songs and the sight of a Marine. I'm proud of what we are supposed to be....we are the good guys!

That said....ugh! What a mess we are in!

I was thinking about this on my morning hike. Wondering if we were doomed, living in the decline of the American Dream? I hope not! We've gone through things before, and as a country we rallied and prevailed. What I see different right now is the attitude.

There is a history of Americans coming together when times are tough, when we are threatened or challenged. I think it's time to do it again. Look at the past for examples of this.

WWII is a perfect example. Everything went to the "war effort"! People conserved to send rubber, iron, grain, butter to our fighting boys over seas. Women went to work and men went to war. We sacrificed and came together. What about 9-11? Hurricane Katrina? Name it....if we see a threat, we come together to help each other and pull ourselves out of it.

Our economy is a mess! And I just don't see this attitude. And I'm not talking about taxes on the "rich." Sheesh.....sacrifice is NOT taking from others. What about buying American. Remember the old ads?

"Look for the Union Label"

What's wrong with supporting an American job? I did just that this morning. It took some looking. I hit Walmart today to pick up school supplies and necessities for my son. This included some white T shirts. I was thinking about this topic since this morning. As I was shopping, I thought to look to see where the T shirts were made. Honduras! Ok....Then I started looking at labels, and I found some made in the USA. They were more expensive....75¢ difference. I bought 3.

I get it....it adds up.

But what if we all did this....just a little bit. Wouldn't that revive OUR economy? What if we all took a tiny bit of our cash and invested in American companies? What if we all did a little more marketing this week and found ONE extra deal?

Just thinking out loud!

Karen Fiddler
Broker/Associate
The Fiddler Realty Team/eVantage Real Estate
Lic # 01494165

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Mel Ahrens, MBA, Kelly Right Real Estate

Kelly Right Real Estate - Hood River, OR

Customized Choices for your Real Estate Needs

I'm with you... support the USA by buying products made here. I also try to support local businesses, such as buyer fruit and veggies from locals instead of from the chain grocery stores.

Gretchen

Aug 26, 2011 03:51 PM

Marte Cliff

Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID

Your real estate writer

I'm with you too. I'm trying to make it a habit to read the labels and see where things are made. It's amazing how often I walk out of a store without making a purchase because I can't find a version of what I want that's made in the U.S.

On Sunday we drove up to Coolin, on the south end of Priest Lake. I went in the little store to look around and see how it has changed, since it's been several years since I've driven the 15 miles to the lake.

The store is filled with the "staples" that vacationers need - bread, milk, soft drinks, booze and snacking stuff. It also has a large selection of Priest Lake t-shirts, sweat shirts, etc. and the kind of knick knacks that folks like to use to decorate their cabins.

I was dismayed and disgusted to see that all those goodies were made in China. This area has a variety of local craftsmen and women who create beautiful, authentic decor items made from native wood, shed antlers, etc. But they weren't for sale there. Instead, there were resin bears, resin moose, and resin fish.

Aug 26, 2011 05:48 PM

Valerie Baker

Exit Real Estate Professionals - Spokane, WA

Spokane Realtor

I am a real "label reader." I always buy American made if it is available . . .even if it is quite a bit higher! If I can't find it made in USA, I go for the next best which is, in my opinion, made in a place where they pay fair wages and care about the environment. Canada, Germany, France . . .etc.

Aug 26, 2011 07:15 PM

Cindy Jones

Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA

Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Mel & Gretchen-when it comes to fresh produce I'm a farmers market & local CSA proponent.

Aug 27, 2011 12:19 AM

Marte-I've already been on the prowl for Christmas gifts that have a made in the USA label on them. I'm with you plenty of artisians to support.

Aug 27, 2011 12:21 AM

Valarie-another great idea. There are plenty of other countries that make terrific products besides the Made in China label.

Aug 27, 2011 12:22 AM

Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner

Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA

Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

Hi Cindy...thanks for the reblog, would love for this to "take off" and us all to make an effort. That's great about the backpack. It's just thinking about it, right? I can spend a touch more on products for American Jobs.

Aug 27, 2011 05:02 AM

Up By Our Bootstraps....And Other Random Musings

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