Wednesday, June 20, 2006

Patriotism:  Webster defines it as "love for or devotion to one's country".  It's a short simple definition, but it encompasses far more when you dig deeper into its real meaning.  Our forefathers came to this country  for many reasons.  They came due to political persecution, or for religious freedom, economic opportunity and even against their own will as slaves or indentured servants.  Whatever the reason, they all contributed to the creation of a prosperous democratic country where freedom abounds.  Our forefathers fought and died to protect our way of life and the freedoms we currently enjoy. 

All my life I have reaped the rewards that this country has to offer.  I am truly blessed to have been born in the USA.  I also want my children to have these same opportunities.   For that reason I have chosen to be a more active participant in the battle for this countrys future. 

I believe there is currently an assault on our way of life and the freedoms we enjoy and I,m not talking about the war on terrorism.  I,m talking about the undermining of our middle class through the loss of a manufacturing infrastructure and the associated loss of jobs.  I,m talking about trade agreements loosely described as free trade yet some of our trading partners have huge advantages in cheap labor and government assisted aid.

Then there's China.  They represent our largest trade imbalance with the loss of thousands of manufacturing jobs.  Their low wages, gov't owned businesses, huge developing market and artificially low currency gives them a dramatically competitive advantage.  Unless our policies change, I fear an even greater loss of manufacturing even in sectors currently not affected.  I also fear that these critical losses may undermine our economic stability and security of our country.

So what can JohnQ Citizen do?  Write our congress men and women?  Vote for candidates who support our views?  Yes, but we can also vote with our pocketbook by buying American made products from American owned companies.  That single act, if done by the majority of American citizens can save this countrys future.  It doesn't require an act of congress or a new trade agreement.  It's just a simple matter of  supply and demand.  If there's enough demand for American made products then guess where companies will build their plants.  We can control our own future and the future of our children.  We just need to start doing it. Start today by simply making the effort to buy American.