III. Buy American

It is time for all Americans to support American manufacturing and production. Well-paying jobs must once again thrive in the United States. We can begin this process by starting to make a concerted effort to “Buy American.”

America’s unwillingness over the past 40 years to resist cheaper, foreign-produced consumer goods has contributed to the ongoing destruction of our global environment, excessive use of fossil fuels for massive container cargo ships, exploitation of overseas labor, loss of American jobs and the destruction of thriving American cities and communities.

American products were once the most desired in the world. Many Americans still use washing machines made in Iowa, and drive cars manufactured in Texas and Michigan. American products were known for their quality, durability, ingenuity, beauty and endurance.

Manufacturing and customer support jobs only began to be sent overseas when our elected leaders enabled the “globalization” and “modernization” of our economic base, with encouragement from major international corporations. Jobs were not only sent overseas, but American workers were forced to train foreign citizens to take their jobs. These foreign workers were then often exploited through visa program provisions. Even today, many are unable to speak out against working conditions because of potential threats of visa cancellation.

In the post-war 1950s, executives and professionals lived in mostly affordable neighborhoods near other workers who could support families and invest in the future of America on reasonable salaries. In the decades since that time, workers have been intimidated into giving up their jobs and their standard of living to support inappropriate growth in personal wealth for a select few.

This is dangerous to the stability and health of our Nation. It is time for Americans to start protesting with their wallets and spending with principle.

It is time to bring jobs back home. The Empress understands that there is no one perfect answer, but the idea that there are not enough workers for these jobs, or that American workers won’t take certain jobs, is a fiction meant to protect corporate profits. If the pay is anywhere near that of the corporate leaders, American workers can do anything.

Even if a pen or pencil made in America costs a few pennies more, it is worth it. Americans must demand products that are manufactured here. An item stamped “Made in the USA” should make us feel as proud as “Carbon Neutral” or “Recyclable.”

Some may argue that we live in a global society, and “Buy American” could be viewed as isolationist, but we are not at that point yet. We are still the United States of America, our own Nation. We must put on our own life jackets first, before we are in any position to continue supporting other nations with our jobs and resources.

Imported goods are a wonderful option, but increasingly, they have become our only option, and that is wrong.

It is time to create retail outlets that carry all 100% Made in the USA products. The Empress will list them here when they are made available.

It is time to “Buy American” by all means necessary and encourage our corporations and their leaders to be a part of the solution.

The Empress looks forward to seeing the results of our united effort.