Remember when “buying American” was cool?
January 30, 2009 by William K. Wolfrum
Growing up in the 1970s, the term “Buy American” was bandied about almost as often as “good morning.” At the time, it mainly had to do with the influx of foreign cars hitting the market, and many car buyers would gloat about their American-made car in much the same way today’s car owners gloat about driving a hybrid.
Alas, those days are long gone.
The stimulus bill passed by the House last night contains a controversial provision that would mostly bar foreign steel and iron from the infrastructure projects laid out by the $819 billion economic package.
A Senate version, yet to be acted upon, goes further, requiring, with few exceptions, that all stimulus-funded projects use only American-made equipment and goods.
Proponents of expanding the “Buy American” provisions enacted during the Great Depression, including steel and iron manufacturers and labor unions, argue that it is the only way to ensure that the stimulus creates jobs at home and not overseas.
Opponents, including some of the biggest blue-chip names in American industry, say it amounts to a declaration of war against free trade. That, they say, could spark retaliation from abroad against U.S. companies and exacerbate the global financial crisis.
Expect the GOP to fight this one hard. Because when it comes to the GOP and business, the term “capital flight” takes precedence over “buying American.”
–WKW
It is a declaration of war against free trade. It´s stupid really. I am with the republicans on that one.
You are such a commie.
There is nothing ‘free’ about our huge trade deficits. We consume more and produce less. This is a formula for dependency and in the long run is unsustainable. It is a shame that we have allowed ourselves to get in this position.
We live off a continuing cycle of debt and credit so that we can purchase more plastic trash from China, while we have pretty much given away any industry that actually produces something of material value, handing over part of our independence and sovereignty with it.
It is too bad that the people who control American business today no longer have a sense of civic duty or genuine love of their country.
Bill, are you a commie?
Apparently EAAW is since he supports handing over American tax payer dollars to the communist party of China.
Believe me, Dgun. I loooooooove buying American. If I can get something american I will. Be it designer shoes, handbags, clothes, dogs or a husband. But when it comes to iron and especially steel I have a sore spot. The USA have for years imposed trade barriers to the brazilian steel.
“It is a shame that we have allowed ourselves to get in this position.”
I don’t know exactly what time it was when we were put in that position, but I know it was before Noon. The guy who led the charge said it was “morning in America”.
Well, that was a rather reasonable and logical response. I was hoping for words I could fight with. Could you call me an asshole or something similar?
On second thought, never mind. I’m feeling rather mellow of late.
dgun: if this helps, i’ve always thought of you as an asshole or something similar
If it helps any, Dgun, EAAW comes from a country that is fairly new to democracy and the politicians that win are the ones that give away the most free stuff. Socialism is not a bad word. And you know what? She actually thinks Bill O’Reilly is adorable. Ask her.
So Bill O’Reilly is a socialist? I kinda figured.
He IS adorable. He says whatever pops in his mind no matter if it makes sense or not.