We’re Just Not That Into American-Made Products
Written by: Kim Sawyer
In President Obama’s stimulus bill that passed the House last week, a “Buy American” provision was inserted into the bill by the House.  This provision requires that preference be given to domestic steel producers in building contracts and other spending. The provision also requires that the uniforms and other textiles used by the Transportation Security Administration be produced in the United States. This week, the Senate may broaden such provisions to include many other products. My opinion on this provision is that We’re Just Not That Into American-Made Products.
By me saying this, I know some people will say that I am not patriotic. Whatever. As a consumer, I have come to realize that American-made products are, more times than not, inferior products that cost more money. Let’s take cars, for example. Imported cars have consistently beat out American-made cars for years in the following three categories: reliability, price and gas efficiency. What if the Senate broadened the “Buy American” provision to include cars? As an American, do you think your rights would be trounced upon? I would! That’s what makes America, America — having the right to buy what you want to — even if it means not supporting products made in America!
As I think about this provision, what more could the Senate add to it? Also, by adding that provision, doesn’t it hurt our relationship with other countries who sell their products in our country?  I mean if we’re told to give preference to American-made products, what about the American-made products being sold in other countries? Would the other countries retaliate and tell their consumers not to buy American? How would that affect us Americans in the big scheme of things? I think this provision is something that requires a little bit more thought, don’t you?
Tags: "Buy American" provision, American-Made Products, consumer rights, President Obama's stimulus bill
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:49 am
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February 2nd, 2009 at 8:08 am
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February 2nd, 2009 at 8:44 am
I think American companies need to take heed to why Americans purchase foreign products, change the quality of their products, lower their prices and we would buy American. When we pay people while they are laid off, prices will remain high.
I wish the stimulus bill would not have been allowed to contain anything but stimulus. There is so much crap in with it.
February 2nd, 2009 at 9:42 am
I agree with Karen’s comments about American companies taking heed. I really, really try to be loyal but it is hard. I would love to buy only American products. It’s like saying if my family had a business that offered specific products, but I would go to the competitor to buy those products instead of supporting my family because of this this and this.
My last two cars were Toyotas. As much as I would like an American made car, they just didn’t work for me when I made my decision. I had to weigh all the options. But let me say, I do occasionally feel bad for not owning an American car. Honestly, it is like feeding the hungry children in Africa while ours are starving here in the US.
We’ll see what effect the provision has on us and them.
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:32 am
Yep, there is a lot of B.S. in the stimulus bill right now. They have a lot of trimming to do.
February 4th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
You make a good point, but I don’t agree with you. Buying American made products is one of the best ways to fix this economic mess. We need our money to stay in our own nation. We need to support local businesses, local crops and local services. This is not isolationism, it is common sense. We owe it to our children to turn around our manufacturing sector, Otherwise, they will be left to flipping burgers in an impoverished America.
There are tons more information about this and other Buy American topics and discussions at my favorite blog site http://www.AmericanBoom.com/blog, give it a look!
February 4th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Hi John, welcome to 7DayBuzz. I would be gung-ho about supporting American made products, but for the fact that they are, at times, overpriced AND the quality is lacking. Now for local crops, I love the farmer’s markets and I have no problems supporting locally grown fruits and vegetables. It’s just the major purchases, namely cars, that I have an issue with.
February 4th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I’ll also take a look at your favorite blog and let you know what I think. You never know – it may just change my opinion on things.
February 5th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
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February 10th, 2009 at 9:28 am
I agree with you 100% on this one. When the government starts telling us we HAVE to buy American, or anything for that matter, we’re all in trouble.
July 6th, 2010 at 7:23 am
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September 25th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
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