On our travels throughout the country I've picked up items in shops in at least thirteen states and turned them over to see where they're made. In every souvenir shop and T-shirt store, even in shops that specialize in "Indian" artifacts, I find dozens of products labeled "made in China." Even the postcards depicting American scenes are often printed somewhere else!
Of course souvenirs are inocuous items if you discount the economic impact on our country of the trade imbalance. But what about items that impact our national security? China produces many knock-off brands that mimic expensive and popular items. It also seems they are selling us components used in computers and routers that are counterfeit and dangerous. See Phyllis Schlafly's article - Buying Counterfeit Chips from China. And then ask yourself if you really want that geegaw that was produced in China. At the Grand Canyon I was tempted by a waterproof jacket (It was snowing.) until I looked at the tag. If it reads "Made in China" it goes back on the rack.
Read the tags and labels and look for alternatives. The Chinese government is not our friend. Heck, they aren't even friends to their own people - especially little babies waiting to be born. Don't support a country that already practically owns us lock, stock, and barrel. Buy American!
MaryAnn - Do people realize who is benefitting from our wars in the Middle East? I just found out that our soldiers must buy their own food at $20/day and I hear it is awful - don't know who is supplying it, but the Russians are providing the internet/skype service to our Army (for a fee) and there have been cases of ID theft as a result. When will we WAKE UP?
ReplyDeleteDear MaryAnn, - One place you did not mention finding Chinese goods in is a Catholic religious shop. I searched in vain at several shops for a Miraculous Medal that was not of Chinese origin. Ordering from a mail order firm is also no guarantee that an American made medal, rosary, etc. will be delivered. A very sad situation.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your service to the Church.
Raymond Anater, you can buy a French Miraculous Medal from The Leaflet Missal Company online. Perhaps they have some made here also. Our Mother of the Savior might have some too. You can also put something such as "Miraculous Medals from the United States" or "Miraculous Medals from France" in your search bar and something should come up. You could also buy a vintage (used and older) one. Many of those are really very unique and quite lovely.
ReplyDeleteRaymond Anater, the "Apostles.com" website has a lot of Miraculous Medals crafted in the United States.
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