http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/us/23detroit.html
This is the second article the All American Store has written regarding the loss of manufacturing jobs in America. For those of you who are not familiar with our company, we are the only hardware/retail store(s) in America that sells only products made or assembled in America. Our whole focus is to bring jobs back to America. We fully understand that our ability to do so rests solely with the American consumer. That is why we ask the consumer to look beyond the price of a item - and when they do - they will find an American worker who is supporting their family - contributing to their community and supporting the greatest country in the world - the United States of America.
The recent census data regarding Detroit, Michigan is nothing less than stunning. Within the past decade the City of Detroit has lost 25% of its population - the largest exodus of people from a American city in history. Why? Because of the loss of manufacturing jobs. As a company we have a unique perspective of the problem of companies shutting down manufacturing facilities and sending jobs to China or Mexico. We use Wenzhou, China as a good example of this problem. In the late 1970's, Wenzhou was nothing more than a agricultural community dotted with small farms. Today, it has 300,000 companies employing over 3 million workers. Imagine the Detroit area today with that type of economic base. Trade agreements should be designed to bring that type of economic development to America - not sending it overseas.
On a daily basis we order products for resale in our stores from American companies struggling to compete against lower cost ( labor/benefits) imported products. These American companies and their employees are very proud of the items they make and in many cases refer to their products as " Proudly Handcrafted in America". They deserve our support.
For far to long the citizens of this great country of ours have been told by government and corporate officials that free trade agreements are good for America. That new opportunities will arise and replace "old industry" jobs. Yet, with the data released last week regarding Detroit, and other examples we will reveal over time, there is no question we have been mislead at best. The only way to stop the the flow of jobs leaving America is to buy what America produces. It is a simple solution to a very complex problem. We cannot rely on the government - irregardless of what party is in office - or corporate officials - to pass trade agreements that would benefit the workers and citizens of America. We can however rely on ourselves - and at the end of the day - isn't that the American way?
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