6 replies to this topic

[Bleh]

ABC had a news series called Made in America, highlighting how little is made in America and how much buying made in America products would benefit the country. Recently, it talked about colleges and the catalogs (for dorm stuff) they give out. Not surprisingly, nothing in that catalog is made in the US. But, as it turns out, finding comparable products to those made in China isn't just better for the country, but costs around the same, and in some cases, less. So the schools and the catalog company are trying to get more domestically made products.

Then I had a thought. I've noticed that the school's gym clothing is all made overseas. Why can't the school buy shirts made in America? Considering that every one of the 5000 students needs a gym set, this would certainly benefit the economy. So, bigwigs of Brooklyn Tech, can you guys do some research on this and contact a few manufacturers?

[xMrStrife]

The USA benefits from buying off China because it is more economical. The Chinese manufacturing industry mass produce the T-shirts and other clothing. Mask production = cheaper goods.

[benm2012]

America's factories, as well as its ability to manufacture consumer goods en masse, moved overseas decades ago. We don't buy stuff from other countries because their products are cheaper. We buy stuff from them because they are the only people making those items.

[AnAdrenalin]

benm2012, on 29 September 2011 - 11:33 PM, said:

America's factories, as well as its ability to manufacture consumer goods en masse, moved overseas decades ago.

America has moved on from being an industrial economy to a post industrial economy, focusing on services (ie. education- we have many foreign students in our universities) as opposed to goods. Though we receive many of our products from other countries, some of the factories are owned by American companies.

[Bleh]

I didn't mean to start any political debate. I just thought it'd be nice to buy American.

Yes, China is cheaper. Yes, there are more factories overseas. Yes, those factories are owned by American companies.

But since Brooklyn Tech is an American public school, I thought it would be patriotic and would ultimately benefit the country. From what I've read, I got the impression that you guys think that the practice of borrowing from China just to buy from it is fine. Aren't any of you tired of seeing "made in China" on so many things?

I'm not demanding a change, I'm just asking if someone could see if this is possible. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes to call up a few American manufacturers and ask for a quote.

[ClEMeNt]

"Patriotic"
I'm sorry, but after being in AP Communism, I can't help but laugh at that.
I'm okay with things being "Made in China" as long as the quality is great and it does what it's supposed to do with no problems.
As for cheaper things... IT'S A RECESSION, BOIIIIII!!!!!

[Bleh]

As for the recession -

People had jobs, so they bought big houses and took out big loans. Then they realized they couldn't afford to keep up those payments and defaulted on those loans. So banks lost money and the stock market spiraled downward. This meant people had less money and less capital to borrow. Employers realized they had to downsize, and laid off people. Now people have no jobs, no home, and no money. As of now, over 9% of Americans don't have jobs. I'm sure someone out there didn't deserve what happened to him/her.

Part of the solution is to buy American. All I'm asking is for someone to see if they can get school shirts for $10, but made in America.