JHZR2
Staff member
Thirty cents or thirty dollars, the reality is that our own choices have perpetuated the situation.
Take two examples - first I am looking for a new through-wall AC unit. A few years ago I paid a premium, a decent premium over the Chinese stuff for a 5400 BTU Freidrich because both it was higher efficiency than the Chinese junk and especially because it was made in USA. Today the Freidrich units are made in Monterey, Mexico, so I can't get a US made wall unit anymore. They are the only "North American" manufacturer by their own admission, but that doesnt mean USA.
Second is a handheld battery tester that reports impedance. Couldnt find one that was made in the USA, nor could anyone else. In fact, that specific reporting is very difficult to find in any handheld tester besides specialized professional equipment. So I was stuck.
It is saddening, because is it better to do without, or buy something that one hates to based upon country of origin?
Unfortunately that is where more and more products are heading, again, by our own fault. Whether $30 or $0.30, it is people, American people loosing out. Perhaps that choice is the American way, but I am saddened and disappointed every time that my selection in products is forced elsewhere, e.g. another country because the "choice" was made that was not in the best interest of our country and manufacturing base. As that momentum gets eroded by lots of single decisions, more and more unfortunate situations will arise.
Take two examples - first I am looking for a new through-wall AC unit. A few years ago I paid a premium, a decent premium over the Chinese stuff for a 5400 BTU Freidrich because both it was higher efficiency than the Chinese junk and especially because it was made in USA. Today the Freidrich units are made in Monterey, Mexico, so I can't get a US made wall unit anymore. They are the only "North American" manufacturer by their own admission, but that doesnt mean USA.
Second is a handheld battery tester that reports impedance. Couldnt find one that was made in the USA, nor could anyone else. In fact, that specific reporting is very difficult to find in any handheld tester besides specialized professional equipment. So I was stuck.
It is saddening, because is it better to do without, or buy something that one hates to based upon country of origin?
Unfortunately that is where more and more products are heading, again, by our own fault. Whether $30 or $0.30, it is people, American people loosing out. Perhaps that choice is the American way, but I am saddened and disappointed every time that my selection in products is forced elsewhere, e.g. another country because the "choice" was made that was not in the best interest of our country and manufacturing base. As that momentum gets eroded by lots of single decisions, more and more unfortunate situations will arise.
