MADE IN AMERICA | A Reader's View

Why Am I Buying American?

I’m sure if you asked those folks who like buying American why it is they prefer doing so, the response frequently would be “quality.” And I would be right there along with them in this immediate, often knee-jerk response. But after some contemplation I realized there were other drivers at work fueling my preference for American.

American-made products, dare I say this, really reflect freedom. How? Well, from my perspective Americans are creative, ingenious, industrious, and very entrepreneurial. Having a society and governance model built on the idea of freedom brings these qualities out in people and allows them to flourish. It is something in our culture, our spirit, the American story if you will, that results in unique, special, and yes, “quality” products being created and produced here.
Oh, and I need to mention “nostalgia.” Now that I am over 50 I feel qualified to use this term. I have my moments when a flash of the past will strike me, usually something that reminds me of my youth in Pennsylvania. I remember the products, made in the blue-collar industries and on Dutch, Amish, and Mennonite farms alike across the Keystone State, all known for their American-ness and quality. Nostalgia, I’m not ashamed to say, can and does motivate me and my buying habits.

Oh, and I need to mention “nostalgia.” Now that I am over 50 I feel qualified to use this term. I have my moments when a flash of the past will strike me, usually something that reminds me of my youth in Pennsylvania. I remember the products, made in the blue-collar industries and on Dutch, Amish, and Mennonite farms alike across the Keystone State, all known for their American-ness and quality. Nostalgia, I’m not ashamed to say, can and does motivate me and my buying habits.

Oh, and I need to mention “nostalgia.” Now that I am over 50 I feel qualified to use this term. I have my moments when a flash of the past will strike me, usually something that reminds me of my youth in Pennsylvania. I remember the products, made in the blue-collar industries and on Dutch, Amish, and Mennonite farms alike across the Keystone State, all known for their American-ness and quality. Nostalgia, I’m not ashamed to say, can and does motivate me and my buying habits.

Lastly, but with immense pride, I can report that the Patriotism coursing through my veins influences me and my purchase preferences tremendously. I LOVE my country and my fellow Americans. It is shear coincidence that I’m writing this today on the same weekend that Woody Guthrie’s 100th birthday is being celebrated. Guthrie, a bit controversial in his time, did speak to the ruggedness and greatness of our country and its people. His song “This Land is Your Land” just pulls at my heart strings (in fact, I’m getting a little wet-eyed just thinking about it). I will and do pursue all things American because of my love of country.

My fellow Americans are enduring an economic blight of epic proportions, partly due to greed, partly due to unfair global practices, but either way puts the American worker, farmer, craftsman, artisan, and entrepreneur at a distinct disadvantage. Whatever your motivation--quality, freedom-based choice, nostalgia, patriotism or something else--consider buying American when you pull out your wallet. As Woody said, “this land was made for you and me.” It was also made “by” you and it still is today. BUY AMERICAN! 


-Duane Jennings