The phrase "Made in USA" is perhaps the second most important set of three words in America`s history. Arguably coming in behind the famous three words, 'We the people' that grew and maintained the United States, 'Made in USA' is a staple of American tradition. It is more important than the customs Americans associate with today such as Toby Keith, baseball, and Mom`s apple pie. Yet, the phrase 'Made in USA' remains forgotten.
At a time when 'Made in USA' and American Manufacturing are at high level of discussion, there is not enough emphasis, action or resolve. Many focuses for political leaders have been on the issues of health care, tax cuts, and student loans--which are all necessary matters. But, our leaders have not focused enough on the all important ideal that allows citizens to attain and afford these issues. That is, creating jobs. Jobs cannot be created without American manufacturing built around the phrase 'Made in USA.' These words are what built America during the greatest job growth in its history--the Industrial Revolution. From the auto industry workers on the assembly line, to the farmers who harvest food, to the cotton mill workers who create the fabric used in clothing—the days of the Industrial Revolution created millions of American jobs with three words America just can`t live without—'Made in USA.'
America cannot live without USA manufacturing. Manufacturing creates the jobs that fuel the tax base needed to support the American standard of living. Taxes help to pay for schools, police, fire/emergency services, healthcare and transportation. Without USA manufacturing and jobs how can America support these needs? According to the U.S. Census Bureau the American population was estimated at 313,793,643 as of June 2012. If every American spent $50 on one USA Made item a year, it would create an estimated $15.7 billion in revenue. In addition, each American manufacturing job produces up to 4 new jobs in other sectors (source: workingforamerica.org). This number alone would create thousands of jobs for Americans!
There once was a time when it was a tradition to have "Made in USA' on all manufacturing items in the U.S, when there was a promise of the American Dream through the American manufacturing that provided jobs, and when industries like the apparel industry thrived in being one of the leading job suppliers for citizens in the United States. Those days are over. Today, there are very few companies who can say they are 'Made in USA' by American workers and from American materials.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the American Made apparel industry alone had 938.6 thousand jobs in 1990. Today, that number has plummeted to 150.3 thousand jobs. Along with other industries, the American apparel industry is slowly dying, racking up a loss of 788,300 jobs, a -84% loss. If trends like this continue Amer women's jackets icans will keep on losing jobs, the national debt will continue to plunge, and someday there may never be tags on clothing that say 'Made in USA.'
With the current unemployment rate at 8.2% (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), in what is the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The need to supply American citizens a job in an American manufacturing industry is more important than ever for both U.S. citizens and the economy. Under these current conditions, citizens are finding it harder to live. College graduates cannot find a job, parents are supporting their children into their 20`s, and even military men and women cannot find a job after they return home from duty.
American citizens, business leaders, and political leaders must take a stand and make an effort to support this country. U.S. business leaders must stand up to do the right thing and bring manufacturing back to the United States. Citizens must support the effort to buy at least one USA Made item a year at $50 to create up to $15.7 billion in revenue, and American political leaders must support 'Made in USA' as a call to action in a bi-partisan way. There is still hope. If all Americans collectively come together and start supporting USA Made items, America will begin to flourish like it once did during the Industrial Revolution. $15.7 billion in one year, can double to $30 billion in the next. Together, with action, Americans can ultimately improve their efforts and each others` lives year in and year out. America has to. America has no choice. It has to support 'Made in USA.' America just can`t live without it.
About the Author:
Logan Beam is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the All American Clothing Co, a 100% USA Made clothing company that passionately supports Made in USA goods. This release was written as a 'call to action' for all American citizens and all American leaders to increase their efforts in supporting 'Made in USA'.
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