Chinese made at the Smithsonian.

[jodann]

While I've not been to the Smithsonian in years, I (we) did do a cross-country trip last year & were, how can I put it, TOTALLY DISMAYED, that in every gift shop, in every NATIONAL PARK, the vast majority of items for sale were products of - I'll give you a moment to think about it - OK, times up!! You were probably right - the answer is China.

Just type in "Chinese made at the Smithsonian" to give you more info on the story. I've posted B4 that I had made a donation to a vets org. & rec'd. an American flag in turn that was made in China. Is it any wonder that our economy is in the toilet?

I don't have an answer to our dilemma other than trying to do my best to continue to "Buy American". Not too easy to do.

PS: I realize that this is a touchy subject to address & NOT violate the rules governing iRV2 so if you care to respond, please be gentle. jodann

[tncruiser]

i agree thats as political as i can get without violating the rules and placeing blame where it belongs
brianj

[Finhawk]

I found the same thing at Lincoln's birthplace in Ky. I decided not to purchase anything and then let the clerk know how I felt. I guess that's all you can do

[Tha_Rooster]

How about this ask your dentist where his or hers crowns or partials come from china or Mexico half the price.

[JMonroe]

Economies are always evolving. I'm not so concerned with the trinkets and chotskies, no doubt made by low skilled labor, but much more concerned with durable goods, heavy equipment and technology. I'd like to think our economy has moved past having to make the cheap plastic toys found in a happy meal. I would, however, like us to stay at the forefront of new technology, heavy manufacturing and engineering, and that includes protecting our technology from pirates and cheap imitation around the world. Of course that also means raising our standards and results in education and training for productive careers, working to identify and encourage those with the talent and motivation to succeed rather than dumbing down the system so no one 'feels bad'.

[TW]

In the 90's I went to a lot of TRADE SHOWS around the Western World.
You could see all those people taking pictures etc. Just for info. You had to hide your stuff and sleep on it at night. I never answered any of their inquiries. It's not that easy to find the right product from your country. Some are not even made anymore here. Look at all the car manufacturer, that are now Indian or China owned. Their is no car manufacturer British owned anymore.

TW

[Lindsay Richards]

We recently took a a cruise to Nassau and were surprised to see a lot of the handmade stuff in the native market was made in China. I guess the labor isn't cheap enough in Nassau.

[Engineer Guy]

TW x 2...

The only Trade Show I ever saw theft at was in Shanghai. My Taiwanese Rep/Pal had a sophisticated High Vacuum part snatched from our Display for Reverse Engineering. He was LIVID. JUST a little tension historically between Taiwan [Free China] and the Mainland as it was.

See a Video of how things really are made there:

Chinese Automation

This BBC Article starts part way down this Webpage:

Chinese Tech Theft

These are Manufacturing observations, not Political ones...

[NLOVNIT]

I just ordered a safety trangle set from RVupgrades. To my surprise, stamped right on the kit is Made In U.S.A. James King & Co. Tualatin, Oregon. At least there's going to be one thing in my coach made in America!

Lori-

[DaveFL]

I just installed new pads and they were made in USA, Wagner.
Calipers were USA rebuilt, bendix. Can be done if you don't mind paying more and hopefully get a better part.
Now looking for wheel speed sensors abs, but 400+ each from NAPA is a little high, Delco or Delphi might be made in USA. Most other model vehicle sensors run about 50.

[w6pea]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tncruiser i agree thats as political as i can get without violating the rules and placeing blame where it belongs brianj

X2

My DW and I were in Carson City NV. Last Monday, stopped at a Starbucks Coffee aka Sixbucks. Anyway I was looking at their coffee cups and coffee pots, not a single item not made in China I let the clerk know in no uncertain terms I was looking for a Travel Mug but I would not buy it there.

[woody!]

Maybe this will help.

Made in the USA Products Directory

http://madeinusaforever.com/

[ctcamper]

I get my plastic mugs from here:

Learn More About Whirley-Drinkworks!

They made the dunkin donuts mug years back that I loved -- 24 oz that was perfect size for the cup holders in my van. When they fell apart I had to find them for another few. If you buy indiv mugs you, unfortunately , get all different labels on them but I love the design and that they are made in the US

[Dav5942]

Just like the Japanese did copied everything. If we could limit the Chinese to junk we have a chance, but unfortunately they are moving fast into making everything we use.

Way to late to buy American for most items, in fact they have their own Ebay(Alibaba) where we have been buying direct from China, Hong Kong, etc. for some time.