THOUGHTS OF AN OLD WARRIOR - RINGO'S MUSINGS

While enjoying a succulent dinner at Red Lobster, with my wife, this evening, I found my mind wandering.  It was as if I was being drawn into the depths of illegal immigration and all the companies of American Birth, who have folded up operations in the United States, where they began, and moved south of the border, where labor is far less compelling as it is north of the border.

 

There is a fault which goes deep into the "Free Enterprise" vs. The Continental United States of America.  For eons, we, the people of this country purchased "Made in the USA" products.  Fact, the manufacturers of the USA, exported more goods, worldwide, then was imported.  We, was the exporters of the majority of all product in the world.

 

Our priorities diminished shortly following World War II, then later following the Korean War, it became more prevalent, that, the majority of product was entering the USA, then was being produced in country.  We became dependent upon other countries, who were producing far inferior goods, rather then paying decent wages to our own labor force, and producing solid products ourselves.

 

Where are we today?  We are at a stage where Mexico is producing much that this country is dependent on.  Why?  Cheap labor, of course.  Our American employees of these companies, are overwhelmed with exorbitant cost, for the "privilege" of entering the state of Mexico.  Privilege Hell, it is one of the oldest forms of extortion, by a recognized foreign government.

 

If memory serves me correctly, Slick Willie was the instigator of moving all the factory productions to our friendly neighbors to the south.  Then, much to my chagrin, "W" pretty much handed these people carte blanch,in their search for inferior product at the lowest cost, to the manufacturers.  Personally speaking, I feel these actions are tantamount to treason.  

 

Granted, no one will ever stand trial, deported, or slapped on the wrist.  However, there is something that can be done, and that is: "Do not purchase anything made in Mexico."  This could also be extended to any country South of the Border, who manufactures products sold in the United States. 

 

Hell, I can remember, as a pre-teen, when anything made in Japan was considered junk, and no one would buy it.  It was pretty much the same for "stuff" made in "Germany."   Now, both countries, who were our enemies, attempting to kill or capture all of us, are major super powers, and in my personal opinion, manufacture better automotive products, then our original automobile builders to. 

 

One might ask themselves why?  Why, indeed!  Very simple, both the German and Japanese auto manufactures, make their own product, piece by piece, and with quality control.  This my friends is the reason, people will pay more for a better quality product.  This country has the capability of producing anything from fuel to jets, from beets to peas, and so on and so on.  We did it long, long ago, and without help from anyone else. 

 

I can remember an old Model A with rumble seat, that my Dad had, and an old 1936 Ford V-8-60, that I had.  These vehicles were cream of the crop.  With time, and experimentation, comes advancement in all that is made.  With advancement, new products are created, so to speak, and the more difficult it may be to manufacture the parts for these elements.  Such as:  I was the Senior Radio Operator on ODA-16 in both the 77th/7th and 10th Groups. As such, I had the "privilege" of carrying the heaviest Ruck on the team.  I might add, that, I was also the smallest member of the team, back in those days, at 64" and 139 pounds.  Following White Star, I was 67" and 165.  Yea, I know, everyone else rebounded in the reverse order.  We all ate and drank the same stuff, so go figure.  Eventually, I got down to 148, and stayed there for several years.  I still carried the heaviest Ruck, until I became the Team Daddy.

 

Back to the subject; now we have advancement, and the radio operators carry the lightest Ruck.  Why, because, now these modern wonders carry palm tops and lap tops, working off satellite communications, with batteries.  Ain't life grand?  I wonder where these palm and lap tops are made, not likely in this country, I would venture a guess.  Is computer equipment made in Mexico?  Not sure, as I don't really know.

 

If you have stayed with me this far, thanks, I just wanted to share some idle thoughts floating through the mush between the ears.  I realize that I am not as eloquent or as fluid in prose as Nick Brokenhorse, but, I'd rather tell it like it is without flowers......................................Ringo