Why Jeff Bezos—and YOU—Should Buy American

Always a pleasure to speak with

Emerald Robinson

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Additional notes:

Amazon—and a host of other retailers—say that they will display the cost increase of tariffs on products, so that they can be “transparent” with consumers. A few points worth mentioning:

1. By displaying the tariffs, Amazon is effectively telling you which products are made in America—those products will be tariff-free. I recommend buying American when possible.

   If you won’t take my advice, then listen to Thomas Jefferson, who wrote in 1816:

   ...experience has taught me that manufactures are now as necessary to our independence as to our comfort: and if those who quote me as of a different opinion will keep pace with me in purchasing nothing foreign where an equivalent of domestic fabric can be obtained, without regard to difference of price...

2. I have been speaking with local radio hosts, and the callers are telling us that many businesses are marking up products for tariffs which were purchased before the tariffs came into effect.

   Remember, it takes months for products to make their way from China to America. Further, many businesses sit on inventory for many months—sometimes years depending on the product. They never paid tariffs on those goods, but are trying to profiteer on tariffs.

   Be careful. One caller even said they were slapping “tariffs” on used vehicles. This is obviously a scam.

3. When possible, you should try to buy American—even if the product costs more. Ultimately, you will likely save money in the long run. Why?

   1. American-made products are generally higher quality. In other words, you’ll buy it once, whereas you’ll have to buy the same Chinese product 2 or 3 times. You can read more about the decline in product quality in my book Reshore.

   2. America-made products are generally healthier—less toxins & heavy metals in the materials. Your body will thank you in the long run. You should especially avoid any Chinese products that you eat, or that come into contact with your skin. You are poisoning yourself. Needless to say, these health consequences cost money in the long run.

   3. When possible, buy local. Support local businesses—they are your neighbors—they are the ones who care about your community, and who employ your friends & family. Local businesses will generally be more honest, and care more about product quality than businesses who make their crap in China, because their reputation matters a lot more to their customers.

You have the ability to vote with your dollars. If you choose to buy American, then you are part of the solution. We can solve this problem without government if we need to. It just takes 1,000 acts of individual sovereignty & common sense.