
With Black Friday and the holiday shopping season just around the corner, I notice all of the Christmas Guides going up and the commercials for the holiday sales being broadcasted. As we make our lists and check them twice, let's think about giving back to our fellow Americans in the form of jobs and job security.
According to the Census Bureau, the median household income between 2007-2011 was $52,762. A report by CNN Money shows that it fell to $51,017 in 2012. That's a monthly income of $4,251. As of September 2013, the unemployment rate was at 7.2%. To put things into perspective, that's 11.3 million people or about the population of the state of Ohio.
Now, what do these figures mean? Unless you are the unemployed looking for work, probably not much. The intention that I have in doing this blog is to encourage readers to purchase products that are made in the USA to create jobs and reduce some of that unemployment figure. In my research of trying to find these products, I came across this story on several different websites. I am not quite sure who the original author is and when I asked no one seemed to know either. I found it here and got permission to post it on my blog. I really hope that my recreation gives you a different point of view as you make your holiday shopping lists and enjoy this season of giving.
Here is my revised version of it:
A man wakes up to his alarm clock (made in SC) and while his coffee pot (made in Creston, IA) is making his coffee, he shaves with his electric razor (made in Sterling, IL). Then he puts on his dress shirt (made in East Rutherford, NJ) and his trousers (made in Cleveland, TN) and his shoes (Port Washington, WI). Then after cooking his breakfast on his electric Belgian Waffle Iron (made in West Newton, IA), he sits down with his computer (made in Whitsett, NC) to review his schedule, news and weather for the day. He then checks his messages and phone calls on his Smartphone (assembled in Fort Worth, TX). He turns on his HDTV (assembled in Detroit, MI) to watch the news and weather. Then he gets into his Ford Explorer (made in IL) filled with gas refined in Warren, PA, and heads out to look for work. When he returns home from his day, he puts on his robe (made in Los Angeles, CA) and sandals (made in Buford, GA), and pours himself a glass (made in Toledo, OH) of wine (made all over the US - primarily in CA), wondering which job he should choose from, since his Made in the USA purchases have created almost 9 million jobs.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is the way to create jobs and change the mindset that everything is imported. It is done one purchase at a time. Happy Holiday shopping!
That being said, I'm going to attempt to create a job for myself and let you know where your can purchase the products in my revised story (yes, some of the links are affiliate links - I thank you for your support.) Happy Holiday shopping!
- Alarm clock:Bose Wave® Radio III
- Coffee pot: BUNN 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer
- Electric Razor: Wahl All-In-One Groomer
- Dress Shirt: Todd Shelton Baxter White Shirt (Note: Made in the USA with fabric from Italy)
- Trousers: Hardwick Flat-Front Blended Trouser
- Dress Shoes: Allen Edmonds 'Clifton' Oxford
- Electric Belgian Waffle Iron: Palmer Electric Belgian Waffle Iron
- Computer: Lenovo M92p Desktop
- Smartphone: Motorola Moto X, Black (Verizon Wireless)
- HDTV: Element 40" HDTV
- Robe: RobeWorks
- Sandals: TEROX Sandal
- Wine Glass: Libbey Wine Glass
This is SUCH a great reminder to remember the unemployed in our prayers. This time of year is especially difficult for people, and you've highlighted that in your post. Thank you for the reminder to buy American and to support our friends and neighbors this season. XOXO
ReplyDeleteHi Meredith,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. It is important to remember those who are unemployed or even struggling. Buying products Made in the USA helps to create jobs. Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comment. Always appreciated.
Sincerely,
Karina
Love this! A lot of people are struggling right now...I know many whose hours have been cut at work or have been laid off.
ReplyDeleteYou have really inspired me with this post, Karina. As Americans we all need to do our part. I'm going to tweet this and post to facebook.
ReplyDeleteHi Lucy,
ReplyDeleteThat humbles me that I have inspired you. Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing the post.
Sincerely,
Karina
Hi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteIt's such a shame that you know many who have gone through the hardship. I hope that their situations improve soon. Thank you for your comment.
Sincerely,
Karina
I would like to add that the numbers for the unemployment rate is much higher than what the government reports .there are millions that have run out of unemployment benefits and still can not find a job.
ReplyDeleteHi Ken,
ReplyDeleteSadly, you are so right about that. Thank you for your comment.
Sincerely,
Karina