ok, i guess its time for me to toss in my 2
cents.I'm an american. i could care less where your (or my ) ancestors came
from .i drive what i can afford and what i like. i buy american. if i buy a
foreign vehicle its used, i know where my money goes (to an american). and
since tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the United States i just thought i'd
mention how thankful i am that i can buy what i want , from whoever i want,
and can bitch about whatever i want when i want. and i know each and every
one of you are thankful you have the right to hear me bitch on any subject i
please.
Now maybe we're getting somewhere...
Maybe not buying Japanese is a bit more personal for you than unfair
trade practices. Sorry to hear about your grandfather James.
Having said that, I will also tell you that I
am half Japanese, was born an American, I served my country, and I fly Old
Glory WITH PRIDE every day. Even though I am half Japanese, it's something
I usually don't even think about, unless I run across someone wanting to
blame me for something done by someone else generations ago. This being
America, you're certainly within your right to think and spend your money
as you see fit. As for me, I buy things because it meets my needs or
fancy, not necessarily where it's made. All else being equal - or close, I
will try to buy American.
my bottom line,,,when ANYONE owns a
japanese product,even if it's your right,,,,you ARE supporting
a country that attacked and brutally killed american solders, such as my
grandfather,,, that refuses to allow our products to be sold in
their country,,,that's right,,exercise your right,,buy from a race that
will not buy from US!!!!
I think the big picture is that too many of us our looking at our
own short term benefit, just as GM and Ford did in the 80s when they
let the Japanese take over the auto market. They went for short term
quarter to quarter gains profits so everyone in upper management could
earn fat bonuses and and stock would go up. Now we have in essense
been "taken over" and more ownership of what used to be OUR country is
gradually slipping completely out of American hands. Long term,
this COULD prove to be a significant problem for our
grandchildren. We can't be sure, but I do seem to recall that the
brutality of every country we now buy from during past wars. Our
"prisoner abuses" are nothing compared to what was done to our
soldiers who were captured were subjected to in World War II and
since. And... Now that our funds are gradually funneling into the
middle east for gas and oil we know what their attitude toward
personal liberties are. All that money goes toward buying Ame! rica
... good for us today. For our children? for our grandchildren?
I am a bit obstinate, but I carefully look at what I'm buying and
try to stay as American as possible. From Cars to Wal Mart, I must
admit it is getting harder and harder.
Marlon.
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
I agree with all of you; but you're missing the big picture.
James is right. The Japanese do not open their trading borders, not
just for Autos but all products, with the same open arms
that we do. Bottom line; follow the money. Where do those profit
dollars really go after the cars are built in America?
BTW, GM is closing 9[i think] plants and laying off
some 30,000 employees.
Rich
-----Original Message----- From: Matthew
Post <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Nov 22, 2005 4:12 PM To: The
Chevelle Mailing List , The Chevelle
Mailing List Subject: Re:
[Chevelle-list] Anyone home?
Are there any
vehicles that are ENTIRELY American built anymore? And by that
I mean without Canadian or Mexican parts/assembly etc.? I
doubt it. Larry makes a good point, but I believe those
Japanese cars assembled here are made with mostly Japanese
parts. They are assembled here to avoid the customs duties
associated with finished goods, but GM and Ford do the same thing in
Europe.
I guess my point is that the lines are very
blurred. People can say "Buy American" and I'm all for it, but
you have to wonder how much of the product is really American.
Besides, the Japanese automaker pays taxes to Uncle Sam for selling
their ca! rs here, same as GM or Ford.
Matt
At 12:32
PM 11/22/2005, Larry Shouse wrote:
I'm
not ashamed of owning a Japanese vehicle. As far as I'm concerned
it's our right as an American to buy what we feel to be the best
fit and value for our given situation. Besides, many "Japanese"
cars and trucks are assembled here in the United States, while
many of our American vehicles are assembled in other countries.
Same goes for parts. You want to buy strictly American? That's
your right and I will defend your right to do so, but good luck
accomplishing your goal.
I have an idea,,no a suggestion,get rid of
that japanese car,,anybody should be ashamed to own japanese
cars,they restict owr big three automakers to a specific # of
cars that can be sold in japan,, FAIR TRADE ??? I've said before,,If you see me in a japanese car or
truck,,call the law,,I've been kidnapped !!!!!