Government Workers Not Buying American, Really?

I would like to open this blog entry to say that I have the utmost respect for the military, our soldiers, and their families.  Many of my friends and even family are current or retired military or have past military experience.  I myself wanted to go into the military but was unable to do so.  I may even blog about that later.

I would also like to say that I STRONGLY support free speech and individual rights, including the right to purchase legally obtained and sold products as they see fit.  After all it is their money.

BUT:  What is the deal with all of the military and other government employees buying foreign cars?

Living near a military base I get to see first hand what cars are driving around both on the base and off, and I have to wonder what they are thinking by purchasing foreign cars.  I have had a problem with this since I was in high school.  While visiting friends on post I couldn't help but notice the vast amounts of import cars driving around, in the housing parking lots, and even more off post with Army stickers in the windows.  And today it is even worse, the more I look around the more I see, and the more I have to wonder.

I do realize that there are a few (but growing) models of cars that are made in America by foreign car companies.  These I can somewhat understand.  The cars that I have big problems with are the ones that are not only not made in America, but are also not even known for their outstanding reliability or other unique factors.  Most of the cars I see are general run of the mill sedans, a lot of foreign SUVs, and quite a few luxury brands.

So, lets start with the manufacturing employees aspect.  Cars made in America are built by Americans.  American workers pay taxes (which pay for government employee salaries), and spend their after tax dollars in America, which only furthers our economy.

These workers also have a whole host of American workers that are manufacturing parts for these American vehicles, who once again are paying taxes and then spending their after tax dollars in America.  Then there are the delivery drivers bringing those American made parts to the factory making the American made cars, not to mention all of the other "support" industries that have American employees doing the same.  Anyone with a little thought can see how this one American car has a huge impact on our economy.  For every manufacturing job created, there are multiple secondary jobs created.  Look it up.

In my little area of America I also have not one but two major American car manufacturing plants (and an American made motorcycle plant) just a short drive from the military post where so many are driving imports. I cannot help but wonder how the workers at these plants would feel if I took them on a tour of the base.

Then there are the patriotic issues of government employees driving imports.  We all need to support each other as Americans, this includes at least considering where our money is spent.  In peace time and in war, all of us as Americans should support our men and women that have made the choice to defend our country and our families. However, I strongly believe that our soldiers should also support other Americans.

Now what baffles me even more are both elected politicians and their staff that are seen on TV driving imports.  How can you be any more insulting to your constituents?  With all of the talk about the state of the economy and the loss of American manufacturing jobs, they are sending even  more money overseas, indirectly sealing the coffin on another American job.

My friends that are union all have stickers on their cars showing which union they are members of, and each one plainly state "NOT TO BE PLACED ON AN IMPORT".  That seems pretty reasonable once you think of how many of the jobs they indirectly receive from the other American workers they are supporting.

Buy what you want, it is your right, but at least think a little about what it says and who it may hurt in the long run. (For the politicians reading this, that means you!)

And just for reference, my wife and I both drive older Mercury Sable station wagons. The only new car I have ever purchased was a Ford Escape Hybrid, made here in the Midwest.

Messing up the National Anthem, the new National Pass time.

I cannot understand why everyone continues to mess up the National Anthem.  As an American I really enjoy listening to the National Anthem, it gives me such a good feeling to hear the Star Spangled Banner being belted out, until they mess it up.

As I listened to Christina Aguilera start to sing that wonderful song last night I couldn't help but think that they could not have chose a more talented artist to sing to the service men and women, and the millions of citizens watching at home.  She began, beautifully as I expected, hitting notes with that wonderful voice that is instantly recognizable.  Then it happened, she messed up, singing the same line twice and even wrong the second time. 


Now I can only imagine how stressful it is to stand up in front of literally millions of people and sing a song that means so much to so many, I couldn't do it.  She was nervous, as anyone should be, and probably just forgot the lines, easy enough.  The problem that I have is that it is being messed up constantly.  From Steven Tyler to that horrible Roseanne Barr fiasco, our National Anthem is being massacred.  I can't help but wonder why.  This is a song that all of us learn in school, and if you don't remember the lyrics PRACTICE!  


I really like Christina, as do my whole family, she is a talented singer and a lot of fun to watch.  I will continue to purchase her music and listen to her concerts on TV.  And like so many other people that have messed up this special song, I am sure that she is embarrassed by what happened.


I do wonder though if there is a certain level of over confidence going on here with many of the singers flubbing up the song.  I suggest they practice, and practice some more.  Maybe they should even carry a card with the lyrics on them like I have seen some of the other singers do, they may be hesitant to do so, but it can't be much worse than disappointing the country.


I suggest that before the next artist agrees to sing the National Anthem that they do a simple YouTube and Google search for past mistakes, hopefully that will be all of the encouragement they will need to practice until they get it right.


Here is a good list of other mistakes for your uncomfortable viewing.


http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/7-biggest-national-anthem-flubs-97118

The Wonderful Blizzard of OZ.

I am sitting at home right now, looking out the window at the ensuing blizzard.  Living in the Midwest I have had more than a little experience with odd weather.  From 110 degree highs in the summer to -20 degree lows in the winter, we get the full range.

Along with a large section of the U.S. we are being inundated with a huge winter storm, forcing my family, friends, and most of the sane world into hibernation.  The weather stations have been warning of this storm for days now so you do what comes natural, stock up on milk and toilet paper, and prepare to wait it out.

So here we are, my family and I all "stuck" at home.  While the wind screams and creates beautiful but annoying multi-feet snow drifts, we are sitting inside doing what you do, watch TV, read, play games, etc.  The food is great and plentiful, chili, chicken soup, what better cold weather food.  And I get to spend time with my family, where is the down side?

As I watch the news I can't help but get annoyed at the people that are being interviewed.  They are all complaining about how much this storm is "disrupting" their lives.  One was complaining that he was not going to get to fly off last minute to Las Vegas to "have some Fun", another complained that they would have to wait at the airport for a few hours due to delays because the airport staff couldn't keep the runways clear.  I have to admit I do not like living in a snow globe, however is it really that bad for most of us?  Or maybe we have become so spoiled by being able to do whatever we want whenever we want, that any disruption becomes the end of the world.

I cannot help but imagine what our forefathers would have had to do just to survive in a similar situation.  Animals to be fed, storm or no storm, some even having to bring their livestock into their homes to keep them alive.  Firewood to be brought in, fighting through the snow drifts, cleaning the snow off of each piece of wood, over and over again just to keep their family alive and warm. Water to bring in somehow, no hot showers to warm them up.  No phones to call to pass the time, no rescue services to contact for help, just them, alone, for the duration.  Oh, and what about our wonderful indoor plumbing, no heat in the outhouse, better hurry!

It would be hard, very hard but I really wonder if they would be complaining quite as much as we do.  We have become soft, we have had it well for so long that we can't seem to be able to tough it through even a two day storm without complaining wildly.

Not everyone is complaining though.  Most of my friends seem to have the same opinion about our situation that I have, its actually kind of novel and fun!

So to the whiners out there a question:  Are you really that spoiled?