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.