Imports Claim Another Victim

My heart sank today after reading about a town in Nevada that will cease to exist (zip code and all) after June 20, 2011. The town was called Empire and was once home of the United States Gypsum Corporation. They have operated there 100 years and produced drywall. They are a fortune 500 company. People will say because of the slump in house building the company had to close the plant - I blame the imported drywall. Does anyone remember the news about all the toxic Chinese drywall that they used in those newer homes in Florida? Why were those builders using imported products to begin with - Oh yeah - the price was cheaper. Cheaper because of the lower standards and now people have lost their homes and have serious health problems as a result of their builders greed and our GOVERNMENTS negligence. That's right - I am blaming the government on this one. WHY does the government allow sub-standard products in our country? Why do American businesses have to live up to such a high standard to protect the US citizen and then the government allow toxic imports in. Double standard?   If we are going to get poisoned then why not by other Americans - at least that way the money would be in our country and we wouldn't be in a recession - or here's a better idea - why not make the imports coming into our country be at American standards - then at least the prices would be even and the American businessman would catch a break - as well as our country not being over run with health issues.
Want to cut health care ???  KEEP POISON PRODUCTS OVERSEAS - our country needs to turn it's nose up to these cheap plastics and protect ourselves from the damage they cause to our bodies.
We have to change our spending habits now and quit KILLING our country in every way possible.
Empire, Nevada - my heart breaks for you. United States Gypsum Co. is reportedly helping the town with free housing, etc...  It is nice to hear someone trying to do their part to help fellow Americans - Isn't it time we do ours and sacrifice the pleasures of imported doo dads and buy what we really need from local vendors and American made if possible?  KNOW where your money goes - even when you bank - who owns the "American" companies we buy from?  Find a locally owned gas station and start using it for God's sake - WE OWE THIS TO OUR KIDS - they would rather have a country to grow up in than a cheap plastic Chinese toxic toy!
Amanda Schalau
Average American

America Can Survive and Thrive

    Our country is at a crossroads - our decisions in the next few months could affect the outcome of our economic strength for decades. The answers being presented around the Internet are time consuming, inconvenient and quite frankly ineffective. The efforts are there - people do care and that is what I have been looking for. It has presented to me that America is without hope - doomed to an economic depression beyond all imagination. There will be riots in the streets and starving children. All this because Americans are selfish and lazy. They no longer have the spirit or drive to take action. They have become a mass of followers and prefer to point their fingers and whine. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS.
  Our country was founded by our forefathers setting aside their differences and working for a common good. They carried in their hearts an unwavering sense of patriotism, compassion and brotherhood. They established a foundation for freedom and equality like no other country had ever had before on earth. This fire burns in the hearts of all Americans - it is witnessed when a threat to our country fans the embers and reignites the flames of passion that Americans feel for their country.  We are a country that does not give up - we fight for what is right - we are strong.
  Our attentions are being diverted from real issues that will make a difference in our lives - as the donkeys and elephants continue to trample on democracy in Washington  - we are watching and waiting for an outcome that will make little difference to us if we cannot change the public mindset of social and fiscal responsibility.  The power of the government is only as strong as the people it represents.  We define the government by our actions (not our words) They do not define us. We cannot wait until we are pushed to the brink of desperation before we take action. We cannot allow our situations to worsen while we wait on the red tape in Washington to unravel. The results of our combined actions will be bigger than any legislation passed in congress.  I am talking about the effect it will have on our everyday lives - long term change - for the people - by the people. 
  Think this doesn't apply to you - think again.  You may not be headed for unemployment or welfare but inflation will soon start eating into your stock pile of cash.  If the government can't pay for our military - are you really going to feel that safe living in a country that cannot defend itself from terrorists?  "United We Stand Divided We Fall" means a lot more than people realize.
   Our country needs a renewed sense of hope and pride - we need a united productive direction to prove that we are still cut from the same moral fiber as the great patriots that founded this great country of ours.  Our forefathers were asked to lay down their lives in the name of liberty and freedom and they did this without hesitation. What we can do for our country does not come with such a steep price but is just as important. Do not allow Lady Liberty to stumble and fall on our watch - let's prove that our generation of Americans can be as strong as the great generations of Americans before us.
Shop Local - Buy American - support your neighborhoods - quit listening to the negative banter about a dying cause - know where your money goes and keep it local if not in the country. Quit being a zombies and stay out of Walmart (70% Chinese products)  Start your Christmas shopping now and go to local vendors to fill your orders - Do you realize the run off of American dollars at Christmas time - never to return - Is it possible to have an "American Made" Christmas? Our country cannot survive the flow of money out anymore - what is more important - that silly piece of plastic for little Susie - or a country for her to grow up in.
We take our country back - We are REAL people with REAL values and our children are not spoiled brats that have to have these chinese toys - we can live without the junk until an American company comes along and makes it for us to buy from our local vendor - the % of $ that stays in your community will amaze you if you all get onboard.
I will be putting out the community plans to get started soon - all this is free - I do not get paid - it comes from my heart and what I feel for my country and my community and my family. It is what we are all supposed to do for mankind - help without expectation of payment. There will also be ways for you to get involved by forwarding ideas to local businesses - and how you can start to modify your spending habits in small ways that will make a difference.  I am here to answer questions - solve problems - and lend a hand. Everything that will be put forth in this "plan" has been thought out and easily adaptable to the busy working class American lifestyle. Ease and convenience are key to getting this to work and online ordering is good from some things, but not the answer to everything.  I am getting all the info a patriot needs into one spot - and this is information that will change your communities - for free - I will not be selling anything.
Get ready for our country to move towards recovery - we will survive and thrive!
God Bless America
Average American
Amanda Schalau
If you are interested in helping save the American Economy - please spread

Beer and Hair - How It Begins

   Beer - Before the first European stepped foot onto this great country of ours, the Native American Indians were brewing up batches of beer made from what the land had to offer - corn, water, birch sap, as well as a variety of other things. As the early colonials began to populate the land, different styles of brewing developed and beer quickly became a mainstay in the American diet as opposed to wine like in many other countries. By the time prohibition came along there were thousands of microbreweries spread across the land offering up different styles and taste as varied as the location and craftsmen they were coming from. It was an art form as well as an inexpensive refreshing treat for the working class.  You could tell where you were by the beer in your mug.    When the 18th amendment outlawed the production, consumption and sale of beer, thousands of these micro breweries closed their doors and part of our American culture was lost forever. When prohibition ended 13 years later, the larger breweries bounced back and they are responsible for the production of the majority of the beer produced in America today.
   Prohibition brought with it organized crime, prisons filled to capacity, unemployment, and a loss of legitimate taxes. All this because the government wanted to legsilate our morality. So the government made a mistake - how does this affect you now? It has been almost 100 years and we are still feeling the ripple of prohibition. 
   We lost thousands of small businesses that shaped our country and those businesses were replaced by the larger beer companies that mass produce a lower quality product. Most of these large beer companies are not even American owned - yes they are still produced in America and provide jobs for Americans - however - the bottom line is where is the money going at the end of the day - the money is being tapped out of our economy like beer from a keg.
   As I looked at the history of beer and saw how far it had come through the years, I did note that one of the only good things that came out of the self indulgent 1980's was an interest in micro brewed beer again. Those microbreweries have grown and now offer us a choice between the 100% American beer or the "We make it here" beer that is so widely consumed today.
   And of course - as I pondered the 1980's, I thought back to my preteen years and how I was determined to have the biggest perm in school. This had me thinking of the beauty salon and how the beauty shop and barber shop employees were truly our first form of social media. I am sure that any beauty salon worth it's weight could spread any news quicker thn facebook and twitter combined.
  So my goal today was to start a discussion at the beauty shop about buying a 100% American beer instead of the regular cans of blah.  We decided that if enough people started buying the 100% American beer that it would be good for the economy as well as for a spice of flavor in our lives - but would the husbands go for this - hmmmmm. That is a whole different question - is their patriotism stronger than their desire for the mundane and bland cans of comfort they have clung to since their teenage years? Do they even realize that part of their hard earned American cash is heading overseas with every ice cold sip? Would they be willing to and be proud to sport an ice chest full of American pride to this weekend's ballgame?
We will cross our fingers and hope - God Bless America
Sincerely,
Amanda Schalau
Average American  ;-)

Have Big Business & the Government Turned it's Back on Us?

   I grow tired of the red tape and the excuses that are being presented to me about why "Buy American" cannot and should not work. The truth of the matter is that people who say it should not be done are the big businesses that have found a less expensive and more efficient way to operate. Yes these companies have sold out their fellow Americans for a few bucks. They decided that the bottom line was more important - what they have failed to realize is that their customer base is going broke. They start peddling their services and products overseas and then they are okay again but we are left holding nothing but a pink slip. These companies that have supported American familes for years - that built their wealth off of our population have turned their backs on us. - and why?  Because the USA government imposes stricter labor laws and environmental standards than the third world countries do.
  What does this mean to you - do you think you matter to that big business or to any of those political parties now? You don't - The political parties are going to follow the money trail - the businesses just threw you away.  The political parties are going to cater to big business to keep their bankroll.
  The only thing you have left is your fellow Americans left out to fend for themselves. All is not lost - we can band together and take back our country with simply beginning to buy American made products - demand that is the way it has to be = teach your children - or the greed that has consumed our leaders will rear it's ugly head for generations to come
  We are becoming a nation of very rich and very poor - there will be no middle class - I refuse to watch this happen to my great country when all we have to do is buy American.
Think about it - let's take America back. One purchase at a time.
Amanda Schalau
Average American

Fix the Deficit - We Can Do It Together

     Today marks one month of my being on Twitter and blogging. I first had to pat myself on the back for being able to continue with my efforts despite having 4 children with active lives as well as trying to start working again after a year off due to my husband's suicide. After losing my home, my husband, and most of my friends (people avoid the widow of a suicide victim because they just feel uncomfortable),  I now have 4 well adjusted children, found a reasonably sized home to rent, started to work again, married a man who understands me and dries my tears as I continue to heal. This wonderful man supports my endeavors to continue with this project that my daughter Lauren suggested to help America get back on it's feet quicker so that maybe we can prevent what happen to our family from happening to theirs.
     I revisited why I started the project to refocus on what we are wanting to accomplish with all my tweeting and ranting.  The bottom line is to educate as many Americans as possible that their actions count. People everywhere need to realize that for every action there is a reaction - every action reaps a consequence.  If the American people continue to buy imported goods as opposed to American made goods - the reaction is that there are no jobs in America.  If the Government continues with it's unfair trade practices and heavy taxes on the businesses in America - there are no jobs at home.
    The deficit is a result of the governments actions against American businesses. The reason the deficit continues to spiral out of control is that the government cut off their own revenue by running the American businesses overseas or out of business all together. Now that there are less businesses to pay taxes and less American workers to pay taxes - the Government is compelled to raise taxes on the businesses and Americans left in the country that still have jobs. The only way to prevent the spiral downward in our American economy is to stop the excess of imports and bring the manufacturing back to America.
    Our mission is to educate the American public on how important it is to change our habits - the people have to do this now - because Washington moves slow - and they solve problems in complicated ways that seem to never show results.
    What we need to make our project a success is to have enough Americans recognize what we are trying to do and make an effort to support their fellow Americans. If we can get enough people to join our cause then the American people can do what the government has a such a hard time trying to accomplish on it's own. We can turn around the economy, give jobs back to our fellow Americans - we can support our military for humanitarian causes as well as defend our country from our foes and terrorists - we can stand on our own two feet again and be the country that I know we are. We can get rid of the deficit and Washington can quit fighting over money and start taking care of it's citizens as well as the world again.
   This cause is the only good thing to come from the suicide of a great man - Monty Townsend - he retired from the Army - he loved his country and he was a small businessman living the American dream. Mistakes that we, as a country, made filled his heart with hopelessness and despair when it came to supporting his family. No American should feel like their family is going to be homeless and go hungry. 
   It is time for our message to spread across the country - letting the American people know it is in their hands to fix this - the American public has the power to change everything for the better or continue to turn a blind eye to the problem. We have to stand together to fix this problem.
   So as I close out my first month of tweeting and blogging - I want to thank those who have encouraged me - those that I have just met but I feel like I have known forever. The good friends I have made - the people who have taken time out of their busy lives and read my blog and thought about what I have had to say.
   As I sit at my keyboard with tear filled eyes, I feel so blessed that I am not alone - and even though I rant and have days where I vent nonstop, there are people out there that also wish for a better tomorrow who continue to support me.
I sincerely thank you all from the bottom of my heart,
Amanda Schalau
The Average American ;-)
 
     

Flag Burners Beware -

The link below is of a guy who tried to burn the American Flag on the LSU campus - Yes he had the right to assemble - but the ones who stopped him had the right to assemble too - I for one am tired of these stupid protest - tha flag represents his freedom so why would he burn it ? - get the HELL out of the country if you hate it so much.     If you need that much attention then go get therapy - get a grip

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUb_qvHX_wc&feature=player_embedded

People need to think how their actions really make them look stupid - remember 9/11 - it's just not popular to burn flags anyone. Go hug a tree or something useful.  Or find a new crack dealer because whatever you are smoking is making you stupid

Shop Local - Does NOT mean Wal-mart

          Recently I have spent most of my time blogging the benefits of buying American made products - today I am going to spend a little time on something that is just as important to your local communities - Shopping LOCAL.  When I use the term "shop local" I am not talking about running down to your local Wal-mart and do your shopping.  When I say "shop local" - I am talking about the individually owned shops around your town. How will this little bit of time and effort on your part benefit you and your community? - Well it starts by keeping more of your spending dollars in your immediate communities. More $$$ in town means more jobs in town right?
         With Mother's Day upon us - I am truly disturbed by all the 1-800 numbers being advertised all over the internet and the television to order good old mom her spring bouquet. - When a person picks up the phone or goes online to order their flowers - they are a middle man taking a cut of the money and having your local florist doing the work and getting paid less. Why not just call your local florist directly and get a custom arrangement unlike all the 1,000s of ones being ordered by a picture online.  Shouldn't your local florist get to know you and what your budget and tastes are like? Wouldn't it be nice to have  relationship with someone in town who is there for you for special occasions?
         I have always used a local florist - always.  When I had my children - they sent me a stuffed animal to say congrats - when Christmas came around I was surprised with a card and a poinsettia - when my husband passed - they were there to hold my hand and the flowers were as special as anything you could imagine.
       Knowing that hundreds of thousands of people out there are missing out on a relationship like that saddens me.
      The average consumer is lost when it comes to communicating their needs with these hard working individually owned businesses - they are used to buying chain store prewrapped gifts that they forget that they call call these locally owned shops and get better gifts and service for the same price. And the gift means more when it doesn't have a Wal-mart sticker on the shrink wrap.
        Beauty shops are especially good at putting together special gifts and most offer gift certificates - also keeping money in your community. Also tell your local beauty shop what hair spray you use - or how much you want to spend on beauty products and let them fill your needs instead of the big box chains that are sending you money out of town.  These people will accomidate your needs - they want to - and your local community will thrive. 
      So to sum it up - using your local businesses - keeps money in your community, creates new jobs, better customer service, spices things up with unique products and added diversity, keeps character downtown with local storefronts, and the most valuable thing that cannot be bought - YOU will be bringing you community closer together as well as making friends that you can invite to your annual Christmas party - instead of emailing thanks yous to all those online stores.  
       By the way - when is the last time you got a invitation to a get together from Wal-mart or 1-800-Flowers?  I must have missed mine - (never)

Spelled Out Again in Black and White

Someone else thinks like me !!!  I am not alone!!!!

Did y’all see  Diane Sawyer's special report. They removed ALL items from a typical, middle class family's home that were not made in the USA .   There was hardly anything left besides the kitchen sink. Literally. During the special they are going to show truckloads of items - USA made - being brought in to replace everything and will be talking about how to find these items and the difference in price etc..   It was interesting that Diane said that if every American spent just $64 more than normal on USA made items this year, it would create something like 200,000 new jobs! I WAS BUYING FOOD THE OTHER DAY AT WALMART and ON THE LABEL OF SOME PRODUCTS IT SAID 'FROM CHINA ’ FOR EXAMPLE THE "OUR FAMILY" BRAND OF THE MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT ON THE CAN 'FROM CHINA ' I WAS SHOCKED SO FOR A FEW MORE CENTS I BOUGHT THE LIBERTY GOLD BRAND OR THE DOLE SINCE IT'S FROM CALIF. Are we Americans as dumb as we appear --- or --- is it that we just do not think while the Chinese, knowingly and intentionally, export inferior and even toxic products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in American markets? 70% of Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended. Why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges? DO IT YOURSELF, AMERICA !! Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in China ' or 'PRC' (and that now includes Hong Kong ), simply choose another product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.   The point is do not wait for the government to act. Just go ahead and assume control on your own. THINK ABOUT THIS: If 200 million Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor...fast!! Most of the people who have been reading about this matter are planning on implementing this on May 1st and continue it until June 1st. That is only one month of trading losses, but it will hit the Chinese for 1/12th of the total, or 8%, of their American exports. Then they might have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness were worth it. Remember, May 1 thru June 1!!!!!! START NOW. Send this to everybody you know. Let's show them that we are Americans and NOBODY can take us for granted. If we can't live without cheap Chinese goods for one month out of our lives, WE DESERVE WHAT WE GET! Pass it on, America .

An American Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep... one less terrorist this world does keep. With all my heart I give my thanks... to those in uniform regardless of ranks... You serve our country and serve it well... with humble hearts your stories tell... So as I rest my weary eyes...while freedom rings our flag still flies... you give your all, do what you must...with God we live and in God we trust.... Amen!!
Author Unknown

What THEY Want You to Believe

       I know that I have been focusing most of my blogs about manufacturing jobs being lost to overseas, but people need to understand it's no longer only manufacturing jobs that are moving overseas. Technology today has made it easier for most all  types of jobs to be located almost anywhere. This means that  thousands of software development and call-center jobs that used to be located in the USA  have outsourced their business overseas. So our service based economy is suffering and beginning to collapse.                                  Many economists would have us believe that globalization benefits Americans by lowering prices on goods and services.  You can pretty much get an everyday low price on anything these days at your local super centers that make it impossible for the local small businesses to compete. The economists say that this allows these BIG businesses to use the money they save from outsourcing to create other higher-skilled, better-paying jobs in the United States. But if they are outsourcing the manufacturing and NOW outsourcing the service parts of their companies - HOW exactly are we benefiting again? ;In the same breath, they say, 'the countries gaining jobs benefit from stronger economic growth and greater stability'.  So isn't that the answer to our country's problems right now?
    If the answer to a stronger economy and more stability lies in having more jobs - manufacturing and service oriented alike - then why again do we allow things to get outsourced overseas?  If we have no jobs how are we going to buy all these discounted goods from overseas? If we had jobs - couldn't we just pay a few cents more for the American made products?  
     And why did we pass the Buy American Act if BIG companies get to apply for waivers and not follow it at all.  Obama said last year in Feb or May I believe that we had to increase our exports to balance the import/export trade - Why can't we just start making our own things here in the USA?
    The answer is so obvious - the security and economic health of our country depends on us demanding American made products - and our government needs to make it easier for this to happen. But we have got to do our part too - BUY American - from a local business - keep your money in your local community.
That was your Wednesday Rant
I have a plan - stay tuned!
Sincerely, Amanda Schalau

Short and to the Point - Common Sense Again

John Smith started the day early,
having set his alarm clock (MADE IN JAPAN) for 6 am.
 
While his coffeepot (MADE IN CHINA) was perking, 
he shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN HONG KONG),
and put on a dress shirt (MADE IN SRI LANKA),  
designer jeans (MADE IN SINGAPORE) and  
tennis shoes (MADE IN KOREA).  
 
After cooking his breakfast in his new
electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA),  
he sat down with his calculator (MADE IN MEXICO),
to see how much he could spend today. 
 
After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN)  
to the radio (MADE IN INDIA),
he got in his car (MADE IN JAPAN),
filled it with GAS (from SAUDIA ARABIA)
to continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB.
 
At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day  
checking his Computer (made in MALAYSIA),  
John decided to relax for a while.  
 
He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL),  
poured himself a glass of wine (MADE IN FRANCE)
and turned on his TV (MADE IN INDONESIA), 
 
and then wondered why he can't find 
a good paying job in AMERICA.  

http://www.w3f.com/patriots/

Confused for now

So I started this blog about 11 or 12 days ago - and I never figured out exactly how to publish it or whatever - I am such a goof when it comes to computers and such. I have spent the last few hours trying to set up stuff that I do not understand - the obvious solution at this point is to go ask the teenagers how to do it.  I mean URL addresses and all that jazz - redirecting feeds and such - and then pings out the wahoo - All these different names of places that do it - then they want keywords?  and do you set it up everytime you post? Ugh  I just want to write and press one button - I am spreading a message - not trying to sell stuff so why would I need a backlink - right?  I picked a bad weekend to stop caffiene - any help out there would be appreciated - but also might confuse me - lol
As Always very Sincerely,
Amanda Schalau
Will be back on the job blogging when this is sorted out - : )