So I was in Sears today

[Marcos45/70]

You joined just to say that as your first post?[/QUOTE
I joined two weeks ago.

 

[d4dawg]

Ironically, much of the early infrastructure that this country had relied on (railroads) were all "Chinese junk".

 

[Strouty]

You joined just to say that as your first post?[/QUOTE
I joined two weeks ago.

Regardless of when you joined, THAT WAS YOUR FIRST POST. Next time, make your first post in the introduction section or at least ask a garage related question. This is the Garage Journal, not the Free Parking Forum.

 

[Marcos45/70]

Regardless of when you joined, THAT WAS YOUR FIRST POST. Next time, make your first post in the introduction section or at least ask a garage related question. This is the Garage Journal, not the Free Parking Forum.

I apologize for breaking protocol. I should have researched the first posting rules or been a little more courteous in my first post. Noted.

 

[Tucko]

I was in my Local Sears today. The feature display right next to the cash registers that had been Dewalt hand tools all through the holidays was changed out to --Craftsman made in the USA-- tools with a large sign and American flag. It was an assortment of sets of screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, and punches/chisels, which are unfortunately about the only USA tools they have left. This could signal a turnaround in Sears thinking on made in the USA but I doubt it. Time will tell.

The young man at the register, about 20 years old, had an interesting take on things when I mentioned to him that it was nice to see Sears pushing made in the USA tools. He said he really does not care where the tools come from and he hopes the display did not offend people from other countries. I left thinking that how sad it was that this young man has never been taught anything about civics, history, or national pride. Our education system is failing us bigtime.

Why does this surprise you? Hell, most of this board gets a big fat hard on talking about HF.

 

[Steinmetz]

Ironically, much of the early infrastructure that this country had relied on (railroads) were all "Chinese junk".

Even more ironically, most of this country was owned by foreign powers for a long time.

 

[pauls_workshop]

AZhatchback, very inspiring post! I have a little 2 year old and I will learn from your advice! - Paul

 

[Pother]

Too much of this "We are better than everyone else" attitude going on here. The choice to make higher or lower quality products to meet a specific goal is hardly a representation on the quality of the people or a country as a whole. If we really think we are the best country around, then why is everyone so quick to hate, rather than support?

 

[cburnscrx]

...Sure I rather be in my garage playing with my hot rod but I choose to have children and they come first no matter what, period...

There are a couple of things to note in this statement. One, you CHOOSE to have children, making a conscious choice and preparing for their future. I wish more people would do the same. Two, the children come first, end of story. So many parents are just big giant children themselves. I applaud you on both fronts!

I chose not to have kids, for some of the reasons you listed above. Additionally I am not sure how good of a parent I would really be.

*I wish more people would consider the cost of children when deciding to have them.

 

[ecotec]

Too much of this "We are better than everyone else" attitude going on here. The choice to make higher or lower quality products to meet a specific goal is hardly a representation on the quality of the people or a country as a whole. If we really think we are the best country around, then why is everyone so quick to hate, rather than support?

I do not think that buying American is about hate or "we are better than everyone else". To me, buying American is about supporting my neighbors.

 

[ahayes09]

I think *every* generation thinks that - in mine it was mostly greasers and dopers.

Your generations' morons are smarter than my generations'.

 

[kenburkholz]

The salesboy at Sears hopes it doesn't insult anyone! If it does, they they can kiss my American ***. Some people think that because we are the greatest country in the world we should be apologetic to the rest of the world? ********! I am sick to death about people coming here and are suing and throwing a fit that we won't change our traditions because it bothers them. Try going to some other country and expect them to change things to suit you.
good luck on that. Ken.

 

[Givl Reggin]

have spent the a good deal of time thinking about my sons education, and how my wife and I plan to supplement it.

An often overlooked quality is common sense. Can't teach it. Can't learn it. Either you have it or you don't. I know guys with big fancy ivy school masters degrees that don't have a lick of it, and guys that didn't make it any farther than the 6th grade that have loads of it.

 

[Clik]

Chinese vs American ratchets. Check this out:

http://www.hotrod.com/feature_stories/1310_ratchet_handles_torture_test/

 

[Hootbro]

An often overlooked quality is common sense. Can't teach it. Can't learn it. Either you have it or you don't. I know guys with big fancy ivy school masters degrees that don't have a lick of it, and guys that didn't make it any farther than the 6th grade that have loads of it.

Funny thing about common sense vs. education, is that one can usually equal out the other and a person can get buy missing one but not both.

Those that lack common sense and a higher education are usually those that at the lowest rung of society. While those that have both common sense and a higher education are usually at the pinnacle of society.

I work in engineering for a major aviation manufacturer and can tell you we have engineers that many call the "Velcro Shoe Guys". These are the guys with 160+ IQ's but wear Velcro laced shoes. It is not that they are too stupid to wear and tie laced shoes, but their brains are sparking at a higher level and shoe tying is not on their high list of expending brain power. Some would say they lack common sense and probably would never change their own car oil or do any manual labor. On the same token, a common sense blue collar mechanic is not going to be applying a "Kalaman Filter" (Google it) for a aircraft or missile navigation system, where as the "Velcro Shoe Guy" will. Both have their respective places in society and serve a needed function.

 

[finn]

Last time someone told me to go back to where I came from, I was in HS, and the kid was being treated by the nurse for a broken nose. My parents left an oppressive country to give their children a better life, when we show up here, my sister and I were welcomed by back-*** bigots.

This country isn't being ruined by the new generations, its being ruined by a subset of the older generation who just can't move on, and is hell bent on obstructing everything.

Its all good and well to be patriotic, but these guys are bordering jingoists.

We are now a globalized economy. The old days are over. Get used to it, adapt. Quit bitching.
-a

I fully agree. And I was born here 60+ years ago. We've turned into a bunch of entitled whiners wishing it was the 1950's again instead of embracing change and moving forward.

I quess it is just easier looking at life through the rear view mirror.

 

[Jim C.]

Welcome to modern America. You can say or do what ever you like as long as it doesn't offend anyone in any shape or form. Intended or not..........

EXACTLY, and I'm really sick of it!!! Hope that sales clerk at Sears gets fired. Sounds like he'd be fine with some guy in another country having his job. What an A-hole. Oh, did I offend anyone? ....... Yes? Too F***ing bad.

Jim C. (who hates being bombarded with political correctness)

 

[Test Tech]

I don't post much but I hate when people say this and I feel I must say something. Half the **** they teach you in school is not the full truth especially the history books or they conveniently leave things out.

It all starts at home. Lots of parents these days don't do squat for their kids. They rather be doing what interest them than prioritizing their kids. I have a 3 year old and 6 year old. If I left it up to the school to teach them then I would not be doing my job as a parent. The Wife and I sit down every single day with our 6 year old that is in first grade and do his homework. On weekends he does a couple of hours of home school curriculum that we purchased. My 2 year old, soon to be 3 this month sits there and colors and does flash cards while the oldest is doing his work. It's not entirely the teacher’s job to educate. You are dead wrong if you think this and this. I can hear the excusses rolling in now, "We don't have time with our work schedule". Bull! It dosent take alot of time to read to them or give them 30 minutes of your time to help them get started.

Along with this we have story time every night. My 6 year old started reading us bed time stories at 4 years of age and he has a 5th grade reading level. Not because he is some genius but because we take the time to do these things with him. Sure I rather be in my garage playing with my hot rod but I choose to have children and they come first no matter what, period. When a teacher ask us if we work with him at home and they tell us it reallly shows, thats better than firing up an engine I just built for the first time. There are too many students and as parents we need to provide the 1:1 time they need. When I do have time to go in the garage my boys are there with me wrenching on the hot rod so they get the mechanical skills they need.

I see alot of lack of discipline from parents as well. We are not our children's friends, we are their parents, we are educators and it reflects in them what kind of job we are doing. I see to manny parents trying to buddy up with their kids and letting them do what ever the hell they want and setting poor examples. We will be the down fall of this county if we don’t get our future generations in gear.

Louis

This is so true, I like to credit my parents with saving me from a public school education! Especially with regards to history/civics, they always taught me to think for myself and do my own research. Not to trust either the news or my teachers completely. Allways be wary of other peoples agendas.

 

[Test Tech]

Funny thing about common sense vs. education, is that one can usually equal out the other and a person can get buy missing one but not both.

Those that lack common sense and a higher education are usually those that at the lowest rung of society. While those that have both common sense and a higher education are usually at the pinnacle of society.

I work in engineering for a major aviation manufacturer and can tell you we have engineers that many call the "Velcro Shoe Guys". These are the guys with 160+ IQ's but wear Velcro laced shoes. It is not that they are too stupid to wear and tie laced shoes, but their brains are sparking at a higher level and shoe tying is not on their high list of expending brain power. Some would say they lack common sense and probably would never change their own car oil or do any manual labor. On the same token, a common sense blue collar mechanic is not going to be applying a "Kalaman Filter" (Google it) for a aircraft or missile navigation system, where as the "Velcro Shoe Guy" will. Both have their respective places in society and serve a needed function.

I think the best companies recognize just what you're saying and try to hire a mix of both. A company should be considered as a team, and the team members should have skill sets that compliment each other.

 

[laser3kw]

Welcome to liberal america its almost like they want us the be ashamed to be american!

who is "they"?
don't include me....

 

[cburnscrx]

Interestingly enough, I just took a survey from SurveyMonkey and it was about Craftsman tools. They asked questions like what percentage of tools do you think are USA. What is important when looking at tools, ect. Did made in the USA matter was a choice repeatedly as was the warranty.

 

[RalphInCA]

Last time someone told me to go back to where I came from, I was in HS, and the kid was being treated by the nurse for a broken nose. My parents left an oppressive country to give their children a better life, when we show up here, my sister and I were welcomed by back-*** bigots.

This country isn't being ruined by the new generations, its being ruined by a subset of the older generation who just can't move on, and is hell bent on obstructing everything.

Its all good and well to be patriotic, but these guys are bordering jingoists.

We are now a globalized economy. The old days are over. Get used to it, adapt. Quit bitching.
-a

Excellent post.

 

[Farmall450]

I'm 20, and I do care where my tools are made. If that's the attitude of the sales man ill stick to tool trucks.

I'm 15, and I agree.
His statement is bogus, how can you not care about 'merica?

Heck, I'm even taking AP US History next year...I like 'merica that much!

 

[Farmall450]

Interestingly enough, I just took a survey from SurveyMonkey and it was about Craftsman tools. They asked questions like what percentage of tools do you think are USA. What is important when looking at tools, ect. Did made in the USA matter was a choice repeatedly as was the warranty.

Link?!?! If all us g'journalers went on a said "extremely important" to be US made, maybe they'd start thinking?

EDIT
This one?
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Tool-Survey

No that one is BS^^^

 

[d.mcfarland]

The link was sent to my email. I took it and definitely found it interesting.

 

[ajchien]

Buy American, shop at Walmart, Buy American, own a Mexican Chevy. Buy American, get excited about the Harbor Freight coupon. Buy American complain about the cost of American made stuff. Buy American go back to Walmart then pick up chinese food on the way home.

And the Chinese food is probably the stuff that has more USA content in it than anything else.

 

[gayler]

Sorry if this has been stated. I just called my local sears and asked if craftsman was coming back to the USA and she said that as of April 1 they were transitioning back to al USA made Craftsman!

 

[dankicksass]

Sorry if this has been stated. I just called my local sears and asked if craftsman was coming back to the USA and she said that as of April 1 they were transitioning back to al USA made Craftsman!

I'll believe it when I see it.

 

[Clik]

If Craftsman is coming back to the USA it could be a sign of more globalization, not less.

As China advances and becomes more equal to us, manufacturing and labor prices also equalize. It becomes less advantageous to go overseas to make tools. But it also makes us less of a tech leader.

If we don't stop paying our work force to sit on their asses and collect unemployment, welfare, food stamps and disability, .....our tools will be about as respeted as those from Central Africa.

 

[MikeF2316]

Sorry if this has been stated. I just called my local sears and asked if craftsman was coming back to the USA and she said that as of April 1 they were transitioning back to al USA made Craftsman!

I'll believe it when I see it.

Uhhh, April first.

 

[jd_1138]

I left thinking that how sad it was that this young man has never been taught anything about civics, history, or national pride. Our education system is failing us bigtime.

He sounds like a general everyday *****. He thinks that foreigners from other countries are going to be coming into Sears to purchase Chinese made tools and will be offended when they find out that a few were actually made in the USA? The kid needs to get a clue.

 

[davewo]

First - I'm shocked by some of the replies to this thread. I have no idea how "Buy USA" translates into redneck bigotry. It's beyond ignorant to suggest that consumers who seek to buy US made products are only doing so for the benefit of white America. Don't African-Americans work? Don't Asian-Americans work? Don't Mexican-Americans work? Of course they do. By the way, how diverse do you think the Apple factory in China is? Or any factory in China? How diverse is Europe for that matter? Russia? Africa? Anyone else? The number of nationalities the US has welcomed and offered employment to would bog down the forum servers if I would to list them all. Buying from a company who still gives a damn about employing Americans benefits ALL Americans, especially those on the ground floor busting *** to compete with countries of cheap labor, no regard for safety, pollution, etc.

Second - I'm a machinist. It's a blue collar job where a few will become very wealthy, but most will have to learn to make do with less. I'm blessed to be somewhere in the middle. Especially with consideration of the current unemployment number, as a trades person living and working in the US, it is very satisfying to support the companies that make the decision to continue manufacturing in the US. When you buy US made goods, you help continue the employment of factory workers (of all races), you help their families (of all races), you support their communities well being (of all races), and you support other service jobs that work in those communities (of all races). To many people throw around the "global economy" excuse when it comes to saving $1 on a roll of masking tape. But why would you not support your very neighbors (of all races)? Would you not want their support when your employer starts looking for cheaper labor and/or services you can't provide. There's nothing bigoted by a US citizen investing in another US citizen.

 

[pauls_workshop]

First - I'm shocked by some of the replies to this thread. I have no idea how "Buy USA" translates into redneck bigotry. It's beyond ignorant to suggest that consumers who seek to buy US made products are only doing so for the benefit of white America. Don't African-Americans work? Don't Asian-Americans work? Don't Mexican-Americans work? Of course they do. By the way, how diverse do you think the Apple factory in China is? Or any factory in China? How diverse is Europe for that matter? Russia? Africa? Anyone else? The number of nationalities the US has welcomed and offered employment to would bog down the forum servers if I would to list them all. Buying from a company who still gives a damn about employing Americans benefits ALL Americans, especially those on the ground floor busting *** to compete with countries of cheap labor, no regard for safety, pollution, etc.

Second - I'm a machinist. It's a blue collar job where a few will become very wealthy, but most will have to learn to make do with less. I'm blessed to be somewhere in the middle. Especially with consideration of the current unemployment number, as a trades person living and working in the US, it is very satisfying to support the companies that make the decision to continue manufacturing in the US. When you buy US made goods, you help continue the employment of factory workers (of all races), you help their families (of all races), you support their communities well being (of all races), and you support other service jobs that work in those communities (of all races). To many people throw around the "global economy" excuse when it comes to saving $1 on a roll of masking tape. But why would you not support your very neighbors (of all races)? Would you not want their support when your employer starts looking for cheaper labor and/or services you can't provide. There's nothing bigoted by a US citizen investing in another US citizen.

Wow! Very well said! Let's all support each other and the next US generation whenever we can lest there me no jobs left here. I try to. BTW, for masking tape, Gorilla Tape is made in US and the best stuff ever for tape! Completely replaced duct tape for me. - Paul

 

[djb2]

Kinda tired of sissified ***** waists like that. Just like an article I read recently about a high school banning kids from wearing t-shirts with the American flag on Cinco de Mayo er whatever.

How can you read that as a negative for the younger generation.

The kids were standing up for their first amendment rights. They wanted to wear shirts with the U.S. flag to school. No obscenities. No hate speech. No flag burning. Just a patriotic shirt.

It was the school administration, middle aged and older adults, that banned anything with the US flag but allowed the Mexican flag.

It's the same generations that don't see any problem with routine warrant-less searches and seizures in order to travel, and that people show identification papers whenever asked.

The few ancient texts we have include complains about the younger generation. Throughout history it's been true. But I'm pretty certain it's the older generation that's far more worthy of blame right now.

 

[ShaneMSnyder]

How can you read that as a negative for the younger generation.

The kids were standing up for their first amendment rights. They wanted to wear shirts with the U.S. flag to school. No obscenities. No hate speech. No flag burning. Just a patriotic shirt.

It was the school administration, middle aged and older adults, that banned anything with the US flag but allowed the Mexican flag.

It's the same generations that don't see any problem with routine warrant-less searches and seizures in order to travel, and that people show identification papers whenever asked.

The few ancient texts we have include complains about the younger generation. Throughout history it's been true. But I'm pretty certain it's the older generation that's far more worthy of blame right now.

You went a little deeper than I meant. I meant the scenario, not the generation if that makes sense.

 

[Farmall450]

I'll believe it when I see it.

Agreed.