Caught in terrible position
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In My Humble Opinion
Jodi McDade
As I write this, Nancy Pelosi has just landed in Taiwan. Today will be full of tension and concern to see what China (and Russia) will do in response.
China has issued quite a few serious warnings in the last few days so we will see who blinks next because both our and their credibility have been on the line. We didn’t blink and back down from her going there. Now, will they blink and back down or will they follow through on their threats? Stay tuned.
We are really caught in a terrible position when it comes to China. While they are a major threat to us, we are also so very dependent on them for our pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, minerals, batteries, electronics, clothing, appliances, automotive parts, and so much more.
We have effectively allowed our manufacturing industries to discontinue operation here and use China for our primary supplier of so many of our EVERY DAY items. Our retail outlets sell more products made in China than made anywhere else – just try to find an American made refrigerator, freezer, piece of clothing, kitchenware, etc.!
All of this is based on the mighty dollar and the cost of goods. As Americans, we have made the cost of goods the most important thing when we buy something. Because of the regulations, unions, payroll and benefits, plus the cost of production, America cannot compete with the Chinese manufacturing because they use basically slave labor, underage labor and are controlled by the Communist Chinese Party. Even when you add the tariffs that are placed on goods shipped into the United States from China, those goods are STILL cheaper for the consumer than American made goods. We cannot compete.
Now, throw in the economic situation we have here at home with inflation and the lack of availability of products; we are even more in debt to China. Just think, what if they decided to stop selling to us? Granted that is far fetched because they rely on us for income, but the government there really doesn’t follow the free market system or really care about the conditions in which their people live.
Plus, now China is buying up our agricultural lands as our farmers/ranchers are suffering under the economic environment they are in paying higher costs for basic supplies and equipment – AND not being able to sell their products at a fair price. From reports, some of these properties that are being bought are adjacent to some of our MILITARY BASES! With the technology the Chinese have this will be a major opening for them to spy on our military from right next door!
Foreigners have been buying our property and businesses in the background for years, but this is a blatant step into the light. They do this by working through American businesses and individuals who – again – care more about the almighty dollar than they care about our national security and our economy.
Sometimes we need to be hit directly in the face to realize things, but we obviously have already forgotten some of the issues we faced during the “pandemic.” In particular we found out how many of our pharmaceuticals come from China.
What will we do if China ever does cut us off? Are there ANY plans for our medicines to be produced here? The irony hit me when I went to buy a COVID-19 home test. It was made – guess it – in CHINA! So in order to find out if I had a virus manufactured in China, I had to take a test made in China, and guess what again – I had COVID-19.
It is possible for us to cut the chains with China, but it will take a major change in attitudes. We will have to accept we will need to pay more for American made products – if we can even find them. OR, we will have to figure out ways to make them more economically.
If we can’t find American made, can we find them anywhere else? Or, do we just do without those products? I’ve seen programs or websites that list American made products, and I even tried to buy only American made for awhile. But, it took a great deal of time to do the research and/or examine each item in the stores. Do we have enough of a common desire to do this?
Obviously we need to support American owned and operated businesses. Instead of being so against “Big Business,” we need to be thankful for the people who take the financial risk to produce products in the United States.
No one goes in business to break even or lose money – they go in business to earn a living for themselves, their families and their employees. And, here in the free market of America, they should not be penalized for being successful. Anyone who thinks they can produce something as good at a lower cost can certainly try.
Well, I’m getting close to the deadline for this column and no missiles have been fired toward Taiwan or our military, yet. I certainly hope that holds and that the Chinese decide to back down.
As much as I dislike Nancy Pelosi, I will give her credit for standing up to these threats. She has actually put herself in harm’s way to not show more American weakness on the international stage.
So, please pray for our country, our military, our leaders, and thank God for the country He gave us. Keep your eyes and ears open.