Commentary: Made Somewhere, Just Not in the USA
A story in the Oct. 19 issue covered Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s recent press conference announcing a new “Made in LA/Designed in LA” label and hangtag program.
Last I checked, Los Angeles was still part of the United States.Now, I know many people have no idea where LA is except it’s something on a television.To me “Made in LA” means made in the USA.
So I was surprised to see a picture of a designer associated with Mayor Villaraigosa that produces all their production in China and other cheap-labor countries.It’s not only wrong, it’s a sham and a shame.
Let’s get real. Our addiction to cheap products has gotten this country into a vicious cycle of doing anything we can to be the least expensive. But at the end of the day, all we got is cheap. The clothes are horrible. Made poorly, they are nothing like what we used to produce here.
I don’t want a $5 T-shirt. All that means is a whole lot of people out of work. I want the same thing for $50, and everyone has the money to pay for it. That’s American. That’s what “Made in LA” should be about.
This is not about doing what is best for our country. It is cheap and self-centered policy that has created a feeling of self absorption. I can’t empty my pockets fast enough to keep yours full.
Terrence Chermak
President, Britannia Mills Ltd.
