American Made - Whats it mean to ya?

[Kanticoy]

That's the problem. America isn't known for shit other than petty celebrity quarrels, and growing in debt. There isn't much of anything left here that people seek as the top of the line. This has to change or we perish. I don't care what any of you say, but even a fucking t-shirt maker makes a difference when he pursues his product with the right attitude and passion.

There are still those around like my grandfather who remember the days of pride in workmanship that this country used to harbor. They are the men who fought for their country, then came home, dug in with their heels and made a place for themselves on this continent. These days, everyone has such a sense of entitlement that anytime the sweat beads up on their brow, they complain of unfair conditions. I am guilty as well. We watch many others around us do jack shit and live as well as we do from a surface perspective. There is something they are missing though that few of us still have. They are missing what it feels like to be proud of what they did with their day. They miss the sense of glee that comes from solving a problem with nothing but the things laying around you on a concrete floor. That is what defines a man's character. Any of us who squabble over $5 when there is a statement being made for pride of workmanship should be ashamed. I'm sorry if I offend any of you by saying this, as we all have the right to choose what we do or do not spend our money on, but our consumer ethics died a long time ago. WE can all provide for our families cheaply if we must without selling our souls. I am proud to see a guy like Logan actually thinking about the actions that he takes to produce a product. It shows when the day is over and the boxes and tables are full of goods. We can all take a lesson from this to think a little harder before we pick something up off of a shelf next time we are at the store.

Call me an ass, a scoundrel, or an elitist. I don't care. I have been on a self evaluation rampage for weeks, and I have promised myself to get back to my roots. This is a small example of me doing that. Logan, if you produce things the way you intend, I support you 1000%.

Rant over.

 

[Sonreir]

Kiley 2016?

 

[Redbird]

What Kiley said

I have no problem paying the upcharge if it helps "local" craftsman.

 

[BCBarker]

Honestly I though $14 for a hand printed shirt shipped to me was a bargain. I'd gladly pay $20 for a quality t-shirt with a kick ass design.

Maybe you add a "100% American made" printing on the sleeve?

 

[DrJ]

Until young people and parents realize there are career paths other than finance and technology, there's really not much hope in the immediate future. Tools are dangerous, you'll get hurt.

 

[Kanticoy]

Until young people and parents realize there are career paths other than finance and technology, there's really not much hope in the immediate future. Tools are dangerous, you'll get hurt.

Sadly you're right, but you know what? Fuck that.

I love this guy...he has some amazing insight. And the video is compelling.

http://www.ted.com/talks/mike_rowe_celebrates_dirty_jobs.html

Another:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NwEFVUb-u0

 

[teddpage]

I just watched both video's. Thanks Kiley!
Ive been saying for years, if all the blue collar workers in the country just stopped working for a week...even a day, this country would come to a grinding halt. I work as an auto mechanic, and i hate the negative connotations that come with it. We are highly educated (i have a bachelors degree) and have a HUGE skillset that ranges from computer work to dirty front end work.
I wish people would realize the impact these jobs had on the country.

 

[Kanticoy]

You're welcome Tedd, and I agree with you completely. One day is all it would take. Really. Like my 90 year old grandfather told me, I will tell you all as well.

"You are blue collar, and come from a long line of blue collar workers. You are the salt of the earth and the spine that holds everything else together. Be proud of that, because only others like you will understand how important that is."

That's why I wear this:

 

[Hoofhearted]

I wish people would realize the impact these jobs had on the country.

They don't period. The nation is caught up with "celebrities" and how important they are. The late lunatic comic Spike Milligan said in an interview that he wished people would stop asking him for his autograph. "Ask your garbageman for his autograph. If I don't tell a joke or write a book for a year its no big deal. If your garbageman doesn't collect your garbage for a year you're in trouble".

 

[cyclefreak]

Re: Re: American Made - Whats it mean to ya?

That's the problem. America isn't known for shit other than petty celebrity quarrels, and growing in debt. There isn't much of anything left here that people seek as the top of the line. This has to change or we perish. I don't care what any of you say, but even a fucking t-shirt maker makes a difference when he pursues his product with the right attitude and passion.

There are still those around like my grandfather who remember the days of pride in workmanship that this country used to harbor. They are the men who fought for their country, then came home, dug in with their heels and made a place for themselves on this continent. These days, everyone has such a sense of entitlement that anytime the sweat beads up on their brow, they complain of unfair conditions. I am guilty as well. We watch many others around us do jack shit and live as well as we do from a surface perspective. There is something they are missing though that few of us still have. They are missing what it feels like to be proud of what they did with their day. They miss the sense of glee that comes from solving a problem with nothing but the things laying around you on a concrete floor. That is what defines a man's character. Any of us who squabble over $5 when there is a statement being made for pride of workmanship should be ashamed. I'm sorry if I offend any of you by saying this, as we all have the right to choose what we do or do not spend our money on, but our consumer ethics died a long time ago. WE can all provide for our families cheaply if we must without selling our souls. I am proud to see a guy like Logan actually thinking about the actions that he takes to produce a product. It shows when the day is over and the boxes and tables are full of goods. We can all take a lesson from this to think a little harder before we pick something up off of a shelf next time we are at the store.

Call me an ass, a scoundrel, or an elitist. I don't care. I have been on a self evaluation rampage for weeks, and I have promised myself to get back to my roots. This is a small example of me doing that. Logan, if you produce things the way you intend, I support you 1000%.

Rant over.

Well said my friend, well said.

 

[Frog]

Go for it, I think you will find a enough economic patriots to make made in the US T-shirts a worthwhile venture. I'm a Brit living in France so I buy British or French when possible, I'd rather spend more and keep my fellow countrymen in a job, in favourites I have several web sites such as buybritish.com, I should imagine there are similar sites to promote your goods on in the US, good luck.

 

[hallin222]

6 pages in and lots of pro American feedback but nobody has addressed the fact that 90% of the project bikes on this site are Japanese.

I too am building and old Kawasaki but own two Harley's as well. I'm in the middle on this issue. If quality is equal and price is similar I try to support local (community not just country) even at a slight price premium but I don't automatically disapprove of foreign built things on principle.

Walmart on the other hand...... they get none of my money.

 

[Kanticoy]

6 pages in and lots of pro American feedback but nobody has addressed the fact that 90% of the project bikes on this site are Japanese.

That's true, but to me it's more a testament to anti-throwaway culture. When you find trash and make it new again, to me there is nothing more patriotic due to its self reliance. I also drive a Toyota pickup....that was built in Tennessee. There is a big argument about what is "American made" in the motor industry. Some of the "American" vehicles...Harley included...are more foreign than local. And vice versa. Some "foreign" vehicles are made right here on our soil, so that's a very broad path to walk down.

 

[teddpage]

I also drive a Toyota pickup....that was built in Tennessee. There is a big argument about what is "American made" in the motor industry. Some of the "American" vehicles...Harley included...are more foreign than local. And vice versa. Some "foreign" vehicles are made right here on our soil, so that's a very broad path to walk down.

I hear this almost every day in my line of work. People come in "well i bought my Chevy/Ford/Dodge because its American Made. I cant tell you how many parts ive recieved for all the aforementioned vehicles and right on the box "Made in *anywhere but america". But you get a part for a Toyota/Honda/Hyundai...guess what...Made In America. It seems we have a role reversal going on. All the "Patriotic" companies are outsourcing both the building of their vehicles and parts, and a majority of the "Imports" are built right here in America.
Its funny when you let somebody know that...their jaw drops and usually change the subject lol

 

[Cafe_to_go]

A lot of you guys know I started the Rust Revival project a few months ago. It's been going really well and I've been more than pleased with the support from you guys. One thing that has been bugging me is the idea of "American Made". I always try to buy American Made when available. I support American manufacturing especially when those are small shops and businesses.

First off, I'm not saying that other countries are not capable of producing great products, they are more than capable of making quality goods. I don't want to piss anyone off by them thinking this is a "If it ain't 'Merican then its garbage" kind of rant. I have just always been of the school of thought that you support your community and fellow countrymen as best you can.

The Rust Revival apparel is currently printed right here in the Good Ole USA by yours truly but the shirt are not made here. I did a lot of research and found quality shirts that I thought were affordable. One of my goals with Rust Revival was to not charge people $25-40 dollars for a friggin t shirt. I wanted everyone to be able to get one if they wanted it.

The whole point of the conversation here is this: HOW IMPORTANT IS "AMERICAN MADE" TO YOU GUYS? I currently sell shirts at $14.00 but if I were to bump the price up 3-4 dollars a shirt, I could buy american made shirts, use american made ink and print them with my own two hands. Yeah, I know they are just t-shirts but anything made is worth making right and making it with the best materials possible. Would it make a difference to you guys? Does it matter? How do you guys value American Made?

I would like to say first, good job on social responsibility, now a days most business don't care where it's made, they only care to maximize profits. Unfortunately everyone is always looking for a bargain, that's why so many mom and pops store are now gone, when I was in college I had to a research paper, I surveyed about 40 students, professors and friends on spending habits, most chose to spend money when they find an item cheaper in price, avoid paying sales tax and free shipping. Unless an American made manufacturer can offer an exceptional warranty, similar to what craftsman offer, lifetime replacement, most people would buy and wouldn't have a problem paying more upfront.

 

[hallin222]

That's true, but to me it's more a testament to anti-throwaway culture. When you find trash and make it new again, to me there is nothing more patriotic due to its self reliance.

Agreed. Sites like these display recycling on a bigger scale. How many Coke cans recycled by your neighbor would it take to equal that of the vintage Japanese engine block that you saved from a slow death in a trash pile somewhere?

 

[Frog]

Where it's made is more important to me than who owns it, I'd rather buy from a Japanese owned company making stuff in my own country than buy from a British/European company based in the far east, it's better for local jobs, taxes and the environment. In the US buying a Honda Goldwing must be just as patriotic as buying a Harley. There is a growing trend towards a more responsible/patriotic approach to consumerism, those in the vanguard will hopefully reap the rewards.

 

[rockcitycafe]

That's the problem. America isn't known for shit other than petty celebrity quarrels, and growing in debt. There isn't much of anything left here that people seek as the top of the line. This has to change or we perish. I don't care what any of you say, but even a fucking t-shirt maker makes a difference when he pursues his product with the right attitude and passion.

There are still those around like my grandfather who remember the days of pride in workmanship that this country used to harbor. They are the men who fought for their country, then came home, dug in with their heels and made a place for themselves on this continent. These days, everyone has such a sense of entitlement that anytime the sweat beads up on their brow, they complain of unfair conditions. I am guilty as well. We watch many others around us do jack shit and live as well as we do from a surface perspective. There is something they are missing though that few of us still have. They are missing what it feels like to be proud of what they did with their day. They miss the sense of glee that comes from solving a problem with nothing but the things laying around you on a concrete floor. That is what defines a man's character. Any of us who squabble over $5 when there is a statement being made for pride of workmanship should be ashamed. I'm sorry if I offend any of you by saying this, as we all have the right to choose what we do or do not spend our money on, but our consumer ethics died a long time ago. WE can all provide for our families cheaply if we must without selling our souls. I am proud to see a guy like Logan actually thinking about the actions that he takes to produce a product. It shows when the day is over and the boxes and tables are full of goods. We can all take a lesson from this to think a little harder before we pick something up off of a shelf next time we are at the store.

Call me an ass, a scoundrel, or an elitist. I don't care. I have been on a self evaluation rampage for weeks, and I have promised myself to get back to my roots. This is a small example of me doing that. Logan, if you produce things the way you intend, I support you 1000%.

Rant over.

they won't call you an ass, a scoundrel, or an elitist, they call you a Jingoist! I've actually been called a Jingoist by this guy trying to solicit my business and start having my parts made in Vietnam, I think he's the company that makes all those upholstered cafe seats all over now, but after maybe 10 rejections, he finally gave up and told me my jingoist attitude was outdated... oh well. haha

 

[rockcitycafe]

Kiley 2016?

He'll have my vote! ;D

 

[cqyqte]

Let me start by saying I am a proud retired Canadian. I look at my neighbours to the south as distant relatives separated by history and geography. Today’s economy sucks and has us counting our pennies and cinching our belts. Of late our dollar has been doing well against your dollar making purchasing cross border in person or electronically economically favorable.

Canadians reportedly purchase on-line in high numbers which in turn suggests we don't buy Canadian as much as we buy fiscally responsible. Our economies are poor, the cost of living is high and to survive we need good or high paying jobs. Compared to the rest of the world we live like "Kings" with a roof over our heads and food on our tables. When we read current events we are appalled at the poverty and living conditions of third world people.

As I said earlier to survive in North America today you need a good paying job, which in turn applies pressure on employers raise pricing on products or search for ways to reduce overhead through automation, increased quotas, or a reduction of material costs and quality. As tough as life is on us to live this luxurious life it is getting tougher on business to maintain profitability, to survive, business has been driven, by us, to exploit the world for cheaper work forces. Yesterday a family stole, scrounged, or did without in those less fortunate countries, yet today they work for money albeit miniscule by our standards, it money that enables them to live a higher standard of life than the day before.

Because of this a human rights cry erupts, of sweat-shops, cruelty, unsafe working conditions, all based on our societal standards. What is forgotten is that we want quality products at low pricing so that we can continue to live our glorious lives. We also forget that the worker in those overseas sweat-shops is better off than his neighbour still on the street scrounging for food or stealing to survive. Is it wrong? By our standards, yes, but by theirs no.
Now allow me to make my point, the US owned and managed company, farms out the production in ways that gives the North American public what it wants at a price that meets the public’s needs. If that means that some foreign worker is making $2 a day today where he made nothing yesterday, it’s the cost of keeping us in the lap of luxury so be it. There is no way feasibly possible for business to survive the hour rate expectations of North Americans and price their wares at the prices we demand. We are selfish and critical, we refuse to see the bigger pictures especially when it impacts us. We expect too much and want everything and feel it is our right as citizens to demand it. We have pushed society to this outcome yet we don't want to accept ownership. We want locally made product, we want high wages, we want competitive pricing, yet we are not willing to give anything up or yield any of our expectations to achieve this end.
If you want to see true locally run businesses and how our societal expectation affect product, pricing and service levels, check out the banking and insurance industries. You pay through the nose, you get @#%$ all, and if you don’t like it they say tough that’s how it is! If there was a cheaper non-North American alternative I am sure we would quietly support foreign competition if it was cheaper and the returns were better.