We will live by two rules now: Buy American and Hire American.

— Donald Trump – Inaugural Address, Jan 20, 2017

 

I wonder if Trump has been to Sears lately, or Wal-Mart, or JC Penney, places where non-billionaire Americans shop. Try to buy one piece of clothing that’s NOT made in China. I went to look for some shirts recently, and Made-in-Jordan was the only non-China label I found. I could not buy American, I could only buy non-China.

Of course, that is Trump’s argument. For the last 20 years, our trade policies have contributed to allowing this to happen. He is right on that, but it’s not the only reason. The fact that transportation costs have gone down and manufacturing costs in the United States have gone up is another main factor. It’s a complicated world, and simple popular slogans like Buy American and Hire American at an inaugural address do not solve the problem.

We have work to do. And if Trump wanted our respect, he should have bought hats that were made in America.