and Liberty for all…

This Sunday, our nation will celebrate Independence Day, commemorating the Continental Congress’ adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration preamble reads: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Remember, as you gather, family, friends and neighbors, that the tools to rebuild, the weapons with which to win the battles ahead, lie firmly within the grasp of even the least of us: BUY AMERICAN, and buy locally-owned.
It is the position of An American Footprint that every purchase should be Made in the USA origin, but if there is no alternative, please buy from an American-owned company and sold by an American-locally-owned retailer. It really matters…
Read this in case you asked that three-letter-word question
Happy Independence Day, America!

The high price of ‘free’ trade

Jobs have been lost to NAFTA in every US State (from the Economic Policy Institute) click for article

U.S. Trade Deficit ticker

Trade Ticker at http://www.americaneconomicalert.com
The site also gives detailed explanations of what, how and why we need to shop American and save our jobs.

November 8, 2008

Reclaiming “Made in America”
One Manufacturer, One Entrepreneur, One American Business at a time.

The consensus nationally is that foreign-made products dilute, suffocate and outsource our very existence!
Outsourcing our workers, our materials and our future is unacceptable!
“We the People” shall abolish these destructive ends; read the labels and question our own spending habits.

American Made is approaching extinction!

On November 8, 2008 in Astoria, Oregon the first of small American businesses will set forth into motion great potential: THE LIST…

THE LIST… will grow daily as businesses producing excellent American products will prevail.

THE LIST… will be organized by AnAmericanFootprint.com™
THE LIST… is organized and maintainted by AnAmericanFootprint.com™
We are always available to contact for business, comments, concerns, questions and answers. Speak your piece, or enlighten us on the forum
The FTC requires that products assuming the title “Made in USA” provide the percentage of domestic content used in your product.
So therefore the birth of… THE LIST…an umbrella for which to shelter the American Dream, reclaim the American Standard and to Reinforce what made this country great!
Welcome to an American Footprint!
Sincerely,

William D. Brooks III

658 3rd Street
Astoria, Oregon 97103
503-338-6056

Trick or Treat?

Where’s your candy made?
We’re still hearing about the melamine-tainted milk products which have reached the US, putting consumers at risk.
““If somebody buys an ingredient from China and mixes it with stuff here…they don’t necessarily have to label it [with a country of origin],” says Hansen. “A lot of things that they’re concerned with, with these melamine products, they’re all going to be exempt. Milk powder that is added to pastry products, or anything like that, that’s processed—that’s all going to be exempt.””
The health risks are just the beginning.
“Meanwhile, Hershey is closing six plants — three in Canada and one each in California, Connecticut and Pennsylvania — in a move to cut costs and compete in faster-growing and cheaper regions. All told, Hershey is cutting about 3,000 U.S. jobs and expanding its operations in Mexico, India, China and Brazil.” in an article at the Associated Press detailing Mars’ company’s rivalry with longtime chocolate king, Hershey.
Jobs lost in the manufacturing industry are among the largest portion of US unemployment. Many of the plants closing are being replaced by production in other countries such as Mexico and China.

Do your part: Before you buy, call to confirm domestic origin of all ingredients as well as the manufacturing of same.
Otherwise, find something else to give to the ghosts and goblins that come calling this Halloween.