BSA merchandise should be "Made in America" not China - Online Petition

[eagle1977]

It is one thing for the typical American consumer to succumb to the desire to save a few dollars on imported goods for their families. But, it is something entirely different for the U. S. government to resort to the same mentality as it did by nearly awarding the construction of the KC-135 supertanker for our air defense services to Airbus. I know we are currently allies with the European Union, but, what happens should times get rough again and we are forced into another war on the continent? Are we going to be able to rely on replacing lost aircraft, or rely that the computer systems already in place do not contain some sort of Trojan horse software?

 

Strong defense is more important than anything else.

[Narraticong]

BadenP, I don't think I said we should give up. My idea is that if we are truly to participate in a global economy, then all must abide by the same rules, or the playing field needs to be made level, handicapped, so to speak. America has done the right thing and added pollution controls, fair wages, safety regulations to our industry by our own choice. The Chinese have chosen not to do so.

 

If we feel strongly that the restraints we put on our industry are good and necessary, then we must expect the same from China and all producers of goods. One way to ensure this is to tax imports from non-complying countries until it becomes prudent for them to comply.

 

Doing so wil likely have one of two effects. It will price China out of the US market, thus leaving a niche for American manufacturers to fill, or it will cause China to impose the same restraints on their industry as are on American businesses. In either case, we will pay more for those products. No way around that.

 

As to refocusing our model, are you suggesting something other than Capitalism? It would seem our economy has always been based on and thrived on, the populace having a desire for the latest and greatest anything. Computers are certainly not a necessity of life, but the competition among manufacturers over the past 30 years has resulted in many amazing and sometimes lifesaving machines. Much of that creativity was driven by profits made selling PC's and Macs.

[BadenP]

Narraticong

 

What I suggested is true capitalism, what you are suggesting resembles socialism. First of all the marketplace is not equal, it never has been or ever will be so you have to structure your company to be able to manipulate your product to the top of the rest by offering what others do not. For example, quality and durability of products is something sorely lacking in todays marketplace, if by charging a little more than your competitors you can insure your customers something will work better and last longer they will pay more money for your product. If you cut corners, use cheap materials and your product falls apart quicker you will lose your customers, simply put people want something that is reliable, works well and they are willing to pay for it. When greedy corporate heads and greedy union officials are allowed to subvert this process, wanting more and more money for themselves and driving costs up to ridiculous levels then you have a breakdown of the system. Look at our former steel, auto, and agricultural industries, once they were thriving and now they are dead or dying. Incompetence and corruption and poor business practices are the reasons.

 

No the playing field is not fair, but neither is business or life and you have to learn how work within the system you have and to put your customer first and they in turn will put you first with their support.

[singletrack]

Setting aside everyone's opinions and misconceptions on manufacturing and economics this issue should simply be put to the test of the Scout Oath and Law. If you have to be told the many ways that the Peoples Republic of China violates almost every principle that Scouting stands for, then maybe ----- or maybe it's just me, I see so many others turning a blind eye to their morals when it affects their pocketbook why shouldn't the BSA

ken

[cclman]

i for one dissagree just for the fact that there is the boy scouts of china and other foreign countrys as an example the scout camp my troop goes to has a sign with all the troops that have come and gone and one was from japan so even thogh they are foreign and not american they are still our brother

[Eagle92]

CC.

According to Scouting 'Round the World the Chinese Scout Association you reference is for the Republic of China, aka Taiwan, not the People's Republic of China, aka Chinese Communists of Tiennamen Square, 1 child per family, and forced abortion fame.

 

Now because of the treaty the ChiComs signed with the UK reverting Hong Kong back to Chinese sovereignty, The Scout Association of Hong Kong is still in existence for next 40 something years. But Scouting is only in Hong Kong and no where else in Communist China.

[BadenP]

Because singletrack the BSA is constantly throwing up the the scout oath and law as the driving force of the organization and yet CSE Mazzucca will sell out those principles to increase the profits of the supply division and use manufacturers that use child labor and give no human rights to their citizens. The cheap quality of the new uniform, patches,camping equipment, and all the rest show where Mazzuca's priorities really are and it really sickens me. I have written to Mazzuca personally and have even offered my services to find better suppliers who produce better quality merchandise, I have yet to hear anything.

When Bob was our SE he always took the cheap way out and usually it led to having to place last minute emergency rush orders to replace the poor quality merchandise we had received, so why should he be any different at National. Instead of "Made in America", National's motto is "Ka-ching".(This message has been edited by BadenP)

[xlpanel]

People complain on this thread that the merchandise is not made in the USA

 

Then on another thread that the pants cost too much @ 50 Each.

 

If the production moves to the U.S. the price goes up even more.

 

You can't have your cake and eat it, too.

[boomerscout]

maybe we should have the option of buying "Scoutcloth" and sewing up our own uniforms.

[NealOnWheels]

How is Mazzuca selling out the principles of the Scout Oath and Law by buying uniforms from China?

 

How do you know uniforms are made with child labor?

[BadenP]

Neal

Maybe you should visit China one day and go visit a couple of factories, I have and did and was shocked by what I saw, it would answer your own questions better than I could here. As far as selling out Mazzucca's decision to buy uniforms exclusively from China, who exploits child labor, is a slap in the face of American ideals, freedom, and enterprise which the BSA supposedly upholds, but it looks like it is really nothing more than lip service.

[NealOnWheels]

No I never have been to China. But I have coworkers who have visitted several plants. None that our company purchases from use child labor. So I ask again how do you know uniforms are made with child labor?

 

So any one of us who buy anything made in China is selling out the Scout Oath and Law? So we are merely paying lip service when we recite the Scout Oath and Law?

[BadenP]

Neal

In one way yes, however with electronic items for example you don't really have much of a choice anymore do ya.

 

As far as BSA uniforms are concerned they are a symbol that supposedly represent the best ideals and freedoms of America so yes it is hypocritical to buy them from a country that exploits children, especially in the apparel industry sweatshops I have seen firsthand.

 

I try to avoid as much as possible all products made in China, India, and Pakistan for example who also exploit the children.

 

Yea, so remember when you put on that new centinnel uniform that some poor woman and or child in China got paid about 10 cents for hours of labor just so you can show off the pride of the BSA. That is why I will never buy the new uniform until National changes their policy and their pursuit of greed to get higher profits for the supply division. IMHO, yes Mazzucca has sold out the principles of the BSA which he has said he holds so dear.

[mmhardy]

elbel86,

 

I signed it. #90. I'm no hand wringing wimp. I work for a US based Auto manufacturing company that puts bread on my familys table each night. (And just took money from every US taxpayer) If we dont start producing (making stuff) then our way of life will forever be changed. Keep buying foreign. You, your kids, and your kids kids will be out of a job and looking to move out of the US to find work. Mark my words.

 

The real slogan should be Buy Local

 

Thanks for the opportunity.

 

A U.S. Auto Worker.

 

[prairie]

Quote: boomerscout

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"maybe we should have the option of buying "Scoutcloth" and sewing up our own uniforms."

 

I posted something like this a year or two ago, didn't think of the cloth but did have the idea of offical shirt patterns, free to down load or sold at cost. Nudder lead ballon.

(This message has been edited by prairie)