For years I’ve been making scribblings and noises pertaining to the well-worn phrase “Buy American, the job you save might be your own.” As I grow older, four score and four, I’m beginning to realize that I don’t know everything about everything.

Recently I complimented my son on his new Red Wing boots. As we all “know” Red Wing is the last shoe manufacturer in America. Upon closed scrutiny I saw those dreaded words, “Made in China.” Also recently I see where General Motors sells more Buicks in China than they do in the U.S. and also Ford is contemplating building all its electric cars in China.

Recently, while scrounging through a discount rack in a Kmart store, I came upon a giant parchment “kiss” with a “Made in China” label on the outside. As we all know the kiss is the oldest candy form made in America and most assuredly made in Hershey, Pa. After a better look-see, I noticed where the parchment container was made in China, the candy was made in Hershey, Pa., and both products were shipped to Mexico City, where everything was manufactured and then shipped to the U.S. for retail.

Recently, I put my money where my mouth is and bought an American-made car. Yes, I realize the parts probably came from all over the world, but America put it all together and kept the jobs at home.

Donald Skimland

Albert Lea