Put U.S. goods beneath tree

With the holidays approaching, there will soon be a huge spending surge. Most people will probably flock to the chain stores and buy whatever is cheapest. As you are bargain hunting, I would like to offer a suggestion that will actually do some good for our country.

Buy American. The common practice of outsourcing is bleeding our nation dry. Much of the less expensive merchandise is assembled by underpaid Asians under deplorable working conditions. As a result, a lot of Americans have lost their livelihood, including a number of cotton farmers. The last company that produces American felt will soon close its doors forever.

America is unique in that people were able to come here and succeed through intelligence and hard work. Let’s not jeopardize this characteristic of our great nation. And while I am on the subject, let’s stop trying to steal money from the wealthy. In so doing, you are pulling out the rug of initiative from under people’s feet.

Douglas R. Benn

Spokane