ACORN

[ShadowHM]

The first is assuming that there is even a non-Asian source for many items. In quite a few cases, that happens not to be true. Items of apparel come to mind, for example. So the choice may not be between American made and imported but rather between buying or not buying. Until the global warming (and repeal of public obscenity laws) makes nudity practical, I'll continue to buy.

*may not* now conflated to I will continue to buy Asian sourced items, eh? No local artisans? No European sources?

The second thing wrong is that even if the end product is made in America, how can we know where the components come from? At what point would you hold me blameless? I have a KitchenAid mixer. Among its components is a motor with copper wire windings. Now, it could be that that wire is made in whole or part from recycled copper. So, lets say that a set of cymbals was thrown into the pot. That set of cymbals was made in the orient from copper scavenged from a derelict ship by child labor. Is it your contention that the ethical thing to do is to not purchase that appliance? If so, is there *anything* that it is safe to purchase?

The short answer is that there is no point at which any of us are blameless. The long answer is that there should be some effort made to ensure that your purchase decisions minimize harm. You (and kandrathe) seem to be advocating the view that you should have no such obligation at all and that you do get the mantle of moral rectitude just by living where you do.

Whoops, edit to add a third thing. In the '50s there were sweat shops in the garment district in New York City that used child labor under unhealthy conditions. I don't know that that has changed. All the items made there were 'Made in the USA'.

Nice red herring. Sixty years ago the U.S. of A. had issues. Somehow, that means you don't need to bestir yourself today to find out about current conditions?

What we can claim is that there is no absolution required because we committed no sin in the first place. And we refuse to let you put that guilt on us.

You can refuse to accept any of my opinions, :) But you cannot claim that you have no part in the exploitation of those who produce your goods and services. You may not wish to accept that, but you do have choices as to how to make your purchase decisions and how to minimize those harmful effects.