How to help U.S. economy our own ways

Face it: American-made products cost more than their overseas counterparts due to the underlying marketing, engineering design, product development and manufacturing labor costs.

Assuming no decrease in wages (although that model is “working” too, most notably in the re-birthed automotive industry), we must manufacture the products that bring the greatest value to customers. If American products could be the highest-quality products, even if more costly, savvy Americans will buy them.

However, it follows that we would probably have to purchase less.

Consider grass-fed beef. Iowa seems to be a perfect place to nurture range-fed cattle if fewer acres were committed just for growing corn to feed cows to produce hamburger! Offset the higher cost of grass-fed beef by eating less beef. The values in this trade: a healthier lifestyle, environmental protection and, thankfully, more job openings for farmers.

Own one vehicle per family and purchase the greatest-value model. Sacrifice the freedom to go anywhere at any time. Car pool and demand better public transportation systems. Protect the environment.

Set yourself a limit of one American-made television per household. Socialize more with your neighbors: share one reliable riding mower and power tools. Let's change our purchasing habits (vs. lowering our salaries). Maybe American companies would finally take the risk to create jobs that produce products here.

Dale and Carolyn March

Cedar Rapids