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You can't knock on Mark Bloom for his kindness.
Seattle philanthropist is head of a non-profit organization called TAP America that says it wants to strengthen the country by allowing consumers to buy more American goodsmade products.
He is no stranger to the business world.
If Bloome's name sounds familiar, it's because he's the son of Mark C.
Bloome, who has set up a service station in Los Angeles, has become one of the largest tire chains in the country.
His "Buy America" campaign is not a bad thing in itself.
Good intentions aside, however, may be a challenge to buy Americans.
Most consumers are unlikely to pay five or six times more for an American.
Just to show their economic patriotism.
"Consumers will do their best to expand the dollar," said Lee Ohanian, an economist at the University of California, Los Angeles . ".
"This usually means buying things from other countries.
"Not always, of course.
My colleagues in the business department have reported on a variety of businesses in California, from helicopters to skateboards, that produce a variety of things.
In fact, manufacturing remains an important part of the local economy.
But from the consumer's point of view, it is not always easy to find daily goods with domestic origin, especially those with affordable prices.
To prove it, check out any Walmart.
Goals of Wal-Mart and Costco.
Pick any type of merchandise
Toys, furniture, electronics, etc.
Most likely, you will find that there are very few products made in the United States.
Even if you can find a "Made in America" product on the package, it is likely that most of the parts that make the product are made elsewhere.
"When was the last time you wanted to buy a pair of American-made socks? Asked Ohanian.
"You just can't find it.
They are all from Vietnam and China now.
"Despite this, TAP America is calling on the United StatesS.
Consumers do their part to restore the country's economic prosperity and buy American goods.
Even a little bit.
If each of us spends $1 a day on an American, the group says
The domestic manufacturing industry will create more than millions of jobs (
What Ohanian calls absurd claims).
As far as he is concerned, Bloom is a true believer.
"Every American has to take personal responsibility to buy American goods and make our country strong again, rather than relying solely on the government to solve economic problems for us," he told me . ".
To keep our country strong
Economically, militarily, socially
We must let people work.
Everything was hollowed out.
TAP America's "TAP" represents tolerance, Americanism, and patriotism.
Bloome established the organization in January and promised about $500,000 in the first three years.
The bulk of the money will be used by merchants who sign up for the "certified merchant program" where at least 20% US retailers will receive the seal of approval
Goods in stock.
The organization also plans to work with other groups to promote tolerance in schools and elsewhere.
Bloome can be a little, uh, colorful.
For example, he said one of TAP America's goals is to encourage people to exercise five minutes a day to show support for the United States. S. troops.
But when he says what must be done to unite the people, to turn the situation around the country, and to promote the development of the United States, he seems sincereS.
Manufacturing is an important way for us to increase our wealth.
Still, the group's own website highlights the challenge of trying to get consumers to buy American goods.
It lists dozens of companies across the United States.
Finished products can be purchased.
Most of these enterprises are small companies that produce special products such as motorcycle saddle bags or trimming saws.
They're not where you go back and get the kids-to-
For example, the wardrobe of the school or the kitchen utensils. Ultra-
Sun Technologies, the Crown maker of air purifiers, is on the list in the United States.
Robin Scott, president of the company, told me that it is getting harder to compete with cheaper products overseas.
A few years ago, he said
There are about 25 people in Sun's factory.
Now that's only half the number.
"The only way we can save the country is if everyone says they won't buy unless the product is made in the US," Scott said . ".
A household air purifier made in the United States
Sun is on sale for nearly $600. A Chinese-
Costco's air purifier costs about $100.
There is also the quality of work that we want to protect.
For example, on TAP America's list, another California company is Cequal Products in West Los Angeles. A.
Back manufacturerand leg-
Bedroom supporting products.
Daniel Hirsch, vice president of the company, said he has about 6 employees working in a local manufacturing plant.
He declined to say what the worker's salary was.
However, Hirsch admitted that none of these workers received health or retirement benefits.
He also said his company is trying to buy parts from the United States. S.
But it's not always possible.
"We buy from all over the world," Hirsch said . ".
This is a global economy.
Japanese cars are made in the United States.
American cars are made in Mexico.
It seems that everything is made in China.
The parts of all goods can come from all over the world.
In addition, many ordinary products are no longer produced in this country.
You can't buy an American.
Even if you tried, you made TV.
Bloome thinks this is just an education problem.
Once consumers are aware of the economic and political implications of buying foreign goods
Even if prices rose sharply, he said, they would be more willing to buy domestic alternatives.
"American merchants will provide American consumers with what they want," Bloome said . ".
"We just have to ask.
"We already have it.
We want to get the highest possible quality at the lowest possible price.
Overall, there is no more here.
David lazarus's column is available on Tuesday and Friday every week.
He can also be seen in KTLA every day. TV Channel 5.
Send your suggestions or feedback to david. Lazarus @ latimes. com.