Save a Job Buy American

[Wisha Haddan H3]

My 2 cents ... I like the idea of buying American, but only when it makes sense. As I see it, American quality is the only reason to buy American.

It's counterproductive to bail out companies that make POS products. It wastes everyone's time and money and makes the company weaker in the global marketplace. Companies that can't compete don't deserve to survive. Competition is necessary to make them cut costs and improve quality, but it's only possible when people are willing to shop the competition.

Don't get me wrong. I want American companies to succeed. But if they can't keep their act together, they have to face the consequences. Poor planning, poor management, and especially poor quality don't deserve my business just because they're American. In fact, it's a sad day when high cost, weak design and poor quality are the hallmarks of an American industry that only survives because of national loyalty.

That was the case in the US auto industry during the 70s and 80s, and after 2 decades of quality improvement, the Big 3 still haven't recovered their reputation or market share. Only now on the brink of bankruptcy are the Big 3 finally breaking the union's stranglehold on production and other fixed costs to take advantage of their improvements in design, efficiency and quality. GM's new 2007 warranty program is the latest sign that the quality of American vehicles has never been higher than it is today. But this only happened because people spent their money somewhere else ... not because we bought American no matter what.

When I bought my H3, I didn't have to compromise quality or price to buy American and I like that. The H3 was worth my hard-earned money on its own merit, for its own quality, features, fit and finish. GM can be proud to have earned my business, but they'll only earn my loyalty as they continue to build vehicles worth buying.