I am on a distribution list for news articles concerning economics and business factors. Yesterday I read that all of the Arabic nations are going to be boycotting ALL products/services made in the United States. Most of you who post on this great site are die hard US born and bread-except for a few Canadians that we love anyway. :x There was a time in our history that our country become isolationists; and I am of the opinion that perhaps this isn't such a bad idea after all. ;\ I, for one, am tired of being the 'hated American' and regardless of what we do, what we give, what we sacrifice-the press, the powers of other countries will label us as arrogant, prideful, money-hungry, sinful people. What would happen if we started a grass roots movement of Americans who would take the time, spend the extra $$ and refuse to buy ANYTHING that was not made in America. ?:| Tools, clothing, cars, ANYTHING! Are we strong enough to do this? I would appreciate your feed back; especially from our Canadian friends. I believe it's time.

Let's be careful of labels as "US born and bread" I'm a us citzen. I was born in the USVI.There are many people who are not born and bread us citzens,but help contribute to this country.Now that I've gotten that out of the way!!! I think it's a great idea to try and buy american products whenever possiable. I think there are people out there that already do that.

Thank you "buttercup", I appreciate your correcting me and I probably used that term out of the frustrations of reading so many anti-American propaganda that is coming our way. :8} Thank you also for supporting the concept of "buying American"----perhaps buying products from other countries has become an automatic response to price-I don't know. :| I just feel fervently that we need to do something.......just not sure what. ?:|

The US is wonderful country in many ways, and a terrible one in others. Overall, we are a tolerant and big hearted people, willing to help in times of emergency in our own backyard or overseas. We can be proud of this. We are also egotistical and arrogant, and have a tendency to expect the rest of the world to think like we do. We should be ashamed of these actions and expectations and work to see the world--and ourselves--through other sets of eyes. Yes, the leaders of some countries despise the values we preach, just as the "leader" of this country despises the values they preach. It is the way of the world, throughout history. I do not believe in "an eye for an eye" response; I do not believe that system works as a solution, but that it only excasperates the problems, which often begin somewhere in the interpretations of various religions and often end in hatred and violence. The "modern" world is a global one. We depend on one another for our daily needs and whims, and to create an isolationist society is not only to create a distrusting and narrow-minded society, but an empty one as well.

Well, for this idea to really work, you better toss out all of your existing "made elsewhere" products. I imagine that means tossing out the phone, tv, computer, auto, kitchen appliances, your clothes, shoes, anything plastic, as much of it is imported into this country. Also, don't buy any fruit during the winter, except oranges, as all the rest are imported. No more mangoes, bananas, papayas, no grapes in winter. For that matter, much of our summer produce gets imported from mexico too. Lets see, maybe toss out all food of ethnic origins as it is not american either. Oh, don't forget to toss out your spices, black pepper, cinnamon, all those black teas and coffees. And diamonds! Get rid of your diamonds, no more engagement rings! America does not mine diamonds. Get rid of zoos. No point in looking at animals from other lands. Oh, and toss out every one who is not Native American while were at it, as none of the rest of us were "made in the USA" as far as our ancestry goes.

Then, as we eliminate trade with other countries, those countries will turn to other suppliers of goods (you gotta have back and forth trade for an economy to stay strong). So then we become a totally self centered, prideful people, too good for the likes of the rest of the world.

Throw away humanitarian efforts we make towards other nations. If we are too good to trade with them, why would they allow us to even set foot on their soil? Even if it is in the name of peace keepers.

Nah, bad idea. Free trade allows us to have friends from far away places. Kindness allows us to make friends. So what if certain peoples dislike americans? I personally know some americans who dislike america too. But they sure like living here, enjoying the benefits america has to offer.

Turn the other cheek is the best thing. We just keep on trading with other countries, and importing their goods, and they import our goods and allow us to use our strength and wealth to help when the going gets rough.

I LOVE being an American, and I love my imported goods too!!!!

Thank you Spirit Gardener; your insights and thoughts are appreciated. Perhaps having a son in the Army and knowing that he has been to Bosnia, Kuwait, Albania, and Kosovo and that he soon may go to other countries to fight THEIR battles has set me on edge. Yes, we are egotistical about being American; but is that so bad that we are proud of what we have accomplished? ?:| We are the melting pot of the world and their sons and daughters want to come to our colleges but they hate our guts! :O I guess I just can't come to grips with supporting them with our dollars. :|

With all due respect here. This is very thin ice.

As one Canadian with a fair amount of insight into matters socio-political, how do I break this to you good people gently?

There is America. Then there is the rest of the world.

I believe that the following observation quite accurately reflects the opinion of most Canadians:

Great people. Horrible politics. Terrible track record in terms of diplomacy. An arrogant bull trampling us Canadian mice. War loving, war mongering consumerists.
Nice people, one on one. But US protectionism has cost us Canadjuns 30.000+ jobs in the forest sector alone.

You propose Economic isolationism in an inter-active world? Impossible. Not practical. Not in YOUR interest. Most of the stuff you buy that is made elsewhere is made in US owned plants.

You 'Muricans see what CNN shows you. America's New War. Meanwhile, Canadians supply most of your gas and similar energy-related materials. And the US is severely pissing your "bestest friends" off.

Try for balance. Don't you ever wonder WHY young Americans sew Canadian flags on their backpacks while in Europe? Because it changes everything, is why. America's image is poor. Way it is and not a reflection on any individual here or elsewhere. Boycotting cars with a foreign brand name, made in the USA? Who gets hurt?

So all Arabic nations are going to boycott US goods. So what? Who cares? Let them weave, package, merchandise their own towels to wear! They have done so for centuries, long before the formation of the USA.

Anyway, YOU asked. For Mr/Mrs Middle America to get all huffy about political statements made by "supplier nations" is, at least in my opinion, a waste of time. They don't care. So why should you? They are posturing, making noises, trying to barb you. Forget about them. They don't hate YOU, they disagree with what passes for your government and their policies. And here is a newsflash: it ain't just A-rabs, it's most of the world.

John

Good Point Mulchwoman, and you certainly hit on many imports that gives one "food for thought". Guess I am more focused towards those things that we CAN purchase that were made in America. Perhaps we would rather support child labor and all of the atrocities that go along with the sweat houses in the rug making countries and the "trinket" countries. But I am digressing to an even yuckier subject and right now I am painfully aware of the hatred being directed at each and every one of us.
All of you have made excellent points and given me plenty to think about and I can ask for no more. Thank you.

Maybe we need to meet some organic gardener from thoses countries!!! I'll bet they are good people just like us. I know..........it can make you angry sometimes!!! Maybe we need to be creative!!!

Thank you so much John! Again-I don't know what we as the individual American can do to change the perception of the world, and maybe,,,,,,,we can do nothing. But we need, desperately need, to know =to realize-to accept that we, as a country, as a people, are hated! :O I so enjoy your philosophical input John and I also feel from you a deeper understanding of where we are as a people. Can nothing be changed?

kebecca, I feel your pain, your wanting to do something, but not knowing how our little "something" can make any difference at all.

I look at the news, watch the politicians doing their politiking and the news people doing their "news stories" and am soooo glad I have my own little life to live as theirs looks so horribly depressing.

Yes, most Americans are extremely selfish and me oriented. And those who often get involved in humanitarian efforts want a pat on the back, or do what they do for the bucks. That's not me, that's not my way, and I can't change them. And yes, they give a bad name to Americans as a whole. But Americans as a whole are not a nice people. Do your neighbors all love and respect you? Do they lift you up and help you regularly? Mine sure don't. They could care less. Do your neighbors care enough to notice when you aren't out and about 'cause your back aches and you are in pain? Probably not, 'cause we cherish our privacy and don't intrude (or just don't want to bother).

I look at my own dh and sometimes his behavior (he loves watching the news, lives, breathes and probably will die watching it), and he gets so riled at the political infighting and believes only democrats are right. Pathetic.

I guess the best you can do as an individual is to model the behavior you think is best. Be kind and generous all the time. Smile and give kind words to those you meet.

You know, I recently discovered how powerful a smile is and how powerful a kind gesture while driving is too. You know, like letting the car in the parking lot merge in front of you onto the main road, and smiling and waving while you do so? Wow, the reaction is so amazing, a frustrated driver becomes happy and smiling, all from such a little, courteous gesture. That's what we need more of. Lots of little curtisies, every day, to relieve the stress and tension and let people know that other humans care about them, even if in a tiny way.

Don't let a boycott of American things bother you. Just be the kind of person you want others to be like. Treat people with respect. Honor life. Love too.

And regarding child labor...that happens, as do other horrendous crimes (like abducting women to become men's playthings, americans being stolen and sent elsewhere, and foreigners coming here for a job, only to be made into a slave). Happens, some people are sickos and hopefully more governments will try to address these kinds of issues and free these people. There are other countries that practice active oppression of women (ah, those very countries that want to boycott American things perhaps???) Maybe they really just want to avoid things American because it's giving their women and children some ideas the men just can't abide?)

Personally, these issues make me feel ill when I dwell on them. Gotta go now, dig in the dirt, let the soil wash away the pain in my brain, in my heart, and hide the tears on my cheeks...

GOOD IDEA BUTTERCUP! Soooooo other than our wonderful John, (don't think Canadians count -even though we aren't their favorites either-HA),:^O how do we meet gardeners from other countries? ?:|

Mulchwoman, you are indeed a very deep person. Your thoughts reminded me of something I received today. I may get in trouble because it is so long. It was written by George Carlin. Hope you have time to read it as you will see what your wrote above written in prose:
The paradox of our time in history is that we
have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider
freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more,
but have less. We buy more, but enjoy less. We
have bigger houses and smaller families, more
conveniences, but less time.

We have more degrees but less sense, more
knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet
more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too
recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get
too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired,
read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too
seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but
reduced our values.

We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too
often. We've learned how to make a living, but
not a life. We've added years to life not life to
years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but
have trouble crossing the street to meet a new
neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner
space. We've done larger things, but not better
things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted
the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our
prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan
more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush,
but not to wait. We build more computers to hold
more information, to produce more copies than
ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow
digestion, big men and small character, steep
profits and shallow relationships. These are the
days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier
houses, but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips, disposable
diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands,
overweight bodies, and pills that do everything
from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when
there is much in the showroom window and nothing
in the stockroom. A time when technology can
bring this letter to you, and a time when you can
choose either to share this insight, or to just
hit delete.

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones,
because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember; say a kind word to someone who looks up
to you in awe, because that little person soon
will grow up and leave your side. Remember to
give a warm hug to the one next to you, because
that is the only treasure you can give with your
heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember to say, "I love you" to your partner and
your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A
kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes
from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands
and cherish the moment for someday that person
will not be there again. Give time to love, give
time to speak and give time to share the precious
thoughts in your mind.

Radiation has been found all over the world from tests and bombs. If my neighbor sprays RoundUp, sure as heck some of that will end up in my yard. Everything spreads.

America is the best place in the world. Physically: the continent contains 84% of the necessary materials for an industrial society. The only one that has more is Russia. Phramacologically: 75% or more of the new drugs have been researched here in the US, even if the FDA is slower at approving them than other countries. Fiscally, arable land, R&D, Technology, Military, socially, free speech, GNP, opportunity, freedom of religion, right to fair trial...yes. America has its problems. But it is the best place to live in the world.

Everything spreads. Is there a reason for my neighbor to spray poison onto his crops? Is there a reason for America to monger hate into the world? I'd rather lean over the fence and share my garden's produce with my neighbor, munching cucumbers and discussing how we can help each other. I'd rather spread worthwhile emotions and feel the effects than tell them to their face that I will never speak to them again. What good would that do us in the long run??

The rules we learn as organic gardners are microtechniques for backyards and plots only as far as you can see; 'As so the micro, so the macro'. We all choose what we plant, and we all know that what is sprayed or planted here by your hand will eventually be felt throughout the world.

So I say, slap me. I am strong enough to not be hurt. And I will still offer my produce. Someday, we will eat together.

Of course it can be changed, Kebecca! Like everything else, the Wheel turns. Nations become dominant, nations recede in global importance. The sun has already set on the British Empire. The Romans used to run the place, so did the Greeks, all in their own time and space. Some take over by military might, some use economics as a weapon. The rise and fall of dominant cultures. And while these cultures were dominant, the conquered hated their Masters' guts. It is a human condition: envy, anger, etc. Some hate Americans because Americans are this period's dominant culture. Nothing personal.

Look, let me be very blunt here. This is the simple way to look at things:

Did the USA get kicked in the teeth like 9/11 under a Democratic admin.? Did the USA experience a sudden, violent flare up of global PR problems during the past 10 years worth of Presidency? Did I decide to reduce my flying all over the USA because I am sick and tired of being profiled by some minimum wage drone 17 times on one trip from Atlanta to Seattle - before Bush's time?

The optics change, the reaction changes. Ebb and Flow. Fifty years from now, Upper Slobovia may be dominant and then everyone will hate Upper Slobovia.

You ask what the average American can do. Roll with the punches. Accept the fact that you are not so popular in a lot of places. Live and let live. And next time there is an election, vote! And next time you have an Air National Guard flying over at night, don't bomb Canadians that are there to assist you.



We have a common bond here, it's called Respect for Nature. We garden. We discuss gardening. We should perhaps settle for that, making friends on the basis of a positive.

Then again, perhaps you people should take it a bit easier on yourselves. I have travelled just about everywhere, for many years, in the States. I have a very clear picture of regional differences, values, what makes you tick. Take my word for what it's worth: Americans are generally speaking great people. You've simply got to stop blindly accepting some of the stuff that is being dished out. You people have to, one day, grow up and accept responsibility for what and whom you are "elsewhere" in this world. But remember the reality: some will resent you just because you are you.
Be happy, work on improving things and Zen out until it hurts!



John