The scale would have a top score of 50, but it is important
to note that it would not be the best score. The main purpose of the scale is to keep the score from getting
too low. I'm sure a lot of people think it would be very costly to have these scores calculated. Developing
a mathematical formula may be all we need to do. Our population is consistently growing and so must our employment opportunities.
The plan should be announced a year or so before its implementation. This would give companies ample time to begin making
any changes.
Example one: A score would be calculated at its assembly point. If a vehicle was assembled in the
U.S.A it could have a score of 50. If the engine, transmission, etc. were assembled elsewhere the score would already
be displayed on the part itself as well as the factory sticker. A combined score could be an average of all the major components. This
way a consumer knows exactly where their money is going.
Example two: Credit cards would have a score that would combine the company's headquarters with
its assisting offices for the accounts. (customer service, payment processing) automated voice messaging would decline the
score.
Two example shoe companies:
- Omega - ra20 a
pair of sneakers cost $85.00 and the other company
Athena-
ra38 a pair of the same kind of sneakers cost $93.00.
Omega is an American based company with twelve factories making their products
that are sold in the U.S. Two of those factories are actually in the U.S. Their human resources department for their employees
is on-line. Most of their customer service is automated messaging. As a result, they employ a number of Americans, but only
a fraction of what they could. Their American employees have no one at their work facility to answer personal questions relating
to benefits, retirement, wages or tax. A great portion of their profits go toward their facilities outside of the U.S, a small
number of upper management and advertising. A much smaller percentage goes to Americans.
Athena
is also an American based company. They have ten factories making products sold in America. Eight of those factories are in
the U.S. Some of their human resources are done on-line, but they have representatives present for employees to speak with.
Customer service has an automated menu, but connects to a live operator employed in the U.S, in the department you choose.
A very large portion of their profits go to employing American citizens. That money stays in America. Between the eight factory's
workers, representatives and customer service operators, they employ a substantial number of Americans. They also offer employment
opportunities for other Countries.
Right
now the consumer only has price and style to consider when they make their purchase. Omega's product is eight dollars
less than Athena's. It may seem like the smart choice today, but it creates more problems for tomorrow. The today's
will not get easier until we start thinking about tomorrow. The economy does not know the difference between those with less
to spend, from those with no job and nothing to spend at all. You may think this scale might encourage some of our businesses
to abandoned us and completely relocate. If they do, they forfeit their score, and a low score is better than no score. Ask
yourself, were they one of "our businesses" anyway? Other Americans will be ready to step in, and they would already
know how important it would be to do the right thing.
Whether
you use this scale to make all decisions, one decision, or only in an economic emergency, you are helping it serve its purpose,
you! Earlier in this website I stressed the importance of the middle class work-force. It is just as important that the
middle-aged, have the opportunity to work, and build the economy so that we could afford to improve education for our
young, who we once were, and health-care for our elderly, who we will one day be.
Many will say this is impossible. In our history we have already declared our independence, taken
each state's individual currency and made it one national currency, invented the automobile, walked on the moon, created
the Internet and managed to fit a plethora of music in a handheld device. It is not about possibility, it is about importance.
How important is America to you?
