Homeland gear defense

“In shopping for a new sleeping bag, it wasn't the primary reason for ordering the one I did, but I sure felt good when I found that a bag that hopefully fits my needs also turned out to be made in the USA, while others in the price range (even among the sale bags) were China, China, China....”

“A blow has been struck! Thankyou for buying American, Pekka.
This should be a TT olympic event. Outfitting with American made products, only.”

“That sounds like a plan!”

“My pack and sleeping bag are made in the USA!”

“I am crestfallen, chagrined, and not a little bit P.O.ed. Pull my new sleeping bag out of the box and storage sack, and there is the content tag -- Made in China!

I just got done sending an e-mail of complaint to REI, but what can I do? Send it back and buy a different Chinese bag from somewhere else? I can't afford a WM Sequoia yet. Really takes the glow off new gear. It wasn't the main reason I chose the bag (had to serve certain purposes/needs), but, boy oh boy, it had made me feel so good to believe I was able to Buy American.

Boo hiss to REI, and to SD if they misrepresented to REI.”

“What are ya going to do?

8|”

“Maybe someone knows where you can send a protest for their false advertising (assuming that it was listed as made in USA).”

“Did they say that????I hope not becuase that would suck!


8|”

“Was stated clearly at the end of the product description at REI.com: "Made in USA"

This is not a complaint about the quality of the merchandise -- it's a nice bag, and I'll discuss that on a different thread. Nor am I a rabid "patriot." But I try to do my part and this doesn't help. Better start saving up my pennies for any chance at getting the homeland goods.”

“I can sympathize with you. Besides Western Mountaineering, Feathered Friends, and Wiggy's it is difficult to find a bag actually constructed here in the U.S. Guess that cheap Chinese labor is just too hard for American companies to pass up....:(”

“Well look what the cat dragged in?


8)”

“So what's the big deal about where it was made? If it works for ya?, Fvck it.”

“If I was to buy a pack that was say made in some Sweat Shop in Etheopia but sent to the US to be sold in an American Gear store, I'm going to shuck out some $$ for it. That makes the American short much $$ and at the same time gives some starvin @ss Etheopian kid a job. It's a Win Win situation!!”

“short = store”

“If everybody bought American...everybody most likely will be broke.

So, how would you feel if everybody around the world bought their own country's products but not U.S's.”

“That's heavy.”

“I don't like being broke!

Please fix.


8)”

“As I said, it's the misleading that bugs me the most.

Believe me, I lived in China for a year; I know first-hand the economic effects of our consumerism on other countries. I visited factories there, too, and OSHA would $hit bricks (which the Chinese would use to build walls -- they do, really, like walls) if they inspected conditions.

I just would like to know. It's not that we can avoid buying foreign-made goods, but you should be informed. Not all foreign situations are equal - some are good, some are horrible.

Options are good. I like to buy on-line, but I also shop at the local stores because I certainly don't want to be without local stores. I buy scotch, but I also buy KY bourban.

BTW, even Western Mountaineering has to get the down from somewhere to make the bags here. The biggest down source is China, so I guess I'd have to check that out.”

“Hi Stanlee!

Good point. Buy Canadian, too. Half the trade between the US and Canada passes through Metro Detroit. Buy Canadian = good things for Detroit.

It's funny, but I'd rather buy something from a company in Windsor, ONT than California because it's local to me.

The funny thing is that we have been among the biggest supporters/benefactors of free trade economics. Smaller countries with less diverse economic climates have much more to gain in protecting local industries than we do.

Still, I have a soft spot for Detroit cars.

Vroom, vroom.
rl”

“I know being to one thing and getting another makes me mad too.

8|”

“When does the fact of no domestic manufacturing become a national security issue?
Is it a win-win situation for the person who works too many hours in unsanitary conditions under the threat of violence and receives less than fair wages? I would be all for having more manufacturing take place in other countries if the working people in those factories were allowed to form unions and work in decent conditions for a fair wage.”

“so, pekka what did REI do about this?”

“hahaha! that was funny, about the bricks, I mean”

“that's a cheap dirty trick. i am shocked that REI would do such a thing. it's like tobacco companies telling us ciggies weren't addictive!



BOYCOT REI! REVOLT AGAINST THE BIG CORPERATE AMERICA! STAND UP AND FIGHT THOSE WHO WOULD OPPRESS YOU! !”