FTC: Made In The USA Comments Concerning Mary H. Snyder--P894219 July 26, 1997 Office of the Secretary I am writing to express my opinion regarding what I understand to be proposed changes to the “Made In America” label standards. It is my understanding that you are considering relaxing the standards so that the “Made in America" label could be applied to items that, in fact, are only partially made in the United States. Actually, relaxing the standards is a euphemism. What you are actually considering is lowering the standards, and I think it is high time we started holding fast on our standards. The fact that you would even consider a change of this nature is outrageous, and I am very angry about it. It would seem that everywhere I look I see this regrettable tendency to lower standards in all the areas that made us the great country we once were. I am very proud to be an American, and I do not understand the mindset that is leading to these decisions at all. What are you thinking about that causes you to even consider such an action?? Why further dishonor the name of our country by placing a "Made in America" label on a product that was not made in America? Let’s call it what it is - a deliberate misrepresentation of the facts, or to strip away the fancy talk, a lie. I am already upset by the fact that everywhere I look, products are made in China, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Mexico, and just about anywhere that cheap labor can undercut American labor. I am most especially disgusted by this administration’s stance on China, and I am tired of "Made in China" showing up on everything I pick up. I have made the decision and commitment to take the extra time and effort to look specifically for the "Made in America" label because I want to make every effort to support the manufacturers and companies that are proud of their country and show it by conducting their business here at home. This is my way of registering my protest against current policies within the system, and I intend to reinforce that protest in the time honored American way - at the ballot box. It is my right, and the right of all Americans to choose the products they want to buy, and to have the information needed to make intelligent choices about those purchases. For whatever reason, you are attempting to restrict that right and I have to wonder why? Any why has there been practically no information given out on this until the deadline for comments is nearly at hand? This is yet another example of a very disturbing tendency to try to shove things through in a secretive manner so they become policy before people are even aware of what is being considered. It is just this sort of underhanded method of operation that engenders so much distrust of the government and it's agencies. I hear all the time about "lunatic fringe groups" and the dangerous methods they sometimes choose for registering their protests on these types of issues. They are reported to feel (with considerable justification, I might add) that the elected officials and other government employees that make their living off of our taxes seem to have gone amuck. Usually as part of the same discussion someone will start talking about how we need to work within the system to change things. I agree with this wholeheartedly, and that is how I try to resolve the issues that I have. I in no way condone or approve of actions taken outside of the law. Having said that, however, I also wish to point out that if the government and its agencies continue to remove legitimate methods of protest within the system, as they seem to be systematically doing, then it should come as no surprise that there will be increasing numbers of people who are driven to registering their protest outside the system. The more you remove or block legitimate ways of controlling one's life by making choices, the more out-of-control people will feel. Any psychologist will tell you that when a person feels they are losing control of their lives, they will move to re-exert control in whatever way they can. I strongly urge you to forget any idea of lowering the standards on the “Made in USA” label. I think it would be a very big mistake on all fronts, and I think if you continue in this direction you will find that you have awakened the sleeping giant of the silent majority. I, for one, will be silent no longer. Sincerely, Ms. Mary Snyder
cc:Senator Bill Frist |