FTC: Made In The USA Comments Concerning Frank J. Keating--P894219 July 27, 1997 Federal Trade Commission To Whom It May Concern: It is my understanding that the FTC is considering relaxing it's rule that all or virtually all of a product must be made domestically in order for it to be labeled "Made in the U.S.A." I am therefore writing this letter to express my objection to any change that would relax the current standards. The FTC as a taxpayer-funded government agency is obligated to render decisions that best serve the interests of all the citizens of the United States, not just corporate America. Relaxing the current regulations could only further jeopardize a declining manufacturing base, already in crisis, and further erode the tax base which funds government agencies like the FTC. While it is sometimes difficult to discern truth from fiction in this age of political double speak, the truth is not relative to the needs of corporate America. As a consumer, I make every effort to buy American-made products when I can. While I am not a purest and do occasionally buy products that are foreign made, I feel extremely put upon that the FTC would consider bending the truth to serve the interests of corporations. Please do not relax your current standards. If changes are to be made, then implement changes that better serve the consumer. If a product is 50% or 80% etc. manufactured in the U.S.A., then let the label, or documentation indicate so. If it's assembled here in the U. S. from foreign-made parts, or if it's domestically produced but assembled in a foreign country then make labeling or documents indicate so. A half truth is still a lie and no good can come from regulations that perpetuate a lie. Thanks. Sincerely Frank J. KeatingFrank J. Keating |