Over 50 years ago, President Kennedy recited one of the many great lines in his historic inaugural address when he said "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." 

In these troubled times, there is something that all of us can do for our country.  That is to "Buy American-Made In the USA."  This year, holiday shoppers in the United States will spend over $10 billion when shopping for gifts. This at a time when there are millions of people without jobs or health insurance through no fault of their own. 

There are many manufacturers of American-made products, struggling to survive, whose future depends on strong sales during the next four weeks. For many workers, those sales determine whether they are still working in January or whether they join the ranks of the unemployed.

While buying American isn't always easy, if you make a conscious effort to look at labels showing the country of origin on products before you purchase, it's not as hard as you might think. If you are in a store looking for a partucular item, you could ask to see "American Made" products.   You can also use the Internet to research companies that offer American-made products, such as clothing and toys. Just do a search for "American Made ______" (item you wish to purchase).  In many cases you can purchase American made products right off the Internet.

Buying American can be everyone's holiday gift to our country and to our fellow citizens. The job you save might be a neighbor's, a relative's or your own.