Donald K. Allen for President

Top of the Week

September 1, 2008

Each week from now until Nov. 4 I will explain my plans for America. This week’s topic is,

“Restoring America’s Manufacturing Base.”

The United States of America was the world’s leader in the Industrial Revolution. We produced an enormous array of tools, machines, engines, and products made of wood, leather, plastic, ceramics, steel, and aluminum. Today we have a shadow of what was once a giant of industry. Some believe it is gone forever, and cannot be rebuilt. We are not training tool and die makers, milling machine operators and maintainers to replace those that are retiring. We are being indoctrinated into the belief that all of our future material needs will be produced in Asia, where labor costs are lowest. That is a very dangerous notion, but one that the Council on Foreign Relations believes is the next logical progression of the New World Order.

Having a strong manufacturing base is extremely important not only for the jobs involved, but for the security of our Nation. As we have seen during two World Wars, our manufacturing base was turned into an “Arsenal of Democracy” in defense of the Free World. What would we do today? Rely on imports from China? There are several steps that need to be taken to make our country appealing for manufacturers, both domestic and foreign investors.

1. Sign the Fair Tax Bill, eliminating all Federal income tax and repealing the 16th Amendment. This would allow individuals, small and large businesses, and big manufacturing corporations to retain 25 to 35 percent of their earnings to pay off debts, invest in retirement programs, purchase health insurance, expand and hire more employees, invest in research and development, advertise, build more stores and factories, etc. Income tax would be replaced with a National Sales Tax, which would eventually settle at between 18 and 25 percent on all original purchases of new products. Would you rather voluntarily pay 18 to 25 percent tax on something you choose to buy, or have 25 to 35 percent of your earnings taken from you unwillingly? This step alone would make manufacturing in the USA enormously appealing. Good for Americans.

2. Encourage states to pass “right to work” laws. This would allow workers the OPTION to join a union or not to get a job in a company. They would not be required to join a union for the job. Good for Americans.

3. Significantly reduce or eliminate Federal regulatory oversight in manufacturing. The unintended consequence of industry regulation is unprofitability and unacceptable business risk. States should perform this regulatory oversight, not the Federal Government. Good for Americans.

4. Revoke Most Favored Nation status with China and resign from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). China has not complied with the requirements of MFN and likely never will. NAFTA has helped Mexico and hurt the USA instead of being mutually beneficial. Fair trade, yes. Free trade, no. These agreements have encouraged job transfer out of this country, significantly weakening our manufacturing base. We need to stop this hemorrhage of our Nation’s lifeblood and regain control of our future. Good for Americans.

5. Encourage a return of shop classes in grades 7-12. Wood shop, machine shop, metals, etc. This will create a base for future craftsmen and women. Tradecrafts are extremely important to us all, and they provide sound employment opportunities that can be further developed. They create the nidus of tomorrow’s expert machinists. I took mechanical drawing in junior high and have used the skills I learned there throughout my life. I took printing, too, but moveable type is truly a thing of the past, however, I can read backward and upside down! Good for future Americans.

6. Encourage engineering and technological advancement of manufacturing processes and techniques to increase productivity and profitability by supplemental funding programs in research and development in all industries.

7. Our government should do whatever it takes to restore the “Made in USA” label’s meaning of the best product in the world, instead of supporting the “Made in China” sticker, which means made with the cheapest labor in the world. Good for Americans. Good for America.

With a motivated population, cooperative Congress, and a lot of hard work, our manufacturing base can be restored, creating a strong economy and rebuilding a foundation for future growth and prosperity. God bless America.