Will America Turn Away From China?

From day one of the Corona virus pandemic, we have heard the cry “Turn away from China.” So, will America now turn away from Chinese products and buy American made stuff? Do we really have the will power to do such a thing? Do we as a nation have the stomach to walk into a place of business and buy an item, not based on price, but on the made in the USA sticker on the back?

Many consumers will jump quickly on this bandwagon. Others might talk the talk and will still go on buying cheaper goods made in China. As of this writing I too have come to rely on cheaper Chinese made goods over the years. My phone, laptop, TV, and even the batteries for my TV remote are all Chinese made products. I didn’t buy them because they were made in China, simply because they were cheaper at the time and served a purpose I needed. Will I rethink my buying habits in the future…you bet I will.

So many products we use on a daily basis, come from China. Clothing, shoes, air conditioners, solar products, smart phones, computers, and the list could go on for days. Food products processed in China and shipped to the USA is a whole separate blog subject. Many have forgotten the tragedy of 9-11. Will we soon forget where this virus came from and the fact that we are so dependent on goods from a place that has lower standards and safety measures as our own? Probably.

It will not be an easy task getting an entire nation to change buying habits. Many think that they are only one person and that they won’t make a difference anyway. Let me assure you a small business owner like myself believes that you can make a difference. Every purchase you make local and from a small business is 100% appreciated. If you want to be a part of bringing prices down here in America, buy American. It is as simple as that.

Whether you agree with me or not, I invite you to follow my blog so that you never miss one. If you disagree let me know in the comments, for that is your right as an American. If you agree please take the time and hit the like and share button. I hope you are all well and safe. God Bless.

This blog was MADE IN THE USA

Inconsiderate, Selfish Actions of People

The inconsiderate, selfish actions of people often hurt others feelings, or simply make others angry. In some cases the consequences of these actions do far more damage than hurt feelings. The pictures presented are of the parking deck here in Cullman Alabama. Cars began arriving as early as the day before a possible very dangerous tornado outbreak. Reason being there is a chance of hail that could damage vehicles.

I completely understand wanting to prevent hail damage, but many people rely on the parking deck to run to during times of bad weather in order to be safe. Unfortunately, this will not be the case today. Every space is taken and many will be turned away.

A couple of storms back I personally got caught in town as we went under a tornado warning. Thinking quickly of the safest place I knew of I headed to the parking deck. To my dismay there was instead of a safe place to duck into there was a traffic jam. If one family, single person, or mom with her children reads this before you head to the parking deck today, it will have been worthwhile. Please look for somewhere else to go and keep your family safe.

Yes...America is Still Free and Still Brave

Even though the world is changing, America is indeed still a free nation. Not since September 11, 2001 has the world as we know it changed so drastically. We were still free then and most certainly brave…as we are now. Join me as I delve into this whole “Home of the Brave Land of the Free” concept.

As with any major news stories or events these days there are many sides and conspiracies. Doesn’t matter how far fetched your theory is on a subject, you are allowed to have it. You may voice it with others if you choose to do so. This is your right because you live in a free nation. Social media is a prime example of this. Many things we Americans post on Facebook everyday would get someone from say China or North Korea thrown in jail, or worse. They have no freedom of speech, they can’t speak their mind, or voice certain opinions without fear of imprisonment or death. They are not free…we are.

With all that being said, I feel that in no way are the restrictions being placed on us at this time are violating my rights as a free citizen of this great nation. These restrictions are being placed in order to protect us as we deal with this horrid COVID-19 pandemic. This is a serious situation and must be dealt with in a serious manner. Where it came from, who is to blame, or is at fault will be dealt with later. Getting past this situation is way more important right now than arguing over why it is here.

For those of you screaming that you won’t comply with “Stay at Home” restrictions because you live in a free country, you are the biggest problem. I fully agree that the whole world being shut down for a virus is suspicious. I get that. I also get that this is a very real and deadly problem that so many are still not taking seriously and making things worse. As stated before, the fact that we can openly complain about things and speak our minds proves that yes, we are still free.

Moving on…

The USA is most definitely still the “Home of the Brave.” Many of the bravest are members of my own family. Nurses, doctors, truck drivers, law enforcement and so many more are bravely putting themselves at risk every day. However, these frontline workers aren’t the only ones being “brave.” Across the nation small businesses have shut down or are shutting down. Not knowing if or when they will re-open, they are doing their part by not helping to spread this horrid disease. To me this is a sign of remarkable faith in our leaders and ourselves to weather this storm. This is bravery of the highest level.

United we as a nation will stand, for all the world to see. Or, divided we will fall and fail for all the world to see. Which side of this scenario will you have played a part in when its over? The side that helped or the side that hindered. Be brave, stay strong, you are still free. WE will get through this. God bless us all.

Times are changing...You are not alone

The COVID-19 virus has caused wholesale changes to not only us here in America, but, all over the world as well. How we interact with one another, how we shop, and even what we spend our money on has been altered.

While the larger corporations will adapt and move on many small businesses will fail and fall by the wayside. Being a small business owner, I too will have to restructure my business in hopes to survive. Surviving being the key at this stage in the game.

However, there are those that will prosper during this time of crisis. Someone that hasn’t been decimated by the COVID-19 virus and still has money to invest can do quite well in this down market. Stocks are down temporarily but they will recover. For those with the right mindset, this will only be a little bump in the road and a chance to make a lot of money by investing in strong companies that will bounce back stronger than ever.

The key to many things right now is not to panic. This holds true both at home and in the marketplace. If you freak out like the multitude of toilet paper buyers, you aren’t yet in the right mindset.

If you take this situation seriously but calmly, like the ones that realize the grocery stores are still being stocked you might just get through this in good shape. There is light at the end of the tunnel, we’re just going to have to hold on a little while in order to see it. My thoughts and prayers to all that are suffering right now. I hope you like my blogs approach to things. If you do please fell free to follow it, like it, and share it with friends.

Why Martial Law?

Yes, as you would suspect the title “Why Martial Law,” does reference our current situation with the COVID-19 virus. Instead of freaking out emotionally, let’s explore how we may actually get to live under martial law for a little while.

The behavior of a few in this case will affect the lives of many. With the COVID-19 virus running 24/7 on both regular news and social media, I think it’s fair to say most Americans are aware of it and know what’s going on both here and around the world. People are dying. Please take that statement for what it’s worth…people are dying. The statement is not political, not some conspiracy, it is a cold, hard, fact.

No matter what you believe about this situation we are in, how you react to it affects others. For those of us still working, we see the ignorance of so many people. Having to be out and about for some is a necessity. For those that are flooding towns and cities unnecessarily, well, they are part of the problem. Shopping for things that you don’t need is putting both you and many others at risk. Not heeding the pleas from our health officials to please stay home is part of the problem.

Even as of this writing deaths rates are climbing. Yet all around me I continue to hear people downplaying the virus and going about like nothing is wrong. It is this ignorant behavior that will get martial law or at least mandatory quarantines put into place. The spring break beach goers quickly come to mind. Hundreds of thousands of partiers all mingled together. Not caring about being infected or infecting others when they all go back home.

We as a nation have been asked to do what is right for not only ourselves but our neighbors as well. The fact that so many are not doing what is asked of them will be why more restrictions will be placed on everyone. This is not some political plea. Which side of that fence you stand on I could care less. If we work together we will get through this, much easier and faster than the alternative. God bless you all.