Buying and Selling Preferences...Some Further Thoughts

Recently there was a discussion here on buying American products, and not buying certain others. 

I try to get something out of every exchange of ideas.  I have been humbled by the most innocuous of discussions, and have learned more from those with whom I disagree than those with whom I agree.  Otherwise, without this learning-through-friction, life is wasted.  I did learn something from those discussions, and they drove me to further introspection and thought.

In fact, although I buy Chinese when the price/value/quality equation works out, I actually support the idea of buying from one's own tribe, but I'd like to (as usual) take it a step further.  Or maybe just define "tribe" a little differently. 

My "tribe" does not include all American citizens.  Some of them are staunch enemies.

Next, I would like to say that I will not condemn someone for making a purchase decision, or hold their purchases against them.

Following the Starving the Monkeys philosophy, I would like to encourage all of you out there who are, by virtue of outlook, actions, and convictions (as well as, to some of you, blood) part of my extended "tribe", to start sincerely trying to transact within the "tribal" boundaries.

Tribe, in this context (and there are others), being broadly defined as those who value liberty, individual responsibility, and freedom, as well as a small government, and who generally subscribe to the basic principles embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. 

What?  What am I rambling about now?!

All I am saying is that I believe we should start making attempts to find ways to add value to each others' lives, and seek to allow others who think like we do to add value to ours.  This holds true for both business transactions and personal investments of time, energy, and labor, whether paid or not.  Here I would address more of the financial/economic transaction side of things.

I will spend a bit more to support a like minded business on principle when it is appropriate.  I will give -and I have given- patriot owned businesses first dibs at projects I have needed done, regardless of cost (which often turn out to be the best around, btw.)  If my choice is between a Chinese business, and American one that has threatened my liberty or prosperity, well, I'll go with a strict economic decision, if I do not decide to boycott the American company altogether.  Often I will support the foreign entity before supporting a proven domestic enemy with my business.

The same principles and loyalties that drive some folks to "buy American" can likewise motivate people to "buy FreeFor", or at least "buy non-liberty-hostile".

Many American companies are just as -if not more so- much of a threat to American liberty and prosperity as is any company in any foreign nation. 

The company that lobbies for protectionist measures or bailouts (corporate welfare) is threatening our prosperity.  Think about that next time you go to buy American.

The union that supports political action that pushes a Marxist agenda here on American soil is more of a threat to you and I than anyone in China.  Think on this, the next time you buy "American", or "Union".

Those businesses and banks that received bailouts, financed through money taken from you, have lobbied and convinced the government to give them money stolen from you, and have further enslaved you through debt bondage.  Think about that next time you go to the bank, or buy an American car or appliance.  Those businesses and banks should have died, and allowed smaller, more prudent operations to take their places in the market.

I still maintain that buying purely American is, for the most part, not possible for most Americans, if one is honest.  I also think that one's purchases are a personal decision.

Here's an example of an item I own that has many potential rabbit trails to follow.  My plate carrier was made in China.  It's a good one, IMO, with good soft and hard armor components.  I bartered for it, mostly, with a few cash dollars thrown in as well.  I bartered for it with a patriot.  It contains components modified by a patriot, and as I understand it, she is the wife of a patriot who is under FedGov persecution (although I may be wrong in my recollection).  I'll wear my China Condor PC with pride, should the time ever come to don it outside of training and PT.  It has a "Blackhawk" component on it, made in communist Vietnam, as I understand it.  They were purchased from a patriot as well.  It also includes American-made components as well.  Those were purchased from a company that specializes in selling heavy infantry gear to militarized American police.

So, which is better?   Buying China gear from patriots, or American gear from a company that offers a discount to the types of folks who gunned down Jose Guerena? 

Quite the conundrum.  The wabbit hole grows deeper and branches off into the darkness...

"Buy American"?

Sure.  Have at it.  I will not complain.  Be aware that many "American" companies are actively working to destroy your liberty for their short term economic benefit. 

"Buying American" doesn't go far enough, from an ideological purity standpoint.  We are also, in my opinion, too far down the path of economic ruin and crony capitalism for "Buy American" efforts to turn this nation around.  Outsourcing is a symptom, and is a natural market consequence of our nation's actions.

Like many problems in our nation and society, the causes and problems are multiple and intertwined, like a scrub brush wrapping its roots around those of a prized rose bush.  There is no "good" and "simple" solution.  To get rid of the scrub brush for good, you have to rip them both up and destroy them.

"Buy FreeFor", or "Buy Patriot"?

Whenever you can.

My main exortation is that you do what it takes to ensure you and your family, as well as others who value personal liberty, survive. 

I once asked a friend and teacher what he was getting out of our -mostly one way, in my favor- relationship.

He said something like this: "Simple. We win."

We are going to need every one of us we can get.  You are all infinitely precious at this stage in the struggle.

For now, survive.  Help our team survive.

Our time will come.

Starve the Monkeys.

Resist.