Newspapers / The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, … / May 2, 1985, edition 1 / Page 33
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An International Message: US ' A } Leverage I was recently ap proached by a Delaware businessman who ex pressed serious concern about die potential loss of many job* in the textile industry nationwide if Con gress fails to pass “The Textile and Apparel Trade Enforcement Act of 1985.”. As I listened to this busi nessman present his case. I immediately sensed the de sperateness of the situa- • tion. Since the union is presently demonstrating in * support of this bill, clearly both management and the union are unified behind a single cause. * nis person argued the case that the United States is not competing on a fair footing: He said that fo reigners control approxi mately 50 percent of the United States’ .textile market. Initially his state ment seemed hard to be lieve, but he pulled out some material purportedly prepared by the “Man Made Fibers Association’’ that corroborated his con tention. It said in part, “Last year, imports cap tured nearly 50 percent of the U.S. apparel market. ’’ I realized why this issue forced great unity when I learned about the nume rous economic casualties the United States has al ; this “Ame rican Economic Holo caust.” The Man Made Fibers / Delation reports, HMrtlportii ac counted for nearly a mill ion font Job opportunities, plus another million ww&a&.'s these numbers made me ducts he had bought that had poor quality. He saw poor workmanship as the chimera of the automobile industry. I challenged him on the quality of the United States apparel pro ducts and he had to admit that, their image was good. This person’s comments do raise the question that many Americans may be viewing this new import threat as merely another opportunity to force an other domestic industry into shaping up. When I shared some of my own personal experi ences with Oriental labor rates with this chap, he concluded that there was no easy answer to the pre sent import threat. How ever, Man Made Fibers quantifies America’s stra tegic position in this Eco nomic -World War. They write, “...U.S. industries are competing witn toreign governments which subsi dize their own industries, restrict imports of our goods and hold wage rates to as little as 16 cents per hour.” One might argue that such low wage rates mean greater savings to the American public. On the contrary Man Made Fibers contends, “There is con siderable evidence that any remaining ‘savings’ on im ported goods merely result in higher mark-up for re tailers, not reduced prices for consumers.” Although many people may cry that the Textile Industry’s thrust with “The Textile and Apparel Trade. Enforcement Act of 1965” B. Ricks, A.GS.W. taroie'k hints at protectionism, I believe it represents the first step towards altering America’s mind set to thinking about winning again in the international arena. I get darned tired of hearing people lament every time some news re ports suggests that the Ja panese are seeking to do minate another, American market. It seems to be that many American people have accepted defeat be fore the battle begins. I wonder if the world per ceives our importence as proof of the teachings of the great war philosopher Sun Tzu who taught about, the importance of getting the enemy to believe he is de feated before the battle is fought. Tzu reports through a comment of Tu Mu, “A victory gained before the situation has crystalized is one the common man does not comprehend. Thus its author gains no reputation for sagacity. Before he has bloodied his blade the enemy state has already submitted.” I firmly believe Sun Tzu’s principles have played a significant role in the undoing of the Ame rican Industrial Giant I feel we must start assess ing our strengths and stem this tide of importance that has circumvented our tenacious heritage from , “Head Yoar King James .Pray and Thank God Every Day." 30% OFF On Drv Cleaning Only, Silk Not Included Mon., Tues., Wed.. Thurs. ‘■'Otrcent Off On Fri; & Sat. “ Expire* May ». IMS minimum >5.00 After Discount i | C oupon Musi Accompany Order ] Kali l’ri«e Allrr w llu.vs \lrraiHMi« 4• • • •d« * • # # l» •••••••••••••••#•• #V\ •• Vtftrl* slmi4 Apparel Trade Enforce ment Act of 1985 will send a , clear message to countries doing or hoping to do bu f~-‘- i - ' '■ Z) siness in the United States that we recognize our cus tomer leverage and will not hesitate to use it. m 1 W w^ 1 _■ ■fpyym44«^bVPI f i y/^ ] 1 3 I n * 11 11 ■ i lwTg» m w m m m m m ■■■■■---.! ■ • Classified Ads At Work I p I i • ...A, classified ad doesn’t make much noise. It just 4 4‘ quietly goes about its job of selling merchandise and < * .softies, making announcements, bringing jobs < j and job seekers together. , • .. •< i > Quiet and efficient, ready to go to work every time you turn to the classified pages. Give us a call, and 4 4 put this quiet-selling giant to work for you. 4 Hie Charlotte Post * Classified Ad Department 376-0496 • • • “■* Coupon Most Accompany Order* ***■“ I MEL BRAXTON, Offers... Grand J. w. m Opening Savings _ ro OFF ■ Professional Dry Cleaners Mon-Tue-Wed J ft;.. (Excluding Special Care Fabrics) ! m-vmw cuanirs I A DIvtMMi of Brown-Braxton Sarvtcaa. lac. | 3203 Beatties Fd Rd.t (The Bounty Center) •« — • — — — an Offer Expires May 2.1985 — — .... J • \ ^mm|_^ ; ; Peeler's ^ Portrait Studio "FIRST...FOR FINE PHOTOGRAPHY” CALL NOW FOR AN APPOINTMENT 24-itr. Answering Service Phone:' Phone: 392-2028 ,.4 , 392-0945 jjafe-.A,.: -<< ___ Photo Journalist Service Wedding Photography Groap Photography i_— _ — . — Photo Copy and Restoration Civic and Social Functions Passport Phot as
The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.)
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May 2, 1985, edition 1
33
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