“I’ve worked with business leaders who are bringing jobs back to America – not because our workers make less pay, but because we make better products. Because we work harder and smarter than anyone else.

I’ve signed trade agreements that are helping our companies sell more goods to millions of new customers – goods that are stamped with three proud words: Made in America.“

-President Obama, 2012 Democratic National Conventions, 09/06/12

I’m not usually one to be strong into politics, but the last three nights I have been listening to the speeches being made at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. These speeches have triggered an avalanche that has been building in my brain for some time. I have been toying with covering this topic on this blog for a while, and I think today is the day.

Since starting The Curvy Elle Shop and this blog, I have been looking through a plethora of vintage, old, and/or previously owned apparel goods.  I was shocked to see that the majority of the clothing that I was passing by read, “Made in USA.” With a good number of these pieces also holding a tag proudly inscribed with, “Union Made- International Ladies Garment Workers Union.”

‘Made in USA’ vintage dress.

‘Union Made’ vintage dress.

I work(ed) in the fashion industry, and had no idea this ever existed. Obviously, there are no longer garment industry unions (example: previous post). So, what happened along the way? How did we go from having most of our apparel ‘Made in USA’ and by UNION employees, to walking into any retailer in America and almost always seeing ‘Made in (Fill in Some Foreign Country)’?

When did we stop supporting our people–which translates to OUR COUNTRY?

Thrifting has let me see first hand how our country has changed. One business sector represents us and our country as a whole.  Who are we now–and who do we want to be?

Ask yourself: What does it mean to be patriotic today?

Please, bring thoughtfulness back into our country…