Community Corner
Unpatriotic or Smart Business Move?
Since word first got out that Ralph Lauren outsourced the production of the U.S. Olympic team's opening ceremony uniforms to China, many people have expressed outrage, but is this fair?
A host of politicians from each side of the aisle is up in arms about how the U.S. Olympic Committee allowed Ralph Lauren (RL) to outsource the production of the U.S. team’s opening ceremony uniforms to China.
But, according to a Businessweek article, they’ve all lost track of some basic economic facts. The decision was good for business. Those made-in-China items are good for the U.S. economy and for U.S. jobs.
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Most U.S. apparel manufacturing operations folded decades ago because of the bad economy. Only 97,000 Americans still have jobs in apparel production, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Even the top U.S.-based companies outsource their production to other countries, Businessweek reports.
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"Not only is outsourcing good for business, but the future of the American economy is dependent upon it," writes Larry Popelka.
"So let’s stop whining about a few 'Made in China' tags and start cheering for all of the great athletic performances made possible by superior U.S. innovation."
But Patch wants to know, what do you think? Was it silly for people to be upset about the U.S. uniforms being manufactured in another country, or did the news dampen your Olympic, patriotic spirit?
Tell us in the comments!
