Sweatshops

[kpete]

[NYC_SKP]

1. I would pay extra if they would make smart phones in the US.

The same for most electronic devices.

But the truth is that they don't.

It's not just iPhones.

And I don't know of any brand of smart phone that is made under conditions of decent wages, dignity, an hope.

If anyone can name a phone that is, please reply to this post!

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[jpgray]

2. Nobody needs to purchase a new smart phone

If you want out personally, you can opt out. Buy used, for example. It's not going to change the world, but very few purchase decisions will.

[NYC_SKP]

3. Not just electronics.... Clothing, shoes, tools...

I'd pay extra for anything US made.

The assumption is that I would be buying one. '

Of course I could opt out or buy used. In fact, I do buy used.

A month ago I bought a treadle operated singer sewing machine that works, and I use it. Better than anything made today.

[jpgray]

4. The thing is, it will cost you some pains to buy used

Beyond a little more effort, depending on your peers and neighbors it will invite invidious comparisons. Nobody would pretend those pains are more insupportable than Foxconn's labor practices, but observing our behavior as consumers you'd never know it.