Quote:

So, agreed, we're quickly becoming poor, yet in denial.


I don't think the USA is becoming poorer (in fact the american economy is steadily growing). It's just that some less-developed countries are naturally becoming wealthier at a faster rate, which is a good thing.


Quote:

I'm dreaming up schemes to first restore quality to the American household. Why buy a crappy chair that will break (generating waste, necessitating repurchase, etc) when you could buy one in the Ike-era style that's bomb-proof? Why make a house from rot-able, combustible wood when it could be created with the unshakable steel of recycled cars? Why buy cheap plastic household products which wear out and break frustratingly causing inconvenience when they need to be replaced, when you could buy well engineered items that last and last? And why not make all of these quality items in America?

Why don't we buy quality? Because we don't have foresight enough to see past the high price and realize the savings. But if buyers of quality goods could be instilled with pride, exclusivity, and a sense of luxury, I think they'd go for it. (and we'd have to somehow sidestep the disposability of "fashion") And maybe with some shady government tax breaks because the products are created in America thus supporting our economy, they could be offered at less-than-luxury costs.


Have you ever been to IKEA? The swedish beat you to it!