Trying to be a good american........

[chumbucket]

It's not a lot cheaper living here in Taxachusetts Chuck. My wife hasn't worked for about two years now. Financially, we're doing okay. She is able to draw on a couple of pensions she had built up, so that helps. We own two houses. One of which my daughter and grandson live in (with her boyfriend). They both work, but for what ever reason, we're lucky if they pay us anything for rent or taxes. It's always a battle every month with them. But we're getting by.
As for buying American, try to find a made in USA tag on most products. Unfortunately we as consumers are caught in a dilemma that we are not solely responsible for creating. Yes, Ferm is correct in stating that the more goods that we buy that are made overseas perpetuates the problem, but why were those products allowed to be farmed off to the lowest cost manufacturers to begin with. These jobs that we have lost in all industries can never be regained.
We will never see them again.
So, all you can do is try. By what you can American of course, but at the same time protect and stand for what's best for you and your family.
I wanted and bought a mid-sized truck a little over a year ago. My American choices were GM Colorado/Canyon which is the worst rated truck in it's class on the market, or a Dodge Dakota (Ford discontinued the Ranger). Not much better than the GM if you ask me. I bought a Toyota Tacoma as it's the best in it's class. The majority of the Tacoma is made here in the USA (more than can be said of the domestic trucks). I know that a lot of the Tacoma Profits don't stay here, but at least I can support American workers.
Don't get too upset over it, just do the best you can.