We need to protect the future and become self-sufficient

We have allowed our country to become almost totally dependent on the rest of the world to survive due to our apathy and ignorance of how the financial world works.

Our country is blessed with many natural resources and a high-quality workforce, but we have let the world take over the production of almost everything we use today to save a buck. Our toothpaste is made in Mexico and our bandages come from Brazil. Seventy percent of GM cars are foreign-made, Chevrolet pickups are made in Canada, and our clothing comes from China and Vietnam. 

We no longer make the machines used to produce any of our manufactured products. Democrats say that this is no problem because China needs us as a customer but in fact, while we can't make a meal without using a Chinese product, they can make a meal with a pot and a fire if needed. We have set our standard of living so high that we panic at a power outage. The world could bring us to our knees if they wished and that is what the Republicans are working to prevent. Canada is in the same boat. That is why we see so many of them down here shopping at Walmart. They don't make anything either. 

It is time to protect our children's future by becoming a self-sufficient nation again. We need to teach our children skills to be able to produce the goods we consume and quit being economic slaves to the world. We should be exporting products instead of technology which is then used by foreign nations to produce products such as microwave ovens which were invented here.

Making America great again should not be a divisive statement but an inclusive one for all Americans. 

BARRY GAGE

Sandpoint