Labor day sales have begun, and shoppers are going wild. Shopping baskets are filled to the brim. Today, I was at a clothing store where summer clothes were 70% off. Last weekend, while shopping with my granddaughters, we found bathing suits at 80% off. It’s the last giveaway of the season, and it’s never going to be this good again. Is this China’s last stand at the mall?

This may be the last summer weekend that we can get bargains from China

When you get home, go through those piles of clothes you’ve purchased at end of season sales. Look at the labels. Can you find one item that wasn’t made in China? Only 2% of the clothing products we buy are made in the USA. But next year, it’s estimated the cost of garments made in China will increase about 25%, due to new tariffs. Which really isn’t all that much.

We’re so accustomed to cheap clothes from China that we don’t want to think about how it’s affected the American labor force. We know that many Chinese laborers work sixteen hour days to produce those incredibly cheap clothes, but it doesn’t stop us from buying them.

What is going to happen now that we’re in a trade war? Will more clothes be made in the USA, and how is that going to affect the price of our next pair of blue jeans? Personally, I would be willing to pay a higher price for garments made in our own country, but it probably won’t happen for another decade. Clothing manufacturers will probably turn to other third world countries where wages are low.

Sales this labor day will be full of bargains from China

Department stores are filled with shoppers buying bargain priced clothes made in China

Here are some other things that could happen if clothing and shoes get too pricey: We might reduce the size of our wardrobes. People could start sewing their own clothes again, which will help the fabric industry. Sales at Goodwill Industry stores may increase, providing more jobs for the handicapped. Garment manufacturers might decide to open factories in the USA, which would create more jobs in the USA.

And so, while I’m snapping up the bargains like everyone else, it won’t bother me to pay higher prices next season, as long as it benefits the American worker.

And, if you didn’t get to the mall this weekend, don’t worry. Labor Day Sales are still ahead.

Did you know that pharmaceutical advertising is illegal in every country except the United States and New Zealand? Is it ethical for drug companies to advertise?

We watch both local news and national news each evening. Last night we counted at least 10 ads for prescription and over the counter drugs. According to Advertising Age, the average national TV commercial costs around $225,000. So, in a period of one hour, we are viewing over two million dollars worth of ads for drugs that we probably don’t need. Is this unethical, or not?

A study at Harvard revealed that for every dollar spent on advertising, the pharmaceutical companies are rewarded with 4 times that amount in sales. This means that in one hour, the drug companies are making about eight million dollars.

The ads usually show someone enjoying life as a result of taking an expensive drug. Who doesn’t want to be happy, healthy, beautiful, successful, and loved? These direct- to- consumer ads offer hope that a particular drug can help fulfill all of your dreams. No wonder we are an over medicated society!

advertising by drug companies adds to the high cost of drugs — THE ONLY COUNTRIES THAT HAVEN’T OUTLAWED DRUG ADVERTISING ARE THE USA AND NEW ZEALAND

They run the same ads week after week. How many times have we seen that poor man losing his cell phone because he sneezed? And what about the pretty redhead with her handsome boyfriend, trying on some turquoise jewelry that match her gorgeous eyes? They really milk those ads for all they are worth. Thank heaven for the mute button on our remote. We never, never, listen to their redundant messages.

Studies have shown that 30% of doctors feel compelled to prescribe the drugs that their patients have seen—and asked for– advertised on television. Drug companies have other ways of influencing doctors. It’s still common practice for them to provide gourmet lunches to the doctor’s office staff. (which may be why you smell garlic on the breath of the nurse taking your blood pressure.)

The price of prescription drugs keep rising in the United States, where the law allows them to advertise. Is that why drugs in other countries cost so much less? We used to winter in South Texas, and many winter Texans claimed their entire winter vacation was paid for by the savings they got in Mexico on their prescription drugs.

Tag: USA

IS THIS CHINA’S LAST STAND?

IS IT ETHICAL FOR DRUG COMPANIES TO ADVERTISE?

Did you know that pharmaceutical advertising is illegal in every country except the United States and New Zealand? Is it ethical for drug companies to advertise?

Big pharma is making big bucks from TV ads. But is it ethical to advertise new and expensive prescription drugs?