I can remember during the 1950's when 'Made in Japan' ment junk. A fellow named Demming showed up from the US and preached high quality as a way to reinvent Japan, Inc.

The US automakers had tossed Demming out of their offices. Cars were made to wear out in about 60,000 miles so we all would have to buy new ones. If you wanted quality you went to the Studerbaker dealer and bought a Mercedes.

Today I buy only the highest quality stuff I can find. If the US becomes the quality leader of the world, and it easily could, then I doubt it would solve all our problems but it would be a good start.

One thing I have found is that goods that are still made in the USA are among the highest in qulaity. The name made be from overseas, like Bosch or Michelln, but the products are made here. These products cost more up front but they are the cheapest to buy in the long run.

As Stanly Marcus used to say, "We have no problem with those who sell for less. They know what their producst are worth."

And for what it is worth... recent surveys have shown that the highest quality car brand sold in the US is Buick.