How it's made is one thing, where it's made is another

Posted By Les Green, East End Report

Posted 16 days ago

Submitted artwork...Don t forget to wear a poppy, and to remember why you are wearing it.

One of my favourite programs on TV is called "How Is It Made?" It illustrates the often complicated process necessary to produce even the simplest of things that we buy and use. Take for instance what it takes to put the jam inside a chocolate-coated cookie, or how they put the stick in a Popsicle (or perhaps it is to put the popsicle on a stick ...)

My annual fall chore

As is necessary at this time of year, I was sorting out the contents of my closet, getting out my long-sleeved shirts and putting away the summer variety. Then it was hiding away the shorts that I never even wore once this past crazy summer, and putting the warmer variety to the fore. In the process, I happened to glance at the labels on the garments, and feel there should be a TV program called: "WHERE Is It Made?"

Where in the world?

Yes, I have shirts made in Bangladesh, Egypt, Hungary, Taiwan and Hong Kong, to say nothing about the pants made in Mexico. Then, sitting at the computer, I see that most of the components are from all parts of the Far East. And that last wood screws I bought, #8 square drive of course, were made in Vietnam.

And when shopping in our ever popular dollar store, one sees that everything, except the cookies and candies, seem have come from China.

A conundrum

Now this all gets confusing, expecially in the automotive line, for some of the North American brand cars are made elsewhere, and those with off-shore names might, and are, actually have been made on this continent.

Locally made?

So what do we know for sure is made here in Portage la Prairie? Well, there are potato products, oats, pea protein and then we make windows and implements and trailers, and ready-to-move houses. (What have I forgotten?) We used to make soup and mushrooms and shirts and wire, and one time had a fire engine factory, but we won't talk about them right now.

A window sticker

On the window of my 10-year-old station wagon is the little notice that — and get this — IT WAS BUILT WITH PRIDE IN CHICAGO. Everytime I read it, I can imagine a bunch of men and women beaming as my vehicle came off the assembly line. Well, anyway.

A civic thought

We have been in the news for one thing and another lately, both good and bad — mostly of the former, I hope. Though I haven't really looked, I wonder if our local producers mention our city on their labels, and the little word about pride of workmanship might tell the world what a nice place this is to live and work in. Just an idea ...

Lest you forget

By the time I got all this thought out and written, I looked up at the November calendar and found we will be celebrating Remembrance Day next Wednesday. How the year is flying by — Thanksgiving, Halloween, change-the-clocks — and some stores are stocking for Christmas already! So, let's observe Wednesday in the approprite manner, eh?