Wednesday, April 21, 2010
STATE DEPARTMENT THINKS AGAIN
The Orrefors contract worth over $5 million for U.S. embassy glassware (mentioned in Kovels' Komments, April 14, 2010) brought over 70 blog comments, almost all outraged at the idea of Swedish glass being used to represent America overseas. And even more questioned the need for the glassware, the expense, the loss of U.S. jobs, and the no-bid contract. Many asked what they could do and many others suggested you write or email your senators and representatives to make your thoughts known. Fortunately, the two senators from New York and Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio were able to push the State Department to "relook at the contract." The first year will be unchanged, but the next four years of the contracts will be re-bid. We will report any future developments.
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18 comments:
It's about time they think again! Glad to hear!
Our Government has taken unprecedented advantage of the American taxpayers for many years and, once again, made a decision that is definitely not in the best interest of our current economic situation. The shady business dealings have taken years to slide into place and we now see the downfall resulting in gross disparity of income and life styles [Class separation] afforded to the rich and 'greedy.' It is time the outsourcing of anything be stopped. This is just one more example of deals made under the table to the detriment of America. When, and from what type of thinking, did our elected officials decide jobs were not necessary in the USA and that products from other countries were -in any way- superior or wanted by us? When did they make the decision poverty should be the norm in the USA or that we wanted to be another 3rd world country? The word FOREIGN now belongs to referencing their way of thinking and processing - not to other countries. It is profoundly disgusting and infuriating - for once they are in an elected position they are never really out. Their influence is felt for generations. We see it in every aspect of our lives today. Sad... very sad indeed.
Congratulations on getting this situation changed. How did the powers miss an opportunity to manufacturer in the US and choose to outsource? Mind boggling..........!
Hurrah!
Keep Americans working... screw the other countries. We have a continually high unemployment rate with no end in sight. Do something about it!
Are there any glass houses still in production in the United States of America? Since about 1790 we had THE BEST GLASS HOUSES in the WORLD and now we have lost it all. What have we done? So, now what else can we do? Such a sad situation.
And I lost my 100 year old western clothing company to NOT being a "dot com". Now Scully makes my designs in China for $80 retail here.
What are we thinking?
Thank U so much !
Someone from "YOUR Camp " needs to get in politics. I will vote for them.
;-)
"I am sorry to hear that you are unhappy with how your government is representing you. This is a difficult time in our history and I share your concern that we need to get our country back on track. While we may not agree on every issue, I hope we can find common ground on the goal of getting the economy moving again. Wisconsin is a state with a rich political history and diverse opinions and it is an honor to represent the millions of people that live in our state. Please know that your opinion is very important to me. I hope that in the future I will have the opportunity to work on issues where we can find agreement. Sincerely Herb Kohl"
Am ashamed to have to report this is how my WI state senator responded. You think he even reads (or has an assistant that reads) mailings from his constituents????
Another prime example of America heading in the WRONG direction. It should have never been an issue to begin with. This is AMERICA we shouldn't be using foreign made glasswares in our Embassies to begin with. That's not a fair representation of our country. Not to mention- With the economic crisis in this country at present we need all the jobs and business we can get. We shouldn't be outsourcing anything, if by all means possible.
So glad our comments helped to make a difference!
GREAT, I sent e-mails to my Gov. and would be Gov. and 2 Congress people.
I learned that Hilary Clinton was the person who did this. I am ashamed of her, as a Democrat this is a slap in the face.
Think Again? Typical of our excuse of representation, they didn't think in the first place, except for the kickback in their pocket.
Wonderful, the power of the people at work! Now just bring real work back to us! :)
Of course, if another country were to deny the use of American products during a bidding process, you can guarantee equal outrage at the "unfairness" of the process. Your country is a great believer in free international trade, as long as it benefits the US. When it doesn't, trade treaties and international rulings get tossed out the window. You can't have it both ways.
Hey stop being such jingoist creeps!
Let the US Embassy have the glassware!
We spend $200 million for a B1B warplane and it's role is to kill people.
5 Mil. for Orrefors is "chump change" by comparison.
The government also had census ads done on T-shirts, of course the T-shirts were made in Bangladesh not here. Seems to be a pattern......
I am a former employee of the
Jeannette Glass Corporation, previously located in Jeannette, PA.
It was a major American based corporation, with a multitude of companies in the US. Those include glass, ceramics, plastics, and candle products all manufactured and package in America for worldwide distribution.
Sadly, denied any help from our government, and no bailouts, those businesses fell into financial ruin due to imports made cheap and availble to all major retailers in the US.
I'm not surprised that Swedish glass would be chosen above any American made product. A few greedy Americans trade their country's well being for big dollars, while the rest of us scratch our heads and wonder where all the jobs have gone.
I'm glad to see someone is trying to make a change.
Terry,
I have some bad news for you. The State Department promised the senators that it would advertise the contract when it came up again, but it never did it. Now the State Department spokesman says that the contract is no longer in force. I know all about this sad story because I was the contracting officer's representative on this contract before I was forced out for pushing back against this no-bid, padded contract.
What they said would happen, never happened. The contract was never re-advertised. The proprietor of Systems Design Inc was indited by the Justice Department on September 1, 2010 for a different contract fraud matter. Her names is Darlene Mathis Gardner. You can find it on google.
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