If you would like to see a wide variety of USA-made products in a number of different categories, you might try visiting the United Auto Workers (UAW) website's UAW-made page at www.uaw.org/uawmade.

It shouldn't matter whether your political preference draws you to the right or the left or anywhere in between if you believe buying American is truly a non-partisan issue. Everyone in America stands to benefit when we buy American. Regardless of which side of the political fence you reside (or maybe you're still on the fence deciding which way to jump), we all have an interest in supporting American workers - both union and non-union.

Were you aware that UAW members do more than just make automobiles and automobile parts in this country? This author, for instance, is represented by the UAW as a member of the National Writers Union.

UAW members make such popular, everyday products as Ray-O-Vac batteries, Midas mufflers, Moen faucets, Trane heating and air-conditioning units, Revlon cosmetics, Fisher-Price sandboxes and playhouses, AC Delco parts, Wicker furniture, Cape Shoe brand shoes and boots, and Kohler bathtubs, toilets and other plumbing fixtures.

Were you under the impression that all union members were democrats and religiously anti-gun? You should know that UAW members also make Colt small handguns and sporter rifles.

Even though I am a member of two unions (International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers and National Writers Union), I am neither a republican nor a democrat. And just to reinforce the idea that buying American is truly a non-partisan issue, I proudly display the endorsement of Pat Buchanan on the back cover of "How Americans Can Buy American." Certainly no one has accused Pat Buchanan of liberalism or left-thinking ideas.

So if we can all agree that Buying American is neither a Republican or Democrat issue, and is actually one that attracts from both sides of the aisle while attracting third party members and independents as well, let's all agree to support both union and non-union American-made products and services.

We must all do our part in making an effort to do what is in the best interest of America as a whole. There are some in the union movement that feel we should buy union-made in other countries before we buy American, and I disagree with that practice. America's manufacturing industry needs to be saved, and if we can save American manufacturing, America's unions will be saved along with it.

To unify the country behind what is best for the country, unions need to show that they are not a special interest, but rather that they have a special interest in our communities, nation-states and country. By buying American and buying union simultaneously, that idea can become a reality.

I encourage you to visit www.uaw.org/uawmade and look at this listing of American-made products. Most people reading this article have probably bought some of these products in the past, and I would encourage you to continue to do so. Keeping an upward pressure on American workers' wages, both union and non-union, is essential to retaining our buying power as patriotic consumers.

239