Made in America are words that matter to me and I’m a stickler for words and their meaning. Maybe it’s many decades of writing safety standards that make me incredibly careful about how I use words, so that they are correctly used. When writing standards, if you want to leave no question as to clarity of how an item or section applies you use the word “shall.” That means it is applied across the board, it’s a requirement, no question. It’s not a suggestion it’s a firm requirement. If you want to be suggestive, use the word “should” as a strong recommendation.
Serve the Public Need for Masks
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, there are a lot of companies out trying to make a quick profit. Not that profit is a bad word, but profits need to carry some responsibility at the same time. I started MasksForCitiizens.com, not as a profit center but to address many societal needs. The need to cover payroll, which gives employees and their families stability and basic human needs during these trying times filled with uncertainty. I felt it important to be there for others who were struggling with simple challenges like food and shelter.
When we say “Made in America” we mean it’s actually manufactured in America. I purchase American products and support other American companies, their workers and their families.
We could have bought imported masks and resold them. Seeing prices advertised, and knowing production costs, it’s been extremely profitable for many companies. But what does that do for humanity and for America? The answer is that it sadly does the opposite of our mission at Pucuda Leading Edge. To us, America means a country that offers opportunities for each generation to improve the lives of many.
Holding to Our Values
Many faced troubles, but look at what they created; businesses, strong families and opportunities for an even brighter future for the next generation. I look at my family, where a mother and father worked hard all of their lives to provide a safe and loving home. Through a measure of success, their accomplishments provided a better future for their children and grandchildren.
My father thought me basic values and principles. He set examples by how he lived and how he did things. My wife and I did the same with my daughter. For example, my daughter Sarah and I went to a movie every weekend starting in 6th grade, and it continued through high school. It was a time when we talked and shared one on one. Some weekends we would do what we called a double feature. I always bought tickets for both movies. Some may find it acceptable to buy tickets for one movie then jump over to another. Maybe it’s just taken for granted. But what lesson does that send? My lesson is teaching that I “shall” be honest not “should” be honest. In my view of honesty, seeing a movie without paying is stealing from the theater, the actors the producers, etc.
Truth Uses Plain Language
I have been seeing TV commercials where Made in America is implied, but not factually stated. For example, there’s one where they criticize masks from China. They never say Made in America, just “not from China.” They also say, “shipped from our United States facility.” In my world of words, the only reason for not being direct is to be intentionally misleading. Another word for misleading, as I have always thought, was “lying.” When I’m writing things trying to explain a product or service, I have my wife read it to get her comments. She often tells me she does not understand what I’m trying to say. I then explain it in simple terms. She always says, “then just say that!” Okay, our masks are made in America, period. That’s so easy because it’s true.
The Value of a Quality Reusable Mask
Like I’ve said before, profits are a good and necessary thing for businesses to keep growing, employing and serving people. Unfortunately, there are some companies that will do practically anything for excessive profits. When I see 10 disposable masks being sold for $19.95 plus shipping and handling, I see someone taking advantage of a public health situation, or perhaps it’s just plain greed, who knows? Maybe $2.00 a mask for a $0.50 disposable mask is acceptable but it’s a quick buck made from the critical needs of others at their expense.
I also look at disposable masks and ask, why? Why would anyone spend real money on something that by all experts’ warnings is only good for a day or less. Taking that $19.95 example in the average month, you’re spending $60.00 per person to be safe and keep others around you safe. With our 100% cotton, 3-ply washable masks, you keep others around you safe for around $7.00, for up to several months or more!
I could never betray the teachings of my father or those that my wife and I passed down to our daughter. The simple lesson for us is this: Do as you say that you shall, and act as you teach that one should. If you’re going to imply that a product is “Made in America,” then just make it in America and you won’t need to use misleading language.
All of our manufacturing is done in Madison, Connecticut and you can learn more about our innovative approach to advanced netting technology and manufacturing.
