Yeah, the same kind of misguided patriotism that pretty much bankrupted the US auto industry. Because MOST people will never be willing to overpay for a grossly inferior product. Manufacturers that cannot compete in a global marketplace need to die. Countries that cannot compete need to restructure.

The U.S. can't compete in a global marketplace where companies are paying workers a pittance & habitually forcing their workers into ungodly shifts of 16+ hrs per day. Do you think it's only a coincidence that most of our goods are produced in areas where human rights aren't such a high priority? The U.S. can't compete with that. And you think quality goods are coming out of China? Seriously? Most of the cheap crap made in China breaks soon after you've used it a few times. Don't you think it may be a bad idea to be nearly entirely reliant on one place to get most of our products? As a country we should be self-reliant and produce our own goods...ever wonder why the middle class is hurting so much? Not just income stagnation & inequality, their jobs have vanished. You may have a point about the auto industry but that doesn't mean we should kiss manufacturing goodbye. We as a country should support manufacturing at home & we all really should be a more conscientious consumer. I know it's difficult with the Wal-Marts of the world dictating the cost of production & carrying almost exclusively Chinese-made products. OP, sorry your dad rejected your gift, FYL. It's the thought that counts anyway, right? It's a shame he didn't make his preference known to you beforehand. I guess keep it mind for next year?

The paradox is that China is killing the US with its own weapon: Capitalism. Because that is exactly how market economy works. Products made in China used to be terrible quality, but just like the Japanese and then the Koreans they have learned about quality control etc. Yes, protectionism is an alternative - if people are willing to live with all its negative consequences.