The World Rusts and Rots

There is no wealth away from God, only illusions.

Made in China

Aisle 20, this is where Mainers with knotty heads may be found seeking freedom from unwanted entanglements. Hanging along aisle 20, of Machias Maine’s Rite Aid, there are usually twenty-one different types of combs. Two of them carry the Revlon brand, the other nineteen are labeled either Ace or Goody. While this article was being written three types of combs were sold out. Seventeen of the available combs were made of plastic and one was made of a combination of plastic and metal. Not one of Rite Aid’s combs were made in Maine, not one was made in America, all were made in China.

In our computer age, a community that establishes a manufacturing facility increases the opportunities for citizens who have highly technical skills. This occurs even for the manufacturing of a simple product, such as a comb. An array of computer experts such as programmers, network specialists and repair technicians can be put to work. If robotics are incorporated into the manufacturing process then specialists in this ingenious field can gain installation, maintenance and repair work.

Along with high tech work, a factory that makes products has needs that often benefit a community’s economy from numerous directions. Raw and refined materials are needed. Jobs become available for the making of the product and supportive jobs can be numerous. Secretaries, bookeepers, accountants, groundskeepers, security guards, electricians, plumbers and the restaurant across the street can all gain work.