Let's Audit Senator Mello's Purchases

We wonder where Nebraska State Senator Heath Mello's television and appliances were made?   We wonder if he has looked at the labels in his clothing?  We're sure they are all made in America.  Right?  Yeah.....

Well, in his hypocritical liberal Democrat-minded, 'progressive' appeal to his union base, he wants Nebraska State government to build its infrastructure, its roads, its bridges, its airports, its railroads and its buildings with only American made steel, iron and manufactured goods. Thus he is proposing LB 923.

Like his mentors, the president, Senator Avery and even Senator Schumacher he wants to do this because it apparently feels good, not because he has the slightest idea of the statistics or the validity of them.   He doesn't know how much the state government currently spends on non-American manufacturing products.   He doesn't know how many more millions of dollars his law will cost Nebraska taxpayers.   Like the president he says his 'infrastructure bill' will create jobs, but like the failed president's efforts, Mello doesn't even have an estimate of how many. 

Various Nebraska governmental entities and state departments have already estimated that Mello's bill would cost tens of millions of dollars.  Mello says his bill would make an exception if buying domestic products would drive up the cost of the project by 10%.   We're glad he's so interested in protecting the citizens who elected him.  Forget that they have to pay the taxes that build the project and pay his salary. 

The effort which Mello has fallen for is "Buy American", a campaign sponsored by manufacturers, unions and their lobbying groups.   What it is is an admission that those businesses can't compete (because of their out-of-line labor costs) and thus need more protectionist legislation to save their butts.   Mello's proposed law would just be a cave-in to that mentality that would punish Nebraska taxpayers.

If Mello is truly serious about his effort, why doesn't he go all the way?  Prohibit the purchase of any foreign made product by Nebraska government.   No laptops, no autos, no oil, no nothing not manufactured in the U.S.   

And, of course, maybe the hypocrite liberal union-owned Mello ought to start by promising to spend his money only on American made goods.  No more of those cheap made in Laos suits, shirts (check your labels, Senator) and shoes.

P.S. Given the ludicrousness of his proposed legislation, we are pleased to award him the coveted "Bill Avery Court Jester Fool Award".