Published: April 27, 2008 01:18 am            

WOLCOTT: In the market for something made in the U.S.A.

What to do with the rebate check? Unlike most Americans, and America, I have money I haven’t spent yet. I think.

The president wants us to splurge to stimulate the economy and I’m debating what to get. Should it be something I need or something I want?

I’ve decided to buy American, to look for that “Made in the U.S.A.” label. What will it be?

All of my clothes are imported, made in every continent except North America. My Wilson Farms wavy tumbler was made in China. The coffee came from 100 percent Abrabica beans.

My voice recorder was made in China, but the Duracell batteries were made in the U.S.A. That’s something.

I’ve decided my major purchase would be a tree, something to replace the once-beautiful sugar maple in the backyard. It provided shade in the summer and color in the fall but was wounded and is now a hazard, according to the tree doctor.

I’m leaning toward a river birch. They are fast growing, don’t mind a little water and give good shade. I hope I can find one that is made in the U.S.A.

My second spurge will be tickets to see “Cabaret” at Niagara University. No one puts on a more energetic show than the Purple Eagle players. They’re good, even though their venue is not so hot.

However, like the once grand maple, I’m about to be stumped. That might be just as well. I know the check is in the mail, but I better wait before I spend the money.

Meanwhile, I can browse at madeinusa.com and look for collectibles, electronics, crafts, hardware, puppies, toys and clothing. There are even American flags made in the U.S.A.

•••

Bobby Kennedy Jr. came to our town to speak and I wasn’t sure I wanted to see him. I was enamored by the Kennedy clan in the 1960s. My most electric moment was seeing candidate John F. Kennedy campaigning at Memorial Auditorium. No one had more charisma.

I listened intently to Bobby Kennedy Sr. debate at Kleinhans Music Hall in 1964. Frankly, Robert Francis Kennedy was a disappointment and a Roosevelt grandson was a dud.

The winner of the debate was Howard Samuels, but the winner of the nomination was RFK.

In later years, I was to be disillusioned by the Kennedys. Greatly disillusioned.

There is speculation that Bobby Jr. would become our next U.S. senator should Hillary be elected president. Before Saturday, he would not have been my choice. However, Bobby Jr. put on an impressive show at Stella Niagara and maybe he deserves the nod.

I was not bothered when Bobby Jr. criticized the media for letting America down. I agree. I watch BBC to get some glimpse of what’s going on outside our borders.

What bothered me was the cop who wouldn’t let me use my voice recorder. This wasn’t a rock concert. This wasn’t a radio station that took a vow of not being critical of the administration.

This was a politician, the son of a politician.

It was a reminder of the manager of McDonald’s or Sears, or any corporate controlled business who has to call headquarters to get permission to speak.

This is still a free country.

Contact reporter Bill Wolcott at 439-9222, ext. 6246.

        

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