My friend Bob recently lost his job. Bob had a good job, making good money with a good American company. He also has expensive tastes, and spends his money as fast as he makes it. Now Bob is in trouble, because he has no money and he can’t find a job. Bob has a wife and two kids and he is searching for answers.

I have all the answers to Bob’s questions. On a recent visit to Bob’s house, the problems in America today hit me right between the eyes. We were watching his TV (made in Indonesia), sitting on his couch (made in Canada), while his one child played with his baseball (made in China), and his other child sat at the computer (made in Malaysia). His wife made us sandwiches on her skillet (made in India), with cheese (made in France) and some fresh coffee (made in Colombia) in her coffeepot (made in China).

I commented on his beautiful rug (made in Pakistan) on his hardwood floors (made in Brazil) and ate on some nice dishes (made in Mexico). After lunch, we went for a ride in his car (made in Germany) to get some gasoline (made in Saudi Arabia) and to get some beer (from Mexico) and wine (from France) and vodka (from Russia, Poland and Sweden).

After returning home, we parked next to his wife’s car (made in Japan), he took off his coat (made in England), removed his scarf (made in Scotland) and checked his watch (made in Switzerland) to see if it was too early for a drink.

I complimented his wife on her designer jeans (made in Singapore), nice blouse (made in Sri Lanka) and shoes (made in Korea), while she mixed drinks in the blender (made in Hong Kong).

Bob is having problems finding a job in America, because America is losing jobs faster than ever. There should never be a lack of jobs in this country and we can each do our part to fix the American economy right now. I do not have to look in your house, garage or closet to know if everything was made in America. I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to purchasing foreign-made products in the past, but I am going to start doing something about it today.

My New Year’s resolution is to buy American-made products. I recently traded in my Japanese car for an American one. I made a real effort to buy American-made products for all of my Christmas presents this year. I bought everyone at ABC candy from a local candy store. I am sending my vice presidents, Dale Dambek and Dave Cosper, to see local theater productions, and gave away gift certificates to many local restaurants to others.

Each of us needs to make an effort to buy American products and to support local businesses in the new year. If we keep our money in this country, and more importantly in our communities, we will contribute to the revitalization of the American economy.

If the average American spends $100 per week supporting their local businesses while buying American products , money that they may have saved or spent on foreign products, we will create a $1 trillion swing in the American economy. Or, just trade in that foreign car for an American car and you will have completed your obligation for the year.

I spoke with two economists who both believed my idea would work and America would change direction in just one year.

So please, spread the word to buy American. Bob, and more than 10 million other unemployed Americans, are counting on it.