Recently at Reason.tv: Is Your iPod Unpatriotic? Why America shouldn't "buy American"

July 24, 2009

Is your iPod unpatriotic? Its parts and technology come from all over the world and it's assembled in China. Yet is any product more American than the iPod? The stimulus spending bill contains "Buy American" provisions that seek to keep government dollars in our borders, being spent on American products. But is that even possible in a world where the Chryslyer Jeep Patriot SUV contains fewer domestic parts than the Toyota Sequoia? And if it is possible, does it make sense from an economic or nationalist perspective anyway?

Featuring insight from George Mason University economist Donald Boudreaux, scenes from union rallies and conferences, and Reason.tv's own bikini bandits, who traveled to California's Venice Beach to smash iPods in a fit of protectionist rage.

Approximately 9 minutes long. For embed code, iPod (of course!), HD, and audio versions, and for related links and videos, go here.

Written and produced by Ted Balaker and hosted by Nick Gillespie. Field producer is Hawk Jensen and director of photography is Alex Manning. Associate Producers are Meredith Bragg, Paul Detrick, and Dan Hayes, with additional photography provided by Nathan Chaffetz and Dan Haas.

Comments

Rich|7.23.09 @ 8:37AM|#

Nicely done, folks. Banning imported food would also help stimulate the patriots.

Xeones|7.23.09 @ 8:38AM|#

You know what's not unpatriotic? My boner. [rising slide-whistle noise]

Mike in PA|7.23.09 @ 11:22AM|#

Please keep bumping this up! It should remain the first thing I see when I click on this site.

Smart Reason! Real smart!

|7.23.09 @ 1:35PM|#

This plus a cold beer and ya have all the makings of a catchy Zappa tune.

|7.23.09 @ 2:57PM|#

I'm gonna guess that the union shills in this video saying to "Buy American" were wearing clothing containing a high proportion of non-U.S. content, and possibly manufactured overseas.

|7.24.09 @ 11:15AM|#

Bumping the babes! Yesss!

ChrisO|7.24.09 @ 1:02PM|#

More bikini babes and fewer union thugs, please.

|7.24.09 @ 1:04PM|#

I like those Venice Beach bikini babes!

Guy_Smiley|7.24.09 @ 1:24PM|#

I give it three thumbs up!

hmm|7.24.09 @ 1:43PM|#

I think Reason is waging some sort of secret jihad against feminists.

Snaporaz|7.24.09 @ 4:10PM|#

This might be the best one yet. Good flow.

PicassoIII|7.24.09 @ 9:38PM|#

Do i feel better about my iPhone....
I feel better bout sumthin. ;)