Buying America Back

The trade gap between the United States and China is a perennial news staple. Our commonplace goods are manufactured in such far-flung places as Honduras, Mexico, and Korea. Why has the distinction “Made in America” become such a rarity? The cynics always talk about the “hard economic realities” of our times. They suggest that American manufacturing has reached the end of its road; this is the price we pay for “globalization”. Alan Uke sees it differently. Buying America Back outlines his plan to turn back the tide with a grass-roots movement to promote American industry by helping American consumers have a better understanding of where their goods (and services) come from. Buying America Back emphasizes the importance of grooming a culture of informed consumers in the U.S.A., while reinforcing this with initiatives from the federal government. Surprising and enlightening, Buying America Back encourages us to take action to do our part as responsible consumers and conscientious citizens. American prosperity is not a thing of the past, and this book shows us the way back!

The trade gap between the US and China is a perennial news staple. Our commonplace goods are manufactured in such far-flung places as Honduras, Mexico, and Korea. Why has the distinction “Made in America” become such a rarity? The cynics always talk about the “hard economic realities” of our times. They suggest that American manufacturing has reached the end of its road; this is the price we pay for “globalization”. Alan Uke sees it differently, and Buying America Back outlines his plan to turn back the tide with a grass roots movement to help American industry by helping American consumers have a better understanding of where their goods (and services) come from. Buying Back America emphasizes the importance of grooming a culture of self-informed consumers in the USA, and reinforcing this with initiatives from the federal government. Mr. Uke, a former congressional candidate himself, has got some attention for this movement in Washington on both sides of the aisle. As a successful entrepreneur, his company Underwater Kinetics has been in business for 41 years and employs 200 people, he is well versed in the problems facing American manufacturing. Buying America Back will surprise and enlighten you. Hopefully, it will also encourage you to take action to serve your small part as a responsible consumer and a conscientious citizen. Alan Uke’s message is a blueprint to help this nation regain the economic prosperity that our parents and grand-parents once enjoyed.

Alan Uke (pronounced UK) is a San Diego businessman, entrepreneur and community leader. His vision and business skills have provided hundreds of jobs and revenues for the San Diego area for over 40 years. Alan started his company, Underwater Kinetics, 41 years ago during his sophomore year at the University of California at San Diego. He holds over 40 patents and his SCUBA diving and industrial lighting products are now exported to over 80 countries. He has won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Consumer Products from Entrepreneur of the Year Institute as well as Entrepreneur of the year in 1997 for San Diego County. He is also a member of the World President’s Organization (WPO) . A long-time resident of San Diego, Alan Uke had been involved at the highest levels of civic and community service boards in San Diego. His past experience includes holding the position of Fundraising Chair for the Boy Scouts of America – Desert Pacific Council, Vice Chair of St. Vincent De Paul Village in Charge of the Self Help and Resource Exchange (SHARE), President of the San Diego Taxpayers Educational Foundation, President of North County Council on Aging, and a board member of the San Diego County Area on Aging Advisory Council. In addition, he was awarded the Dr. Lutz Award for lifetime service to the senior community as well as the Headliner of the Year Award by the San Diego Press Club. In November of 2004, Alan was presented with the 2004 Patriot of the Year by the Desert Pacific Council Chapter of Boy Scouts of America. He presently serves as Founder and President Emeritus of the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum that successfully acquired the USS Midway which opened as a public museum in June of 2004.