Many Americans that spend extended periods of time away from their home country develop a keen sense of patriotism. My patriotism gradually evolved into an economic nationalism.

My rank on the economic battlefield was something like a field lieutenant. A low enough rank to be in the thick of the battle, yet high enough to know what was really going on. I was not an armchair general - nor a foot soldier.

In almost every encounter the pattern was always the same. Give us your money and your technology and then go away. Don't go away mad - just go away. Our Asian trading partners were not counting on many people staying in the game as long as I did. Usually it was just to get your "ticket punched" and then move on to your rightful place in corporate America.

Once you developed a real "relationship" your host would invariably ask the question, "What are the American people thinking?" What they really wanted to know was, "Have they figured out the scam yet?" (I replied that I'm disappointed that they have not. But I have.)

I have seen things in my hundreds of trips and years in the region that most Americans haven't. I don't expect all of you to practice economic nationalism like I do. I drive an American car with over 200,000 miles on it. I turn things over in stores and admonish the startled staff to carry more American products. I don't own an electric hair dryer because I can't find one made in the USA anymore. I also admit to having less hair than I used to.

I will never drive a Chinese made car until the day that our trade deficit with China comes into relative balance. OK maybe after what I've experienced I may never drive a Chinese made car. I sincerely hope that you will join me.

The temptation will be strong. You may see a Chinese made car for less than $5,000.00 US Dollars. Warranties may be extended. There may be a US or even a European brand name on the hood. You might say that you can't afford to buy a US car. I'm saying that you can't afford not to.