Kay
and I were shopping yesterday at the mall and passed by the sheets and towels
section. There, as big as all get out, were Cannon sheets and towels.
They
were originally manufactured in the town in grew up in, which was named for the
company - Kannapolis, NC. While in college, "I served my time," and
worked in Cannon Mills for 3 years. In the early 90's they closed down all
plants (I forget how many) and moved overseas putting close to 20,000 people
out of work and decimating the town that is only now recovering.
On
the back of the sheets it was printed "Made in China." I have no beef
with buying foreign made products; I do all the time. In truth, there is no
such thing in the global economy as an "American made product."
Everything is impacted worldwide by the technology to manufacture it, the
supplies, the infrastructure, something. But seeing those textile products and
realizing the impact that move made upon my entire family was a little
disconcerting. That is true even though I moved away in 1976, completed my education
elsewhere in three other institutions, have spent my entire career and lived in
three other states since then.
"You can take the boy out of the
country," so the saying goes. It is true, I have always kept close tabs on
what takes place there and look forward to my visits. Kannapolis will always be
a part of me and who I am. Maybe when I die, I will have my ashes slung around
the downtown "Idiot Circle where I and my idiot friend spent many a Friday
and Saturday eveninng.
