US Olympic teams uni's outsourced to China, by Obama contributor

[dbair1967]

U.S. Olympic Uniforms: Made in China by Democratic Donor’s company

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BY: Washington Free Beacon Staff - July 13, 2012 1:01 pm

Lawmakers were livid to discover that the United States’ Olympic team uniforms were made in China. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) even suggested “they should take all the uniforms, put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over again.”

The company who designed the uniforms, Ralph Lauren, has received less scrutiny. Few outlets have noted that Ralph Lauren himself is a prominent contributor to President Obama and the Democratic Party.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Lauren has given $7,300 to Obama since 2008, and more than $35,000 to the Democratic National Committee.

Obama’s own ties to outsourcing have come under scrutiny of late. His much-vaunted green energy loan program awarded billions of taxpayer dollars to foreign-owned companies and firms that manufacture their products overseas.

It is unclear whether the DNC will be returning Lauren’s donation. DNC communications director Brad Woodhouse did not immediately return a request for comment.

 

[Cythim]

This story is cute, how much do the Waltons give to the GOP?


nuff said.

 

[ZeroClub]

... United States’ Olympic team uniforms were made in China.

By a Bain subsidiary?

 

[Bonecrusher#31]

U.S. uniforms will be made in USA in '14 Games
Ralph Lauren to make change
Updated: July 13, 2012, 8:00 PM ET
Associated Press

At the next Olympics, the team from the USA will wear uniforms made in the USA.

Designer Ralph Lauren announced Friday that the uniforms it provides the U.S. Olympic team at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, will, in fact, be made in the United States.

[+] EnlargeOlympics Uniforms
AP Photo/Ralph LaurenTeam USA's uniforms for the London Games were made in China, but that will change starting in 2014, designer Ralph Lauren announced Friday.

The U.S. uniforms for the London Games were made in China, which sparked congressional criticism of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said the USOC should be "ashamed of themselves," and Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., called the decision "not just outrageous, it's just plain dumb. It is self-defeating."

Ralph Lauren initially declined comment on the criticism, but 24 hours later announced clothes for future Olympics would be made in the United States.

"Ralph Lauren promises to lead the conversation within our industry and our government to address the issue to increase manufacturing in the United States," the company said in a statement.

It's too late to change anything for the 530 American athletes in time for the London Games, which start July 27. The uniforms for the Opening Ceremonies will remain as planned -- blue blazer, cream-colored pants for men and skirts for women and a blue beret with red and white stripes.

The USOC initially defended the choice of Ralph Lauren, saying it was grateful for the support from an "iconic American company."

On Friday, USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said the federation takes the complaints seriously.

"We are absolutely committed ... to working with our sponsors to ensure that the concerns voiced are addressed," Blackmun said. "In the meantime, we ask for the American people's support. The members of Team USA have dedicated their entire lives to training for this one moment."

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., who along with Israel wrote a letter to the USOC chairman Larry Probst complaining about the situation, released a statement after hearing Friday's news.

"When America's best athletes are representing our country on the world stage, we should be representing the best of American-made goods," she wrote. "The pride of our Olympic athletics goes hand in hand with the pride of American innovation and manufacturing. While I am greatly disappointed our athletes will not be dressed head to toe in Made in the USA this year, I thank the USOC and Ralph Lauren for hearing our voices and working to correct this mistake going forward. I look forward to cheering on Team USA."

 

[Hoofbite]

What did people expect?

That he'd open a manufacturing plant in the US just to supply the olympic team?

He mass produces items and makes a killing doing it. No big secret how.

Here's a chance for the public to show they really care about something. Don't buy his stuff if you're pissed.

I'm guessing the brand lives on.

 

[Cythim]

Buying crap from China that will only be used once is a very American notion, I do not see where the problem is.

 

[2233boys]

Non story

 

[SixisBetter]

I'd agree the uni's probably should have been produced by American companies,but no one said a word when the exact same thing was done for the Beijing Olympiad.