Sorta OT: JJGeorge grill brushes, Manufacturing realities, and Politics by Morons

Botch

Okay, I should be posting this in the OT section (and moderators, please move it there if you deem necessary).  It’s something that needs a wide audience, so I’m posting it here for now.  

Just saw this now on PBS Newshour; the battery on my MBP died so I’m typing this out on my iPad, and can’t post this video at the proper time, so click on this https://www.pbs.org/video/june-19-2025-pbs-news-hour-full-episode-1750305601/ , and skip ahead to 29:40.  Thx. 
 
I bought a JJ George grill brush within the past year, kinda expensive but I had been scared away from steel-bristled brushes.  It works well, not great.  It’s built like a tank and I’ll probably never need to buy another grill brush.  I paid $35, but I understand they’re much more costly now.  
 
It was specifically designed to be manufactured completely within the USA, and the problems and issues they had are worth understanding.  I won’t comment on why (other than my thread title) but I think this is something everyone should watch.  FWIW.  

calracefan

I bought one, been scared of bristles for years, when I saw this I figured heck yeah I will support them. I don't remember what I paid but it was more than $35 , but I didn't pay the current price !

RRP

Thanks for posting, Botch. I remember ALMOST buying one and then having 2 Billy Bars and being satisfied with them I decided not to. Though I don't recall hearing the term "cost of labor" mentioned in this news broadcast isn't that the elephant in the room? Whether it's 38 cents for a bolt vs 5 cents then whether it's the steel material cost or the bolt manufacturing then it is still cost of labor to produce both. These foreign countries - especially China are paying slave labor wages - so why is it a "Trump problem"? I mean you either want Americans to earn a higher wage or you don't so you buy the cheap products which for the most part are reverse engineered besides!