I remember paying $400 for our first vcr. It was probably made in America. Now I can get one for $40, not made in America. Sorry, I'm not rich enough to buy all my household goods 'made in America.'
How much value do others attach to your own labors?
The author admitted buying the one dollar gloves, but with a heavy heart, thinking about some poor soul struggling to make a living by doing skillful work with their hands, so his could be protected.
A prospective customer once asked me how much I paid my employees before hearing my price for his work. Upon hearing my reply (my men were receiving an average wage for their occupation)the prospective customer said: "Forget it! I can't afford you!"
There is nothing you or I can do that someone else won't attempt to do cheaper, providing they can do it by the labor of others.
The day may come when you will be able to buy a vcr for $4 but you won't have the money to buy it.