Olympic Glory: Designed in U.S., Made Globally

The debate about whether Ralph Lauren’s uniforms for U.S. Olympic athletes should be made in America has turned a legitimate question into a farce.

The issue is: What’s the right way to think about U.S. brands and American competitiveness in an increasingly global marketplace?

During this economic slowdown, it is legitimate for the U.S. Olympic team to show concern about people out of work.

If the United States is to continue leading in the global economy, it is important to demonstrate that globalization pays dividends at home – especially during times of high unemployment in America.

So at a moment of high visibility — like the opening ceremonies of the Olympics – it’s understandable that many Americans wonder whether U.S. athletes should wear uniforms made in China.

Read the full op-ed at politico.com »