Take a look around today, and you’ll see a world where things just don’t seem to last. From the appliances in our kitchens to the cars in our driveways, it feels like everything is designed to break down, fail, or frustrate us. Even when you buy from trusted, name-brand companies, you’re still left restarting your printer, fixing your washing machine, or replacing your phone far sooner than you should have to.

It wasn’t always like this. There was a time when “Made in America” meant something—when products were built to last, when innovation was paired with durability, and when the American consumer could trust what they were paying for. So, what happened?

It’s not just about greed; it’s about the system. Companies reinvest, sure—but where does that investment go? Too often, it’s toward stock buybacks, executive bonuses, or marketing campaigns that over-promise and under-deliver. And the cycle continues, leaving employees underpaid, consumers frustrated, and our economy built on a foundation of planned obsolescence.

Meanwhile, we’ve become addicted to cheap goods from China. Why? Because they’re affordable. And for too many Americans, quality isn’t an option—it’s a luxury. The truth is, anything of real quality made in the U.S. is often priced out of reach for most families. So, we settle. We buy what we can afford, even though we know it won’t last.

But what if we flipped the script? What if America became the place where you could find the best products in the world for the best prices? Imagine an economy where American businesses are incentivized to produce durable, high-quality goods at prices families can afford. Imagine a system where American ingenuity and efficiency set the standard—not just here but around the globe.

The Equity Equation Project is about making that dream a reality. When companies are held accountable to reinvest their profits responsibly, the benefits don’t just trickle down—they cascade. Workers thrive with better pay and job security. Consumers enjoy products they can trust. Even the companies themselves become stronger, competing not on how much they can cut corners but on how much value they can bring.

And here’s where the real transformation begins. We’re not asking businesses to do anything radical. In fact, we’re offering them something extraordinary: the opportunity to reposition themselves as the dominant force on a global stage. Think about it—what if American businesses weren’t just incentivized to create goods for domestic consumption but became the source of the world’s goods?

Right now, businesses source materials and manufacturing from wherever they can get the cheapest deal. But imagine flipping that equation. Imagine a world where the best, most affordable goods were made right here in America—and where countries across the globe looked to us, not just for raw materials, but for the finished products that set the standard for quality and innovation.

This isn’t just about competing with China or anyone else. This is about America reclaiming its position as a dominant capitalist society, not by exploiting others but by building something so reliable, so efficient, and so groundbreaking that the rest of the world has no choice but to look to us.

When you step back and think about that grand stage, tell me again—what are businesses sacrificing? They’re not losing profit; they’re gaining a foothold in a future where American excellence is synonymous with global success. They’re not giving up power; they’re wielding it in ways that lift the entire nation.

Fifty years from now, we could be reminiscing about the “junk era” the same way we talk about the golden age of American manufacturing today. Imagine walking into a store and knowing—knowing—that anything you buy is built to last. Imagine a world where every company strives for excellence because it’s the standard, not the exception.

We’re not here to punish businesses. We’re here to empower them. To show them that by changing the terms and conditions, they’re not just supporting the American people—they’re securing their own future.

So, I have to ask the leaders of American industry: Are you willing to sign on the dotted line for the betterment of the rest of us? Because this isn’t just about the products you make; it’s about the country you help shape. It’s about creating a system where every American—regardless of income—has access to quality, durability, and affordability.

Let’s make this last—not just for us, but for generations to come. Because when we get this right, we’re not just fixing what’s broken today—we’re building something extraordinary for tomorrow.