Can You Buy Amish Products?

[Asiel]

I don't support them because we have only one community of them here and I've watched how they treat their horses and dogs. If we had the genuine farms where you could buy real canned goods and leather wear I would buy from them. But the puppy mills here and the way those animals are treated just fon't make me want to go near the place. Their kids aren't treated that well either, probably my main reason for not supporting them.

I didn't realize they didn't make the heater but only the cabinet, does anyone know how well they work?

[cassiesmom]

I voted "other" and here is why.

My family had a kitchen and bathroom remodeling business until the beginning of '09. One of the cabinet lines we were a dealer for was Dutch Made, which is produced in eastern Indiana. Some of the craftsmen are Mennonite and Amish. When I was in high school, we toured the plant. I have to say those cabinet makers truly are craftsmen - it was amazing to watch them work. Ironically, when the business closed, the building was sold to a young man who is a descendant of an Amish family, although he is not Amish.

I know there have been sad stories of young people who left Amish families, as well as how their animals are treated. I don't know enough about either of those issues to comment. And I suppose that by eating in a café that employed Mennonite women, I supported a household that might be engaging in these behaviors. But the same could be said of eating in any café. I enjoy going to central Illinois and (especially) lovely Indiana Amish country because I find it very peaceful - my life can move just a little more slowly while I'm there.

[Pam]

I have gone to Lancaster, PA many time and have bought many Amish made things and will continue to do so. You can't throw out the baby with the bath water. Unless someone is selling dogs right along with their quilts I would not have a problem patronizing them. The people I have an additional problem with are the pet shops of America who buy from them. If they didn't, the Amish supply would dry up.

[chocolatepuppy]

And in the Far East, people eat dogs and cats.

How much do you think is in your home right now that was "Made in China", and you bought it without so much as the blink of an eye?

I'm not directing this post to anyone - just hoping it might open eyes.

Good point.

The people I have an additional problem with are the pet shops of America who buy from them. If they didn't, the Amish supply would dry up.

Very good point Pam.
I'm not crazy about the Amish, living near enough them to see what goes on. I don't agree all are bad though as with any group of people. They don't see their animals as pets like we do, but they aren't alone in that. I have bought a few items that were Amish made and would again although I don't go out of my way to.