The Looming Crisis - America's Sock Shortage posted 12/19/2007 5:10:38 PM | 1 kudo what's this?     report abuse

thenewguy295

Pakistan and India produce about 80% of the world's sock supply but recent political upheaval in the region threatens to shut down the sock industry. Already sock production has suffered, down by as much as 20% in recent months by some estimates.
It comes as no surprise that the United States is the industry's largest consumer, with only 6% of the world's population we put on nearly 50% of the world's socks and demand is increasing as more and more Americans take up athletics and exercise in an effort to reduce that spare tire around the midsection. The industry could, in the short term cope with this increased demand if not for the need for labor intensive, time consuming specialty socks. Baseball players cannot wear football socks, wrestlers and Ballet dancers, law enforcement, military, office and factory workers all need a different sock. A fact that has those familiar with sock production worried.
"It's mind numbing," said industry insider Duncan Hinds, "Americans tend to have bigger feet than the people of many other Nations as well. And Americans own more socks, 5.8 pair per person on average. We are one terrorist attack away from being a sockless Nation. A labor strike, energy problems, anything can disrupt the supply. If it happens people might be without socks for months. I don't know how we can survive."
President Bush urged calm stating that no real shortages exist yet and people should avoid the temptation to hoard. FEMA is said to be quietly preparing contingency plans and Civil Defense planners have begun distributing pamphlets with graphic instructions on how to mend socks to offices around the country.
"It's not time to panic yet," said Hinds, "but I never thought I'd live in an America where people would go sockless to work....I hope I never do!"

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Blogs by thenewguy295: Flannel sheets in July Firearms in national parks We need to support the children Chinese valve stems Forward this email or else! The Looming Crisis - America's Sock Shortage Time for a change - Collective right vs individual right Help with Christmas ideas for guys. Thanksgiving... Outlaw