'Made in the USA' as Slogan and Marketing

While urging consumers to buy Americans can easily take a turn into jingoism, Riley avoids politics. "I've gotten comments and compliments from communists, extreme right-wingers and everyone in between," he says. "The issue has wide appeal. A lot of people wish manufacturers would do a better job explaining where their products are made."

Although many American products are sold exclusively online, Riley says his users would like to see brick-and-mortar stores promote local goods. "People wish the big chains would put aside a section for American-made products," he says.

With all the hand-wringing over idle American factories, we shouldn't forget that the United States remains a leading manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, transportation equipment and food products. Top American consumer brands -- from Procter & Gamble's(PG Quote) Tide detergent to Clorox(CLX Quote) bleach -- continue to be made in the U.S.

And small businesses throughout the country still produce goods locally. Show consumers that you proudly support American jobs, and they'll be receptive to your pitch well past the 4th of July.