While media airwaves have not yet lost sight of terrorism and the war in the Middle East, there is a more immediate danger.

According to a recent January article from The Associated Press, 81 percent of counterfeit goods in the United States come from China. Even more alarming is the spectrum of counterfeit goods ranging from Nike sneakers to fake prescription drugs.

The business of fraudulent products is not one that relies simply upon luck, either. As stated in an article on themanufacturer.com, some illegal product producers are able to imitate so well that even serial numbers are duplicated. This usually leaves consumers completely in the dark about what they are buying and mostly innocent when it comes to their part in illegal trade.

However, ignorance to this issue is no longer excusable. In 2006, $155 million worth of counterfeit goods was seized according to The Associated Press. If they had slipped through the fingers of U.S. agents, it would have meant millions of dollars out of the economy. The truth of the matter is that China is the No. 1 producer of illegal goods in the United States – and a solution to this problem is overdue.

In our country there are always issues with the economy, be they at a local, state or even federal level. Thus, we cannot afford to have foreign nations waging a war of economics – with the potential to take away more money from a budget already in debt.

Even more frustrating is how close Congress and the Bush administration are to a solution – yet they may still fall short. In the first month of this year, the Democratic Congress pushed a slew of bills through the House. This was the pledged plan of Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the House, to accomplish a Democratic agenda in the first 100 hours of Congress. Among these bills is a call for the reformation of homeland security. The Seattle Times reported that the bill emphasizes increased intelligence gathering along the border, scanning for explosives in all cargo on U.S.-bound ships and on passenger planes and increased attention to programs that track weapons of mass destruction.

If Bush vetoes the bill, it is uncertain if a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress could see it through.

Although it was not a complete solution to the problem of illegally imported goods, the bill did leave room for the expansion of laws on cargo brought into the United States. While there has never been an immediate solution to this problem, it should be a priority of all politicians to not only ensure democracy worldwide, but to ensure its stability in their own country. Part of that is ensuring that our economy is not victimized by counterfeiters.

For far too long, a banner of homeland security has been used to justify actions without questions. The term “terrorism” has been used so much I doubt it still carries any of its original meaning. While we live in a state of war – supposedly for the future of freedom and democracy – we are ignoring the war of economics and allowing ourselves to be nickled and dimed to death.

As college students, the issues of money and debt are ever-apparent. Students cannot ignore the truth that the United States is losing money.

When you reserve time to reflect on candidates for the upcoming election, attempt to notice those who do not speak with buzz words and use false promises. Be aware that concern placed beyond our borders is attention taken away from a troubled economic situation at home.