FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: I read Mr. VanValkenburgh’s letter detailing his frustration with overseas knockoffs of his product. He asked for “Any Thoughts” and I have some on the subject. I’m a huge fan of the Pitbull Product Line and own 6-7 Pitbull products. They are the best designed, best built stand out there in my opinion. I’m also a huge fan of “Made in America” which is a double bonus for me since the Pitbull is made in America. I am a loyal dedicated fan that will look no further than Pitbull for my stand needs. The problem I see before Pitbull is that we (America) will buy anything made overseas if we can save a buck today, even if we have to buy it again in a couple of years because it’s cheap. I have adopted a personal policy of not buying from certain countries where the quality (and certain social & economic issues) do not line up with my own ideas. I buy American every chance I get. People who know and want quality stands will find Pitbull and buy it. Those who buy the cheap stuff and have it come apart on them will eventually make their way to Pitbull but it may take a few years before they realize that saving a few bucks today does not equal buying the bike stand you can give to your kids and never worrying about it again. I cannot speak to the Patent System but I can say (first hand) America’s Legal system is such a joke they may want to spend more efforts making sure that their products are always the best rather than waste time and money pursuing legal actions against people who make inferior knockoffs. There is always room at the top if you’re the cream of the crop. Mark Webster Sand Springs, Oklahoma