[pieceofthepuzzle]

I would like to know what percentage of required (internally consumed) goods and services are imported/outsourced in each of these countries, and the USA. In the US, what percentage of welfare and unemployment compensation goes to China, for instance, because the recipients of government aid are using part of it purchasing Chinese products? My point is that there is probably a critical level of imported vs. home-grown, beyond which economic stability is impossible.

[kearnyirish2]

The mixed messages being sent by the Western governments (including ours) are bizarre; somehow we went from “live within your means” to “spend money (even via credit card) and show your patriotism”. Apparently the whole idea of decent jobs is off the table; now people should promptly p!ss away their gubmint welfare dollars to keep their bodegas and liquor stores open.

I’ve started receiving literature from NJ shore places we’ve been to in the past, and they are all more expensive than in previous years (I guess due to diminished supply from Hurricane Sandy). The pre-storm prices were high enough; they may as well take their time rebuilding because there won’t be many vacationing there this summer (or next, either).