[harpu]

"I know that much of our remaining manufacturing is done on high tech equipment but the older, more dangerous equipment we used 25+ years ago is likely being used today in Asia."

BUT, those Asian manufacturers are now taking their profits (off that old 'dangerous' equipment) and investing in competing manufacturing technologies and, MORE IMPORTANTLY, improving their labor force with skills to run and maintain those new manufacturing technologies.

These moves are something that goes crosswise with the our country's union mentality.

[Senator John Blutarski]

Exactly so. There is so much in the way of myth and “myth-understanding” in play here, it’s mind-boggling.

As for out textile industry ... well, Asia may be the textile giant TODAY, but as for all those deserted and shuttered textile mills that dot the New England landscape - all those firms re-located to the American South in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Why? Reduced tax burden and lower labor costs.