Posted on 12/24/2010 2:58:30 PM PST by Nachum
Over the last few years, with an economy in decline and the rise of certain developing nations, there have been murmurs of the end of American exceptionalism throughout the media.
Don’t believe a word of it, says syndicated columnist and Fox News contributor Charles Krauthammer.
On the Christmas Eve edition of Fox News Channel’s “Happening Now,” Krauthammer was asked to reflect on the last two years. He explained there was similar rhetoric about the nation’s decline at the end of the 1970s.
“Well, I think this is mostly a reflection of the recession,” Krauthammer said. “The mood of the country going back 20, 30, 40 years, almost always reflects the state of the economy. The late ‘70s was a period of malaise. People were saying oh, the American era is over. The big dictatorships in the world are going to dominate us. That was a reflection of the terrible economic conditions, the stagnation and the inflation late ‘70s.”
With the 1980s, however, the economy came back and the calls of the end of the so-called Pax Americana went by the wayside. He predicted the same would happen this time around.
“When the economy recovered in the ‘80s there was a morning in America,” he continued. “So I would not over-read the move. People are talking about American decline — don’t believe a word of it.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailycaller.com ...
Is he paralyzed from the neck down? He never moves and is always in the same identical position while gasping for air like Christopher Reeves always did? But he is sounding more and more like he is on Obama Koolaid!
> What are we #1 in making any more?
I also would add:
1. Agriculture (food)
2. Information Technology (computers, software, telecom)
3. Bio-technology
4. Pharmaceuticals
5. Health care (surgical tools and techniques, equipment, etc.)
6. I believe US is the world’s most efficient manufacturer
7. Financial services
Probably much more that I can not recall at this time.
Don't forget TRUCKS and network-computing software of every sort. The actual EQUIPMENT is made in Asia.
The downsizing that is taking place now should have began happening in 2000 when it was obvious that the manufacturing sector was shifting. I do think that we aren’t headed to third world status yet but “normal” is gone for good (and for bad).
The economy will rebound hopefully with more efficient government, and a more vibrant economy, but unlike the early ‘80’s is there are no niche industries (auto industry, paper, rubber, airlines, etc.) to bail us out.
LOL! We have better money printing presses than anyone. The Germans could do better, but apparently they remember Weimar and have backed away from the edge, thinking their is some virtue in sound money, which used to be a conservative principle, but certainly not one much followed by the subscribers to this forum.
As for manufacture, we long ago lost it. Their are few companies that combine design and quality production anymore. Apple is one, but they don't manufacture in the US.
Only for offshore applications. To operate in America as a software developer, you MUST be atuned to American customs and preferably IN America.
Signed, 22 year developer veteran.
“6. I believe US is the world’s most efficient manufacturer”
That is hard to accept considering our huge trade deficit.
2. Information Technology (computers, software, telecom) — Rapidly moving or moved overseas! Software, hardware, everything.
Sorry, but your optimism is unconvincing to me. We’re not dead yet, but we are in trouble. Congress for many years has slavishly done the bidding of multinational corporations who favor off-shoring at the expense of highly paid American workers. It’s not inevitable, as Germany as proved. But our government has unfortunately been disloyal to its own citizens.
> LOL! We have better money printing presses than anyone. The Germans could do better, but apparently they remember Weimar and have backed away from the edge, thinking their is some virtue in sound money, which used to be a conservative principle, but certainly not one much followed by the subscribers to this forum.
I believe you are referring to the government. That has nothing at all in common with financial services, which are delivered by private entities.
Regarding US manufacturing:
1. Change in manufacturing output: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/prod4.t01.htm
2. Top 12 manufacturing countries: http://investing.curiouscatblog.net/2008/09/23/top-manufacturing-countries-in-2007/
While you may chose to believe any thing you like, actual statistics do not support your view.
You can’t live in the D.C. area and not become a swamp monster. Very few can live there and remain “normal”.
> “6. I believe US is the world’s most efficient manufacturer”
In the previous post, i have provided 2 links that not only support this statement but also demonstrate it to be too pessimistic - US is not only the world’s most efficient manufacturer, we also are the world’s largest.
> 2. Information Technology (computers, software, telecom) — Rapidly moving or moved overseas! Software, hardware, everything.
Low cost, low productivity, low expertise, low paying functions are moving over seas. High margin, high paying jobs are staying right here and more are being created every day. Until Obama introduced his very special anti-Midas touch to the economy, unemployment was at 6% (or less). And it will be there again once the Obama economy is done.
Making burgers at McDonald’s is considered mfg work to the BLS.
“Low cost, low productivity, low expertise, low paying functions are moving over seas. High margin, high paying jobs are staying right here and more are being created every day.”
You’re talking about an industry in which I have worked for over 30 years, and I know personally that you are completely mistaken. My own employer no longer hires software developers and data base administrators in the USA, just in other countries. Maybe that will change after the dollar collapses further, but that’s where we are now.
I wonder what else you are completely wrong about?
Krauthammer thinks happy days are around the corner all because we get to keep our puny tax cut.
Charles Krauthammer is a complete and utter idiot.
It is so nice to see that there are so-called adults who still believe in Santa Claus. Touching really.
No it isn't.
I agree...I’m always suspect of former high profile Democrats, like Charles and Michael Medved. I knew I was a conservative at age 18, the minute I stepped on an ultra liberal college campus.
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