[Jaysun]

So you don't believe the major Asian economies are actively participating in America's de-industrialization to their own benefit?

Not to but in, but China and Japan have been manipulating their currency to keep it low in relation to the dollar. That way their trinkets and fireworks will be even cheaper when they hit American soil. A lower currency in Asia also makes for even lower wages compared to the dollar, and they've used that to help draw in jobs. President Bush met with them last October. Both said "no" to his proposal that they just let the market determine the currency values.

[Last Dakotan]

China and Japan have been manipulating their currency to keep it low in relation to the dollar

Yep, that's how they do it. Add Taiwan and South Korea to your list. Bush's response to this stonewalling was telling.

[Paul Ross]

Both said "no" to his proposal that they just let the market determine the currency values.

More or less an open declaration of Economic War. All else is just mumbling for the benefit of the CATO clowns...who strangely enough, see no 'Government Intervention' in these foreign state's refusals to let 'the market' decide...