The Outsource of Confusion - When jobs go, we grow. [Pro-Outsourcing Article]

National Review ^ | 02/04/2004 | Bruce Bartlett

[Mr. Bird]

I wonder what the author considers "low end" - rockets, circuits, computers, programming

Certainly, there are low end aspects to each. The unfortunate truth for many IT pros is that their profession has been commodified. Yes, we can go back and forth over quality of work issues, but the market will sort that out. But if a company can pay some Indian $4k/year to do what an American will only do for $50k, you'll see outsourcing.

I think sometimes we look at IT as the industry for employment that is the most essential (and cutting edge) as we move forward. But that may not be the case. As IT builds on itself, we may see a wholesale decrease in demand for actual breathing human beings in that industry.

Remember, information technology is responsible for massive job elimination because of the gains in efficiency and productivity it allows. Who's to say it won't actually do the same to itself?

[el_texicano]

"That's where the article goes astray."

Not only that, but the author has his head conveniently and firmly up his backside. He needs to go talk to Sprint and find out about outsourcing technical expertise. I know, because it has already happened and is going to continue to happen.

[dfwgator]

Looks like we're going to be a nation of salesmen and lawyers.

[Ciexyz]

Ping for another outsourcing article.

[John H K]

Just out of curiosity, what is it that the Paleo-con-men actually want?

A law simply making it illegal to outsource technical or intellectual labor to another country?

Or just monumental taxes on doing so and having the same practical effect?

And if you do so, how do you justify not simply banning the import of all finished goods as well, or imposing such massive tarriffs (taxes, of course) on them that it has the same practical effect?

[John H K]

So you believe the wealth of America is largely based on keeping other nations impoverished?

[ClintonBeGone]

So how does he know the future so well?

I can't speak for the author, but most people who have a grasp on history can often predict with a degree of certainly, what will happen in the future.

[ClintonBeGone]

So how does he know the future so well?

I can't speak for the author, but most people who have a grasp on history can often predict with a degree of certainty, what will happen in the future.

[ClintonBeGone]

Every outsourced, unemployed programmer, customer service rep, and/or factory worker is a vote against whatever administration is in power.

So its not what's right, its what's right for me. Sounds very liberal if you ask me.

[Mr. Bird]

Looks like we're going to be a nation of salesmen and lawyers

No, it doesn't look like that at all. But some people seem to think that if we were just a nation of programmers and developers, that would be just peachie.

If programming becomes as easy as ditch digging, would we be smart to hold on to those jobs? We're already seeing IT products that laymen can use to do a job that just a few years ago required a few techies to handle.

It certainly is an emotional issue, and I understand the turmoil IT people are going through. But I don't think anyone should dismiss the very real possibility that such happenings are good for everyone in the long run.

[ClintonBeGone]

Remember, information technology is responsible for massive job elimination because of the gains in efficiency and productivity it allows. Who's to say it won't actually do the same to itself?

Very good point. How many offices now have a typing pool? Most everyone can now type and print their own memo. Damn IT guys. If they didn't hook up all those printers we'd still have typists.

[Moleman]

The article flies in the face of what has made the USA prosperous for all these years. Work hard, educate yourself, get a good job, continue to work hard, get married, buy house have 2.5 kids.
I have a three year old girl and a boy on the way :-) what kind of jobs (besides service jobs) does the author think will be in the USA when my kids grow up.
I don't think I'll encourage them to follow my footsteps into Engineering.

[steve8714]

I would like to see the fortune telling license. Outsourcing is a fact of life that will not go away. Americans can refuse to do business with companies which outsource to third world, low-wage countries, but will have precious choices as consumers. Crunch time will come when US consumers don't have the collective retail and earning power to determine the shape and size or nature of products.
Market truths do not always make sound public policy, because there IS a higher moral value to US economic health than there is to Chinese or Indian.

[el_texicano]

Well, taxation or tariffs are to me not the answer. I'm not sure what the answer is at the moment.

From what I've read on the 'outsourcing' issue, the savings are very short term to the corporations and eventually comes back to bite them in the butt. I know because I joined this company at the time its previous 'outsourcing' blew up in their face and we had to scramble to fix the problem.

I personally fault the shortsightedness of the corporate "leaders" who've allowed this state of affairs to happen.

No, those of us who are affected will find other jobs, develop other skills and get on with our lives. It's just a shame that a good corporation can be so pathetically lead or rather mislead.

Then there's the ulterior motive that many believe is behind this, at least in the case of some companies. A CEO is hired for the express purpose of trimming the "fat" so it can be merged, sold, or otherwise taken over by other corporations and thus the 'stockholders' reap the profits. And it doesn't take much to figure out who the 'stockholders' are in this case.

[Middle Man]

"In the process, they are becoming more like Americans, which is translating into demand for American goods and lifestyles."

Great. Maybe this pent-up demand for American goods will lead to the reopening of all those shuttered factories.

[dfwgator]

But seriously, what high paying jobs will be left that are not going to require a lot of entrepreneurial sense (and not many in the general population have that)? Most non-strategy-making jobs can eventually be automated, and those that can't will be sent offshore. I agree for those who are good business people there will be a wealth of oppotunities, but as I stated, most people in this country will not be qualified (especially with our crappy education system).

[dfwgator]

which is translating into demand for American goods

Forget it, India is as protectionist as can be.

[ClintonBeGone]

I have a three year old girl and a boy on the way :-) what kind of jobs (besides service jobs) does the author think will be in the USA when my kids grow up.

Why don't you just allow them to discover what it is they like. They'll learn early on whether its also something that will earn them a living.

[ClintonBeGone]

Crunch time will come when US consumers don't have the collective retail and earning power to determine the shape and size or nature of products.

We're actually fortunate that you don't currently possess that power. You would destroy this country for your own personal gains.

[ClintonBeGone]

But seriously, what high paying jobs will be left that are not going to require a lot of entrepreneurial sense (and not many in the general population have that)? Most non-strategy-making jobs can eventually be automated, and those that can't will be sent offshore. I agree for those who are good business people there will be a wealth of oppotunities, but as I stated, most people in this country will not be qualified (especially with our crappy education system).

Good God folks, how many times in the past 200 years have these words been spoken over a dinner table. Stop being so arrogant in thinking you're the first generation that's actually had to deal with the economy in a personal way. Its just silly.