[raybbr]

You're comparing apples to oranges here.

Labor is labor. We are competing agianst Chinese labor. Regulations, too. But, aren't we always told that the major cost in a corporation is labor? Or is that another fallacious statement put out by super-capitalists to drive down labor costs?

[ninenot]

The "cascaded" cost of labor in any end-product is around 70%.

Here's where the number comes from: cost of labor to mine the raw materials, plus cost of labor to transport, plus cost of labor to fabricate, plus cost of labor to transport (again...) etc.

Not to mention the 'indirect' costs of labor in administration, sales, etc.

It's actually quite significant.

Most people understand (also correctly) that "cost of labor" at ANY ONE STAGE is only about 10-15%--and that's simply "direct labor," not including administrative overhead, sales, etc.

[rdb3]

Labor is labor. We are competing agianst Chinese labor. Regulations, too.

Stop right there. "Regulations, too?" Yes, regulations! If you put the noose of regulations around your neck that artificially raise the cost of doing business, don't be surprised when the trapdoor opens when you can compete without that noose. Don't be surprised. That's only common sense.

Or is that another fallacious statement put out by super-capitalists to drive down labor costs?

Super-capitalist versus super-socialist. Hmmm... I'll take the mantel of super-capitalist and take it proudly.

Show 'em my motto!