BVD,
I don't need to post my credentials to you, because I'm sure it wouldn't be good enough for you.
The IEEE, which I am a member of (off and on), is a lobbying group on this, so one must be careful of the veracity of their claims in this regard. They represent their members interests, which in this case would obviously favor gov't controls on outsourcing/offshoring. Manufacturing and engineering are FAR from being hollowed out. What is really happening is productivity enhancements are reducing the need for staff. This is not bad for the country.
IEEE has had problems evolving to be relevant, just like many people, such as yourself, who know better than the market and people who live work and breathe the industry every day.
Your supposition is that because one has a job, one possibly could not be knowledgeable about your industry, or opportunities therein. I respect HotDog's 27 years, you should too, that is, if you weren't obviously smarter than everyone else.
As for me, I've had a number of positions over the years. I moved and evolved my career. presently I am employed, and wear a number of hats at my job in the industry. I also have a startup and work very hard to stay in touch with the engineering industry. I know, it's not good enough for someone like you who knows better than me, but try to accept that people pay people like me, and HotDog because we add value far and beyond the cost to employ us.
If that were ever to change, we would no longer be employed. Life is tough. One wonders how long your last employer carried you, hoping you would learn to add value before finally giving up......If you were good at your job, and identifying opportunities, you'd be working instead of complaining. Some people take longer than others to figure this out.