Perhaps you can show me in your post #217 EXACTLY where you alluded to the thread-head story, eh?
As to the thread-head--the Pentagon writes its specifications, and some suppliers bid for the work.
Others don't. That's what we call competitive.
You will note, however, that the Pentagon is very careful NOT to select suppliers who utilize slave labor, FX-chicancery, or abdication of safety/environmental regulations to submit the 'lowest bid.'
That means that the Pentagon doesn't contract with Red China.
"Perhaps you can show me in your post #217 EXACTLY where you alluded to the thread-head story, eh?"
I responded to the remarks quoted in my post.
"As to the thread-head--the Pentagon writes its specifications, and some suppliers bid for the work."
"Others don't. That's what we call competitive."
Not all Pentagon contracts are competitive. Most work going to government arsenals is not. This work is being done at Rock Island Arsenal, a government owned and operated facility. You continue to focus on the supplier of the steel and fail to recognize that this supplier says he can increase production by 22% if asked by the government. The government has not asked. Therefore the problem is at the government facility and is not the result of a shortage of steel or the result of our free trade policies.
"That means that the Pentagon doesn't contract with Red China."
Exactly, the government has not and will not contract with Red China for armor plate meaning any shortage of armor plate is not a result of our trade policies. Thank you very much for finally getting it. (and proving my point)