I have enjoyed reading your posts on this thread, and for the most part, I agree with you. It is amazing to me that many on FR would cheerfully replace our badly broken tax system with a national sales tax scheme that, in my opinion, will lead either to massive economic dislocation or a black market -- the the inevitable draconian response by government -- but WILL NOT even consider using tried-and-true tariffs to finance government.
I scoffed at NAFTA when the "economists" claimed that bringing jobs to third world countries would create a new class of consumers who just couldn't wait to scarf up American products. Well, I think we all know how that worked out.
However, I do suggest that economics, like politics, is local. I see from your profile that you live in Indiana, and from what I hear, that state is indeed having hard times now. You seem very articulate and skilled; how tough would it be to relocate to a place where you could get a better reward for your work? I realize that it would be tough to leave familiar surroundings, but how tough compared to what all of our ancestors went through?
Thank you for your kindnesses. It's been more than a year since I was offshored and if I could have moved, I would have. I have issues, like anyone else in some ways, worse in others.
I'd give a rundown; but, last time I did was pretty literally like playing Joe McCarthy for a week. If I care to replay that, I'll give a thumbs up to those urging me to run for office.. can't be any worse than what my own party did to me.