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Well, I am no fan of open boarders or foreign goods or services, but I am pointing out why we are failing to compete in manufacturing internationally. I believe much can be done by US consumers choosing to purchase goods and patronize businesses that are US based and friendly. IMO, demand side actions are more effective that supply or regulation controls.

I do think that the cheaper labor from immigrants serves us well, but how much is arguable. If anything, I would think that it would help keep domestic wages slightly lower and therefore slow the bleeding to China/Indonesia.

What are your realistic solutions to addressing the issue of shifts to foreign manufacturing?

On a personal note, I am in the early stages of a business and have worked very hard to design products that I can have manufactured here. It is a challenge in many respects: 1. Had to go high end to absorb the unarguably higher cost of US manuf. 2. Had a damned hard time finding capable manufacturers. 3. Had a damned hard time finding manuf. eager to deal with small biz, whereas in China, they will jump all over to get your biz. Nevertheless, I will walk the walk and stick to USA only production.

RE: "What are your realistic solutions to addressing the issue of shifts to foreign manufacturing?"

First let me wish you good luck with your business venture!

And thank you for trying to keep things here.

Here focus widens a bit. I personally have no problem with shifts to foreign manufacturing if our guys sell over there. They (their guys) could come here, manufacture, and sell here.

I have no problem with imports from a country that grew its economy serving its citizens and just had a better product. Our guys could even invest in / buy that company. Their guys could come here ditto.

Now the laser beam, for me.

I am old enough that Mao and his "agraian reformers" revolution plus every "great leap" onto the backs of tens of millions of Chinese citizens killing them were all contemporaraneous events for me.

Elsewhere on this thread there are quotes from the highest ranking Chi-coms describing just how they will "clean up" America and make room for their overflowing population.

I remember the entire history of the Cold War. Many clamored to grow the Soviet Union economy with "trade" and thus win them over. Show them that we are no "threat" lest we play into the hands of the Communist hardliners.

Better minds prevailed and we did not "trade" -- what the hell did they have? Except raw materials. "Trade" meant sending techonology and wealth to them.

Well, I don't know how to stop it [Red China "trade"] short of declaring a national security matter -- or as you suggested it "can be done by US consumers choosing to purchase goods and patronize businesses that are US based and friendly."

Red China is my major concern.

Also, I'd much prefer that India had built its economy serving its citizens rather then offering cheap labor to us to help build their economy.