China making all our dishwashers isn't quite on the same level as a hydraulic empire. Dishwashers aren't necessary equipment. Component sub-assemblies for military equipment are.
Excellent grasshopper, you have shown the barest glimmering of enlightenment.
Hence the quotes around "enriched".
Don't leave me hangin'. Tell me how that might happen.
Are you kidding? When you invest in something you own part of it. The larger the investment, the greater part. You don't understand this? Quite a lot of American land is owned by foreign interests, for example. Think.
I didn't say we made more in every single manufactured good.
We should make the vast majority. We have. Every year more capability moves offshore. This doesn't concern you?
That's a great idea. In fact I think every town should make everything they need. Why trade with those pesky foreigners from California or New York. I hear they're liberal. Wouldn't want to enrich them with my trade.
Did you not read this?
We can manufacture everything our population needs for life, comfort and protection. We have in the past. What's the point of becoming dependent on foreign trade?
I guess it's dangerous for them too? I wonder if we cut off all trade with China in 1950, how much could we hurt them? I wonder if we cut off all trade with China in 2006, how much could we hurt them?
Oh, I see. It is the notion that a hostile nation will not invade us because we provide a market for their goods. The ignorance of human nature is breathtaking.
Again, give me a good reason why we should become dependent on foreign trade when we could make what we use and trade among ourselves. You tried a run at sarcasm, but sarcasm doesn't answer questions.
Quite a lot of American land is owned by foreign interests, for example. Think.Yeah, if they ever take it back to their country we'll be in trouble.
We should make the vast majority. We have.
Yeah, I miss American made sneakers. And American made cheap plastic toys. We need to bring that capacity back now. Even if we need to raise taxes to do so. It's a priority. National security and all that.
Did you not read this?
Sure did.
It obviously is not to our advantage because it is currently being proved by simple observation that it is not to our advantage.
Just because you say something is not to our advantage doesn't make it so.
We can manufacture everything our population needs for life, comfort and protection. We have in the past.
When is the last time we did that? Didn't the colonies import coffee and tea, just to name 2 examples?
What's the point of becoming dependent on foreign trade?
Last time I checked we didn't produce enough of these goods in America. And the thing about trade is that it raises the standard of living of both parties.
Oh, I see. It is the notion that a hostile nation will not invade us because we provide a market for their goods.
I didn't say that. If they act up we can hurt them. Isn't that a good thing?
The ignorance of human nature is breathtaking.
You're projecting.
Again, give me a good reason why we should become dependent on foreign trade when we could make what we use and trade among ourselves.
Trade raises our standard of living. If you want to live in the woods like the Unabomber, knock your foreign made socks off.