[kearnyirish2]

“To summarize, get used to fierce competition from other countries.”

We are used to it.

“Until our students outwork and outsmart others, we will remain a mediocre country for good jobs.”

That isn’t true at all. Haven’t you noticed that many qualified people have been laid off in various fields and replaced by less-qualified, cheaper staff? At some point our corporations decided that it was worth having someone get it 75% of the time at half the salary of the person that could get it right 99% of the time.

If enough voters fear for their livelihoods, they’ll vote for “political protectionism” (also known as socialism).

[dennisw]

If enough voters fear for their livelihoods, they’ll vote for “political protectionism” (also known as socialism).

And they will elect people who will tax Mr Free Trade  Apostle to death. Its already going on. Tariffs or taxes pick your poison

[entropy12]

Haven’t you noticed that many qualified people have been laid off in various fields and replaced by less-qualified, cheaper staff? At some point our corporations decided that it was worth having someone get it 75% of the time at half the salary of the person that could get it right 99% of the time.

Above statement of yours is perfect example of how little you understand corporations. I had a corporate managerial position for 12 years and your statement above is pathetic lack of understanding corporations.