[fone]

I agree, but alas "Free Trade" is the mantra of both major political parties. I've read the arguments for years around this joint and I must say it gets as emotional as evolution vs. creationism.

The problem is the way economics is taught in colleges and classrooms. Every freaking job that leaves this country gets an FR salutation that it is "whip and buggy" technology. To that analogy I must strongly disagree. Whips and buggies went (practically) out of existance. TV's, underwear, Hersheys chocolates... manufacturing such items are not obsolete. It would be refreshing to be able to "choose" to buy something "made in America" that plugs into the wall.

The trading "system" (WTO etc) is not the only culprit here. Government regulation and taxes will kill any incentive to revamp our manufacturing base. Mining, manufacturing, agriculture and construction are the only way to "create" wealth. Anything else is just a poker game - moving the chips from one end of the table to another.

[madeinchina]

The trading system has a much bigger hand than I think is known. Mostly, it's effect is to allow manufacturers to avoid the same taxes and regulations which American business must endure. That's why the primary goal of our trading representatives is not to open foreign markets, but to ensure that the American market stays open. That way overseas factories can use cheap labor and lax regulation to gain a competitive advantage on American manufacturers.

Secondarily, the smaller number of American manufacturers must take up a larger and larger burden of a dwindling tax base.