I think that we are going through something like the early days of the industrial revolution. That was hugely disruptive for a lot of people. For many it was a frightening and bewildering time. Initially it seemed to create more losers than winners but in the end created a far better world for those countries that embraced (or at least went along with) it. Likewise, I think the end of this "globalization" period will leave a far better world and for far more people than industrialization benefited.
The problem is of course we get to live through the unpleasant disruptive period. It seems we may have a bad time of it but our grandchildren will love us!
Sadly, I have no answers, except to say blaming the "rich", "greedy" corporations is not the answer. Blaming them for outsourcing is like blaming the ordinary family for buying made-in-China stuff because it is cheaper and fits their budget. Both are responding to price incentives.
The "rich" and the "greedy" corporations are responding to macro level forces. I don't think even governments can control these forces. I also know that socialism, communism and other wealth redistribution ideas are not the answer. They would destroy what we have, but put nothing, except barbarism in its place.
I don't want to end on a gloomy note so I will say that the US has been a resilient country. It's people have adapted and grown to many challenges and I am sure they will again. Even in the darkest days of the depression 75% of people had work. It was a tough time but most survived. It laid the ground for the massive expansion that we still enjoy.
To all the doomsayers, you may make money selling-short industrial stocks but you should be careful about selling America short.
It is true that we are over-taxed, but reducing those taxes will mean cuts to "our most cherished" programs. About 45% of federal government expenditure goes on just three programs; Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. We spend 20% on defense and general government, and about 15% on interest on debt. In other words, getting rid of public broadcasting and the National Endowment for the Arts will not allow for *meaningful* reductions in tax. We will have to look to where the money is spent, and that means the big programs. That is something that no *electable* party has the stomach for and something even the conservatives on this board (probably to the right of the "average" voter) do not have the stomach for.
On illegal immigration; it seems strange to be importing (mainly) unskilled labor at the same time we are exporting unskilled jobs. That *is* something government can do something about, it is a pity they don't.
I have no kids.
I routinely spray aerosol cans into the air. Xcrew the grandkids; I'm cold now!