Free trade's victims turning against Bush, GOP

The Herald Sun ^ | August 25, 2003 | associated press

[GOP_1900AD]

Good tactics. But what is the proactive strategy to deal with the accumulated macroeconomic impacts and effects on long term US and Western geopolitical power?

[GOP_1900AD]

Do you think it was wrong for us to withhold technology from the Soviet Union? Do you favor the current embargo on Cuba, DPRK, Iran and Myanmar?

[Chancellor Palpatine]

Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.

Gunny Highway, did you have that cigar in your mouth when you said that?

[Poohbah]

So you oppose the existing export controls?

Yes, because they do notcome even close to accomplishing their stated goals. Their sole use is as a means of extorting political donations from businesses.

[Poohbah]

Do you think it was wrong for us to withhold technology from the Soviet Union?

When we were the only technology producer of note, yes.

Do you favor the current embargo on Cuba, DPRK, Iran and Myanmar?

I prefer invading Cuba, maintaining the embargo on the DPRK, "regime change" in Iran, and ignoring Myanmar.

[Poohbah]

Yup. And it wasn't a contraband Cuban one, either.

That line sums up my success in life.

[Poohbah]

Good tactics. But what is the proactive strategy to deal with the accumulated macroeconomic impacts and effects on long term US and Western geopolitical power?

The same.

[GOP_1900AD]

RE: "I prefer invading Cuba, maintaining the embargo on the DPRK, "regime change" in Iran"

At last! Points of agreement! I knew we could get here!

[PigRigger]

"Improvise. Adapt. Overcome"

I have too, 2x now. I was, and still am, better prepared than most.

However, I'm finding it much tougher this time round (still have a job and preparing for the inevitable). The environment has changed dramatically, good jobs are getting scarcer.

If I am feeling the pinch, what about those who aren't as well prepared (which is the average American), what about those who don't have jobs?

If this group keeps growing, it may very well impact the next election. We may very well end up with exactly what this country doesn't need, another Clinton.

Thus, if the election is a close one answers such as "Improvise. Adapt. Overcome" won't push Bush over the top.

[Texas_Dawg]

No one is categorically doomed. However there are consequences, both short and long term, to decisions and behavior.

We're all potentially doomed.

[Poohbah]

OK, then we'll try to protect Americans from their own stupidity and the stupidity of the politicians they elected...using more of the same stupid ideas that got them into this mess to begin with.

[PigRigger]

"OK, then we'll try to protect Americans from their own stupidity and the stupidity of the politicians they elected...using more of the same stupid ideas that got them into this mess to begin with."

I'm not sure what the answer is, but if Bush doesn't, Dean or some other Dem will. That thought gives me nightmares.

[Texas_Dawg]

I'm not sure what the answer is, but if Bush doesn't, Dean or some other Dem will. That thought gives me nightmares.

Huh? What if Bush gets re-elected and still doesn't do what you want (hopefully)? Then your little prediction will be false because Bush won't have done this and neither will have Dean or any other Democrat.

[ARCADIA]

What if Bush gets re-elected and still doesn't do what you want (hopefully)? Then your little prediction will be false because Bush won't have done this and neither will have Dean or any other Democrat.

That would be very unfortunate. If the political process fails and the problem is ignored and allowed to linger, then it will start to spill into the streets.

[Texas_Dawg]

That would be very unfortunate. If the political process fails and the problem is ignored and allowed to linger, then it will start to spill into the streets.

We're all doomed.

[ARCADIA]

We're all doomed. I am not, but perhaps you are.

[Texas_Dawg]

We're all doomed. I am not, but perhaps you are.

Sure you are. Once we free traitors sell out this country and China invades, you will be doomed just as much as anyone else.

[snopercod]

Your #1189 may have been the best post on the entire thread (the one that Constitution Day made me start ;-)

Americans have always prospered by adapting; This is just another adjustment, even if a painful one. But all we Americans want is a level playing field.

All we want is tariff parity with countries like China. Don't slap 75% duties on our goods and services when we let your 500Lb. cast-iron bathtubs into our country for free.

All we want is to be able to compete under the same rules as everybody else.

Memo to President Bush: Roll back the federal behemoth and all it's "hoards of officials sent to eat out our substance". Our air and water is cleaner than every other country on earth. So let's declare that the Clean Water/Air Acts have been a success and are therefore no longer needed. Turn all that over to the States where it rightfully belonged in the first place.

Unchain the powerhouse that once was America and could be again. Otherwise, you're going to be a one-term president.

[Lael]

BTTT!!!

[snopercod]

Thanks for the bump.

My neighbor, who is probably 65, is a partner in a company that historically has acted as a middle-man between companies that had a need, and companies that could fill that need.

He started out by designing a powdered-metallurgy replacement for a formerly-machined valve assembly for air conditioners. They were cheaper and better, and he traveled around the country and sold a whole lot of them.

They branched out into doing the same kind of thing in other industries - finding vendors who could supply improved (cheaper) versions of things that big companies needed.

Over the last few years, his company has lost almost all their business because his "principles" are going overseas for the kinds of things he sells.

So he (reluctantly) has joined them. His business now is as an intermediary between American companies who need metal parts, and the Chinese, who will make them for a fraction of the cost for which they can be made in America.

American foundries, machine shops, forges, mills, etc. simply can't compete under the current rules.

Maybe abolishing absurd EPA regulations won't help, but Bush should try. Unless he wants to be a one-termer, he needs to do SOMETHING (other than tell us that things are really OK and we unemployed are a bunch of whiners.)

Like my primary flying instructor (back when I could afford to fly) told me, "Dammit John, do something, even if it's wrong!"