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Bear with me-- this is the first time I've posted, and I'm using a text-only interface...

I've also been of two minds on this subject-- I'm a strong believer in capitalism, and don't like to see government intervention. But the system only works when everyone is on a level playing field.

I'm an IT independent contractor. I've seen companies bring in foreign IT people to replace their employee base. It's hard to bring them up to speed, and many (not all) are under-trained for the position. Those that can't make it are replaced by yet another foreign worker from the same company. I've had to train up to five people for a given position before one was finally able to grasp the concept. It's a meat-market that is cash-cow for the consulting company. They don't have to pay their people very much at all because whatever they pay them is a king's ransom compared to what they're used to-- and what they actually need to survive. I, on the other hand, have to live in this country, where it's a lot more expensive to live. I also have to pay a lot more in taxes than the consulting company or its foreign worker has to.

This means that the playing field is not level, and I cannot compete. I've seen my billrate drop by 75% over the last few years-- partly because of this problem, and partly because of the economy in general.

In this instance, I feel it's the government's job to protect its citizens against foreign interests through tarrifs and similar controls. Bring on the flames! ;-)

But the system only works when everyone is on a level playing field.

OK. So if you believe the system works (as you say you do), then you'd support freely open immigration (and therefore free competition) with India?

In this instance, I feel it's the government's job to protect its citizens against foreign interests through tarrifs and similar controls. Bring on the flames! ;-)

So you are for raising tariffs/taxes (same difference) on business? And THAT is capitalist? No... sorry... you may be a patriot (unlike the fringe protectionists here, I would never claim you're not), but you most definitely are not a capitalist.

I've also been of two minds on this subject-- I'm a strong believer in capitalism, and don't like to see government intervention. But the system only works when everyone is on a level playing field.

I agree with you on the current situation, but you're arguing the wrong point with Taxes_Dawg. He rails against government intervention, but the H1-B visa program IS GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION. It creates an artificial pool of labor that does not have the same rights as you and me. That is, this labor pool does not have the RIGHT OF LIBERTY. Taxes_Dawg is violating his supposed most sacred principle, his staunch opposition to government intervention, by arguing for what? GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION. H1-B IS GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION. So, Dawg, are you in favor of changing the visa law to allow workers to move to whichever job they choose? Hmmm? Does the current law violate you free market principles?

Don't look for flames from me, I've seen the same things that you have. Anyone who thinks it's fair competition to hire people who accept a lower wage due to its being so much higher than what they're used to seeing, then having to jump through incredible hoops in order to accept another position, doesn't entirely understand - or won't acknowledge - the difference between a free labor market and what amounts to indentured servitude.