[PokeyJoe]

The US went through a very similar economic adjusgement in the late 50s through the early 80s with Japan.

I think it's about time to learn Mexican. (Spanish in Yankee lingo)

Nothing changes under the sun. Pretty soon, even Mexican will complain about Chinese taking THEIR jobs. Won't that be a hoot?

[ninenot]

In the period (roughly) 1950-1980, the percentage of GDP which was manufacturing-sector in the USA went from 27% to 22%. That was an adjustment which would have continued its slope had Reagan, a very sensible President, not have imposed import controls on Japanese items.

The Japanese, also being quite savvy, set up auto plants in the USA which provided assembly and some local procurement of OEM parts.

Then mfg. % of GDP stabilized around 20% until the late '90's, when the Clinton/Gingrich/Fortune 100 group took over and the gates opened.

Manufacturing (2001, latest numbers available) is now about 14% of GDP (the CIA 'factbook' places it at 18% in 2003, which may or may not be accurate.) However, for the VERY FIRST TIME since 1947, manufacturing's dollar sales (constant dollars) went down--in that year, by 6.6%, or about $100bn.

BTW, the Mexicans have already lost a significant number of jobs to the Chinese. Why do you think the GWB administration is playing with 'universal legalization?' Vincente Fox knows the score, too, and can't keep his population happy with Fortune 100 firms closing plants in Mexico.

[maui_hawaii]

Pretty soon, even Mexican will complain about Chinese taking THEIR jobs.

If you would have posted that about 3 or 4 years ago your "pretty soon" would be correct.

Maybe you should ammend your statement to make it past tense instead of future tense.

[RiflemanSharpe]

Nothing changes under the sun. Pretty soon, even Mexican will complain about Chinese taking THEIR jobs. Won't that be a hoot?

They already are.

[mercy]

That's been going on for some time. There are empty plants in Mexico too.

Make your kids learn Chinese. That's the land of oportunity for the next thirty years or so. Eventually it will equalize but for now get used to the giant sucking sound.