[Eva]

From the WSJ:

If the Democrats really want to call free-traders immoral, perhaps we should look at the rights and wrongs of employment in America. A National Association of Manufacturers study two months ago found that the primary competitive challenge facing manufacturers was not competition from cheaper foreign workers, but the extra cost of doing business in the U.S.

The costs contributing to the loss of jobs were high corporate tax rates, mandated employee benefits, tort litigation, regulatory compliance and energy. In other words, the Democrats' agenda of higher taxes, more regulation and coddling the tort lobby makes them the biggest sinners of all.

[ninenot]

The WSJ's argument is sound: but the LARGEST SINGLE cost is the cost of labor.

Except in China, where it's either slaves or $0.27/hour and the PRC will steal everything you own, besides.

Here's a bargain: we'll substitute a tariff for ALL Corporate and Personal Income taxes...Deal??

[oldtimer]

Great reply. The business climate in the Phillipines or India does not lend itself to the EEOC or slimey trial lawyers.