[StrictTime]

I'm sorry, but it is my opinion that the LABOR UNIONS have priced labor so far above reason that companies must do what they can to stay afloat. If that means shipping jobs to where people are happy to work at all, then so be it.

Also, didn't you say your illness was emphysema? How did you get that? Do/Did you smoke?

[LdSentinal]

I'm with ya! George W. Bush cost me my life savings in the stock market.

I had thousands of shares in Burqas Incorporated, but they all became worthless after the fall of the Taliban.

[FITZ]

far above reason that companies must do what they can to stay afloat.

The problem is --- individuals tend to do the same --- they will do what they must do to stay afloat and if one political party seems to be hell bent on exporting their jobs, signing contracts with any government which will take the jobs from the Americans, then those people tend to vote for the opposite party ---- especially if it lies and pretends to be pro-Americans having jobs --- even if it would do the same.

[Havoc]

I'll agree that labor unions have done some damage but at least as much good originally. They started off largely with good motives and turned into what they protested such that they now are the tyrants and have made businiesses twice the beasts they used to be with less capacity to wound directly. Not good. Being there to protect a guy from an unfair firing because a foreman decides one day in passing that he doesn't like yo is pretty good. On the other hand, they also keep jobs for people who walk in, punch in and then leave and spend the day at a bar across town till time to punch out. When the cry for "X" turns to X + tyranny, it's usefulness needs to be re-examined. Who does the re-examination? I'm all for it if we can figure that out. But in their absence, who serves their legitimate purposes? If businesses would contract to ensure the good things unions do - unions would dissappear because the workers would no longer need the unions to secure what the business has garaunteed.

Best guess on how I got the emphysema, is a combination of factors - not the least of which was getting Athsmatic bronchitis in my teen years. It's a gift that keeps on giving and causes irreparable damage to the lungs over time.
Between Chronic bronchitis and emphysema, it makes staying healthy a real juggling act. Lotsa vitamin supplements, lots of Gatoraide to keep me hydrated because I dehydrate easily. You don't drink tons of tea or tons of colas because that causes dehydration - something you learn pretty quick. Anyway, that's the best they could tell me. I was 31 when diagnosed and at that time they told me It was impossible for cigarette smoking to cause emphysema that young - so if you're worried about that - I'd be worried but it won't cause it in youth.