[expat_panama]

Outsourcing threads are pessimist conventions...   ..DOOMED!!!!!

True, but that's not all there is to it. 

It's more like a contest between the 'can-doers' versus the 'can't-doers'.  The happy people point to the good times rolling and the forces of darkness say it's impossible.  I got this habit that when I see someone moping I get an urge to point out how we're blessed-- and sometimes it works.

[jpsb]

still waiting for an answer to 87

[JTHomes]

It's more like a contest between the 'can-doers' versus the 'can't-doers'

Any number of things could pull us out of this apparent doom. Whining about it will not however. Here are some rebuttal trends off the top of my head that might "save us":
-China and India are still both basically communist in philosophy. How long can central planners in those countries keep their hands off all that wealth flowing in? (Taxes, bribes, kickbacks)(Especially considering the already huge rich poor gaps in those countries)
-The US dollar is still near record levels, and follows long term trends both higher and lower. Many think the up trend is over and it will start moving lower. Translation: outsourcing will get more expensive. Cost of foreign goods will increase.
-Who says Chinese and Indians will not unionize? Don't think the UAW and AFL-CIO aren't also looking at ways of outsourcing.
-One reason large companies are loosing the competitive edge is technology makes it easier for smaller firms to compete. The small firms are better able to adapt to local market conditions and fill the gaps in the economy. Americans (around 5% of them anyway) and foreigners who move here are very entrepreneurial. We'll find a way.
If all else fails, ignore the macro trends, take responsibility for yourself and do what you need to do for yourself and family to prosper. Or move to France where they will take good care of you. ;')