When Protecting Jobs Only Destroys Them

http://finance.yahoo.com/columnist/article/economist/5319 ^ | Wednesday, June 7, 2006 | Charles Wheelan

[BenLurkin]

This guy is usually wrong -- but this is interesting.

[1rudeboy]

I can think of a dozen people off the top of my head that really need to read this . . . but they wouldn't understand.

[posterchild]

Hadn't (knowingly) read any of his other articles, but this one I agree with.

[BIGZ]

And I appreciate topless beaches as much as the next guy.

I wondered why all the Muslims were moving to France.

[expat_panama]

they wouldn't understand.

Maybe if the title were "Europeans decide that America is doomed" they'd agree.  Europe right, America wrong --that's the mindset (related tread).

[Max in Utah]

French workers, doing what they do best.

[ex-Texan]

America is not "doomed" . . . But according to this recent Forbes news letter, we are headed for a Recession. Who will be hit hardest by this coming recession? The same people that profited the most from the orgy of refinance spending that fueled the economy for past five years. Real estate is cyclical. It has always been cyclical. What's not to understand? Of course, you may not agree with this writer in Forbes. I can understand that. My suggestion is to write to the magazine and submit a rebuttal argument. They may even pay you for your opinion.

[1rudeboy]

I was thinking of something more along the lines of "American Cheese Loses Ground to Imports," with the added comment "[We are losing our sovereignty to Stilton!]."

[1rudeboy]

Rebutting the business cycle? That would be a neat trick.

[ex-Texan]

If anybody is up to that daunting task, it is expat_panama. Very talented guy. He marshals his facts into cogent arguments. "He is brighter than the average bear, Boo Boo."

[1rudeboy]

I agree. It doesn't take much wattage to constantly argue that a recession is right around the corner.

[expat_panama]

America is not "doomed" . . . But according to this recent Forbes news letter, we are headed for a Recession.

Of course America isn't doomed, and my regrets for letting some of that mud splatter your way.  Also, thank you reminding me why I have such a dim view of Forbes.  My first battle with Stack's article was his lapses in his communication skills.  Like, I'm still trying to figure out how it can mean that I'm "underway" if I unwind my bubble and the landing gear is gone.

That was the easy part.  The hard was putting up with Stack's lies and BS.  Example:  "The recently-released FOMC minutes for May confirm both our insights and instincts." .  Federal Open Market Committee minutes confirmed no such thing, and a day earlier Bernanke's monetary statement said "productive capacity should continue to expand over the next few years at a rate consistent with solid growth of real output."

There may be bad things happening in America, but economic contraction isn't one of them.  How about the fact that in the 30 minutes it took to write this post almost 400 Americans died!

Don't make me post again, I could take 45 minutes!

[expat_panama]

expat_panama. Very talented guy.

Dang, I just read that after posting  # 12.  I take back anything I ever said that disagreed with your point of view. 

You obviously know what you're talking about.

[nopardons]

Good article.

And NO, those people not only wouldn't understand it, nor would they give it any credence.

[nopardons]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaw gee, if just a wee bit of flattery will get you to change course, what would a LOT of flattery do? LOL

[1rudeboy]

I had to bump this again, if only to ease finding it after the weekend. I got caught-up in another "OMG the Chinese took our jobs we are doomed thread," and another "NAFTA eats babies" thread. What are we, up to comment #16 now? I'm underwhelmed.

[sarasmom]

LOL!
I walk into the village, and am immediately productive to my new employer.
The tasks that previously took them over a week to accomplish,I can successfully resolve in a few hours.
Nobody is going to be fired or "layed off" because I have been added to the company.
The company productivity and profit will increase exponentially, and my salary will be proven a wise investment within three months.
There was no "help wanted" sign on the door, and the new "job" was created specifically for me, as I negotiated directly with my current employer and convinced them that my qualifications and experience are a tangible commodity they decided would be a valuable asset they very much desired.
It helps in selling my labor that I have acquired various unique qualifications and have maintained a stellar employment record, including the goodwill of all previous employers.
My income increases over time, as I continue to justify my value, and increase my capabilities.
I sell my labor hours, not necessarily to the highest bidder, but to whomever I choose.
No government or labor union entity was involved in the creation of my new "job".
I bill my employer for my labor.
Some people call it a paycheck.

[Tribune7]

French unemployment remains near 10%, roughly twice the rate in the U.S.

And that doesn't count 11 million screaming illegals from Mexico.

[texastoo]

What can I say?

NAFTA gave a large boost to the Mexican economy and had a small positive effect on the U.S. economy.

[expat_panama]

...what would a LOT of flattery do?

Try me.