To: dr_who_2
I read quite carefully-thanks. I have seen what modern free trade has brought this country-closed garment factories, closed steel factories, close auto plants, destruction of the American electronics industry...etc. The American government should award billion dollar weapons programs to American companies. Also, I do believe it is a security issue as well.
163 posted on
03/01/2008 11:47:31 AM PST by
nyconse
To: nyconse
Security is a necessity for some parts of the defense industry but in other places it's just a good way to drive out competition, drive up costs, and undermine the war effort. Treating every "refueling" system like a critical weapons program is a great way to promote further waste and bureaucracy in the defense industry. As for textiles and steel, industries with growth potential benefit from those commodities being plentiful and inexpensive (including the defense industry, among others). The American electronics industry is alive and well even if parts are manufactured in Thailand or some other poor country. Manufacturing has been on the upswing for a while up to now, but people who think they are entitled to lucrative jobs assembling circuit boards had best move to Thailand. No amount of additional protectionist policies or subsidies is going to bring the textile industry back to its former "glory", although that would be a great way to limit consumer choice and increase the cost of living.
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