Middle class faces extinction

The News-Press ^ | June 15, 2003 | JANE R. JOHNSON, N. Fort Myers

[LibertyAndJusticeForAll]

"Made in America" and "Buy American" are not necesarily "Look for the Union Label".

Come to think of it, right now I think would rather support an American Union than a foreign racket. But, that was not what I was saying.

I'm saying that buying American products and services will help, but it will not be enough. Congress and the President must stop the funding of OPIC and other government agencies that literally underwrite the risks for doing business with 3rd world countries. They must stop the influx of H-1B and L-1 visa workers. We have too many high-tech workers now, they may go home now.

On other threads, I suggested that a good future bet for a business was one that advertised that it sold only products and/or services done in America and by Americans. Nothing union about it, just American. The reason I predict this is that I foresee a rising tide of anger as more jobs go offshore. I also believe that many Americans will willingly pay more (although that may not be necessary), to say, ride in a plane that was built, wired, and flown by Americans. Or, perhaps have a credit card with a company that does not outsource their IT to foreign countries. I don't want my records on databases that are being accessed and run by foreigners in foreign countries. When other Americans realize this, they will be looking for credit card companies (telecommunication, medical, insurance, banking, etc), who are not outsourcing. I think it could become a profitable way to advertise and run a business.

That's all I was referencing, and I wasn't changing my tune, just emphasizing different thoughts and ideas. Maybe you have some good ideas. We need more, and more research.

[XBob]

"The "professional class" is going to shrink a lot when the middle class starts shrinking. How many "smart" accountants or architects do you think we're going to need when there's only a wealthy few to require their services?"

"I've lived overseas. I know what it's like to live in a country that doesn't have a large middle class. It's not so great."

===

Most of the people on this thread haven't got a clue. In Cairo, Egypt I had 2 doctors and 2 lawyers working for me as office assistants, because I paid them more money (for their IQ and their English) than they could get in their regular professions.

[XBob]

"My kids (if I have any) will be doctors, lawyers, or other professionals. "

Are you sure? How are you going to afford that? Our doctors and many of our lawyers are now being trained overseas, where it is much cheaper. and the schools we have left have high competetion.

Check your local directory, and see how many immegrant imported doctors we have. Your kids will have some tough comptetion, just to get into school.

Please note tonights local news about 20 pipeline welders being hired from overseas, here in Texas, while the local welders protest.

[evilC]

In Cairo, Egypt I had 2 doctors and 2 lawyers working for me as office assistants, because I paid them more money (for their IQ and their English) than they could get in their regular professions.

Must be great to be "rich" ....... :)

I never said that the middle class don't matter. I agree, a stable society needs a spread of abilities and incomes and wealth.

My point is that it is not the fault of the "rich". The rich respond to incentives just like everyone else. You might as well blame the poor for buying cheap made-in-china stuff at Wal-Mart/Target as blame the rich and companies for "outsourcing". Both people have responded to price incentives.

This article stunk, with its agitprop nonsense, and this thread stinks with the talk of socialized healthcare and workers revolution (on a "conservative" board).

Anyway, as a member of the middle class now looking for work (perhaps I should say "former member of ..."), I share your concerns for the continued health of the middle class. I just don't think socialism and the "workers revolution" will make it any better. Indeed, if I had been allowed to keep all the money that was taking from me to fund "social" programs, I would now have a much more comfortable nest-egg to protect me during lean times.

I think this is going to be my last reply on this thread (although I will read any replies posted to me).

[Army Air Corps]

Also, I have seen news stories that indicate that we are on the receiving end of outsourcing to a high degree. Many european and asian companies are locating and relocating factories in the US. Some companies, like Kyocera-Mita, also require that their US factories use parts from US suppliers.