BOTTOM LINE....
Americans are too obscessed with price. The introduction of the "global economy" has hamstrung American business. American made products cannot make as big a profit as imported goods due to labor costs. Whatever your stance on union or corporate greed, no one can argue this. Someone needs to explain this to Mr. Bush.
Anyone who studies economics knows that in order for a global economy to truly work, all labor markets must be on a reasonably even playing field. Untill the next great depression, this will not be the case. You cannot sustain regionally compartmentalized socio-economic systems in a global economy. Labor is generally cheaper in any populated region of the world, ACCEPT here in the states. Untill the "world economy"s labor market reaches a near-equallibrium, US made products will continue to suffer. What bargaining leverage will the unions have when nothings made here anymore? Without blue collar, manufacturing jobs, America will no longer beable to avoid severe recession/depression.
At some point, the unions will have to take a hit. Along with the rest of Corporate America.
Our only defense is for the American buying public to, en masse, reject foreign products and only embrace American Products. That will be only thing that will save Red-Blooded American Companies from destruction, or at very least, offshoring.
Forgive my lack of confidence in our society, but this will never happen, I'm afraid.
