NAM to Bush article

[Abogle]

I wanted to comment on this article. http://www.industryweek.com/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=13173

Basically, I think all of the Washington politicians from the incoming freshman congresspeople all the way to the president should be required to tour the boarded up industrial parks of the major midwestern industrial cities - Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago etc and witness first hand the devastation their neglect of US manufacturing and their failed trade and economic policies are having on US manufacturing and the ripple effect it is sending thru the manufacturing service and supply base and its subsequent damage to our economic health of the middle and working classes, and the loss of technology and infrastructure will have on our national security.

[Dave Bortz]

As long as the legislators, as proposed in the article, are touring the boarded-up brown field plants, let them, also, consider all the industrial equipment that our country has lost. Unlike buildings, the more valuable capital equipment has been mostly moved off-shore and is not visible while driving down the road and lamenting. However, with investment flowing into China, that equipment can not be replaced here and it will take decades for the public to be aware of the loss.

[rbrooku]

Why is everyone crying? This is the fruits of the ascendancy of that American political movement called the New Conservatism. It is a very capitalistic movement after all, and as long as American workers demand more than a shack and basic meals in return for their lives of toil, we will continue to send American assets over to foreign countries which will properly appreciate them instead of whining about their children's medical insurance or futures.

The great American Rupert Murdoch has become fabulously wealthy and influential by selling demagoguery to average Americans, who eat it up like so many fast food dishes. So, let's all take a play book from Rupert and instead of bashing America by complaining, let's talk about what's right with America. For instance, although American manufacturing is dying, overall the market is growing!

Fabulous!

[Abogle]

Finally getting some action from the Bush admin on China trade, a delegation went over to discuss issues such as currency manipulation and intellectual property. Sadly they came back largely empty handed, but at least the dialogue has been opened.

There was likely the threat that if some deal with the administration was reached there would be a backlash from the incoming congress.