[724Skinsfan]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

the problem with this is that having that job will mean so much less because prices are higher.

Economics as a guide utilizes the macro view while what you are focusing on is the micro view. Schneed is simply saying that for our country as a whole it would be better to continue to foster free trade in much the same way that we have been. It may be at the expense of some people but not at the ultimate expense of ALL people. Theoretically though it is the best for EVRYONE in a pure competitive environment. The key term is competition. Competition defines free trade and in competition some lose. It is its nature. Is that a bad thing? I guess that is the ultimate question that we constantly face in this country.

I would say that as to manufacturing jobs leaving this country: I really don't care. It is easy for me to say because it does not affect me for sure but my thoughts go back to competition. If a factory goes out of work then jobs will ultimately be created somewhere. Maybe not in that community but somewhere. Those workers need to be able to find other work. They are probably mostly very dilligent, honest and loyal workers and people like that are in demand. If they can't find a job in their community then they need to be ready to pick up and move to where they can find a job. If an entire communtiy is ruined by a factory closing then shame on the community for laying all its eggs in one basket. Local communities all over the US pump billions of dollars a year into Economic development to avoid such situations.

Now that is an exteremly simplified view point and I don't really subscribe to that in the cold hearted way it comes accross. But I think we forget that competition means survival of the fittest which means everyone needs to be trying or they'll get left behind. I find it difficult to have much compassion for those who don't try.

Excellent post. Goes right along with my way of thinking. If you lose your job you may have to face the fact that your next one may be in a different locale. Or you're going to have to find out what some of your community's "needs" are and fill that hole.