I sympathize with Erin Bennett's CAFTA argument (letter, Aug. 11) all too well, having lost my job in October 2004. I remember as a child, my father (in the textile business) asking the family to write letters to Reagan, begging him not to allow as much free trade. And my father is a conservative Republican, so it's nothing political.
At this point, the "global market" is too far gone not to accept, but let's use our American ingenuity to find something new to do. I don't like "disposable" products, as I call them, any more than the next guy -- the kind you buy and throw away in a few months. Boy, have we been had. When one makes a product that is not as in demand as it used to be, one needs to find another way -- not just whine, wither away and die.
We need to invest in our R&D departments again. Perhaps the United States can invent an alternative fuel to run our cars. "See a need, fill a need." "Necessity is the mother of invention." Ingenious.
Lisa Duke
High Point
Comments (3)
I used to work for a local factory that ran 110% (vs. standard hours) efficiency with excellent quality. It was replaced with an overseas factory that ran at 23%-28% efficiency with so-so quality. The logistics and turn around of course were much better at the local plant. Even with all of that the costs were better at the foreign plant. The economics of free trade have turned American manufactures into niche players. Improved telecommunications are turning many service occupations to the a similar outlook. This with defacto open borders have caused wrenching changes to the American workplace.
I think Ms. Duke is over-optimistic about the cure of increased R&D. I agree that this is called for and will slow the slide, but I don't see it turning it around. Any technology that is created here can be quickly exported for foreign use by our competitors.
There is such a huge disparity of wealth & wage levels between us and the rest of the world that a leveling process is inevitable. I think we should do what we can to mitigate the pain of the transformation.
Posted by Marshall | August 21, 2005 7:47 AM
There is such a huge disparity of wealth & wage levels between AMERICANS - and those that have it all are not about to relinquish any of it to the rest.
I'm generically OK with that - EXCEPT it's become so selfish that a "Factory Owner" (read as Corporate Oligarch) will close a factory, putting thousands of Americans out of work, and import the same product - so he can provide "everyday low prices", and reap a huge salary for the few remaining executives.
The sense of comunity of gone - and I'm not talking welfare or socialization or handouts - just sensible limit to greed.
These same magnates contribute heavily to politicians, therefore assuring a strengthening and legitimization of this trend - I call it rape and plunder.
Well there is my cynical view. Too bad there are countless examples of this situation - a sad vindication.
Posted by James D. Rockefeller | August 21, 2005 3:47 PM
James,
I'm in sympathy with what you're saying. The problem is that the economics of the situation force many factory owners overseas whether they're greedy or not. In many instances it's a matter of survival. If you're competition has a cost advantage over you because he has a low wage base, you have to match him.
There are many sweetheart regulations with industry that shafts the workers & benefits the owners. As voters we need to pay attention to these and reward our politicians accordingly.
Posted by Marshall | August 21, 2005 5:59 PM