1906: Bridging the Gap

[DaveNJ]

Originally Posted by Enunciated Piffle

Should there be more Congressional effort to prevent foreign labor markets from eroding American ones?

Depends on the degree to which it's under their control. However, the actions you're describing essentially entail tariffs. It's worth noting that during the last major economic catastrophe, governments all responded with protective tariffs, and the result was essentially a circular firing squad. Everybody lost.

Insofar as the US is a global economic leader and advocate of limited free trade, it's probably better to focus on ways to make our laborers competitive, particularly for high-wage jobs, and then use the extra earnings (and thus taxes) to fund a more robust safety net for the folks in this equation who lose out. However, that's easier said than done.

[Enunciated Piffle]

Originally Posted by DaveNJ

all responded with protective tariffs, and the result was essentially a circular firing squad. Everybody lost.

This written imagery is amazing and I'm stealing it. Thank you.

Also, you're an American, but you know stuff. Explain.

[flerchin]

Hey Dave,

Thanks for taking the time.

[phooey]

Originally Posted by Enunciated Piffle

Should there be more Congressional effort to prevent foreign labor markets from eroding American ones?

I was in Costa Rica a year back and toured a coffee plantation. The guy proudly talked about the socialist govt the fact that everyone had health insurance and a college education. The place was clean and safe. Then he said..."now, Costa Rica has very strict child labor laws. So if you see children working in these fields , they are most likely not from Costa Rica. ". Brilliant.

[rodimusprime]

Zach Sherwin is so supremely talented. It doesn't matter what the topic of his songs are 20 seconds into his rhymes I'm completely on board. Amazing talent.