When is enough going to be enough?

[domwilson]

When is enough going to be enough? The government keeps making new laws and raising taxes. Spending sprees from both parties. One seems to favor domestic spending and the other favors foreign spending. Either way, it's still spending. We develop some of the greatest technologies then ship out the manufacturing to other countries only to be sold back to us We develop and produce a major portion of pharma which we fund thru government grants and charities yet we pay top dollar.
If we had another catastrophe like WWII would we be prepared or even capable of the manufacturing strength we had then?

[andym]

We develop some of the greatest technologies then ship out the manufacturing to other countries only to be sold back to us

I agree soooo much!! Over here in Aust after WW2 there was a great push into manufacturing and developing technology. Late in the 80's we were told by the WTO that we must lower all our import tarifs so to make fair trade !!! Well my pathetic lay down like a sick dog government started doing just that. It does not matter that the countries importing to us had huge tariff protection for their industries if we tried to export!!!! Example Malaysia 10% import duty bringing in proton cars, if aust were to export to them it would suffer a 200% tarriff.
We now have no manufacturing base, the Governments seem to forget that not all people are going to be Lawyers, Doctors or IT experts. Manufacturing gave jobs to all

[domwilson]

Manufacturing historically has built strong nations. It's harder to replicate than servicing. So what happens when you build up your economy of servicing? Outsourcing.

[andym]

I think the WTO has used manufacturing to rise the likes of China and India, they had to stop the developed countries from producing hence the no protectionism of industry. The richest countries in the world are not who they used to be. The ones doing all the manufacturing are. And I bet London to a brick they have import tariff's to protect their economies and jobs

[AndyKunz]

China's import restrictions are onerous, imho.

Find out what it takes to bring electronics or toys INTO that country. Simply amazing...

Andy

[Dr. Jet]

When is enough going to be enough? The government keeps making new laws and raising taxes.

It will be enough when the State is everything. We will all work for the State and the State will decide everything about our lives.

That's socialism folks.

[domwilson]

Actually, that's one interpretation of communism.

[Dr. Jet]

There are many forms of Socialism. Communism is one of them. Obamanomics is another....., but I digress.

[sjslhill]

“From bondage to spiritual faith;
From spiritual faith to great courage;
From courage to liberty;
From liberty to abundance;
From abundance to complacency;
From complacency to apathy;
From apathy to dependence;
From dependence back into bondage.”

[domwilson]

There are many forms of Socialism. Communism is one of them. Obamanomics is another....., but I digress.

Here is a definition simplified...

http://www.diffen.com/difference/Communism_vs_Socialism

[domwilson]

“From bondage to spiritual faith;
From spiritual faith to great courage;
From courage to liberty;
From liberty to abundance;
From abundance to complacency;
From complacency to apathy;
From apathy to dependence;
From dependence back into bondage.”

Good statement. Where do you think we're at?

[raptor347]

Good statement. Where do you think we're at?

It depends. Somewhere in the last 4 lines depending on you region and general point of view.

[domwilson]

It starting to look more like here....
"From complacency to apathy;"

Somehow, somewhere, someway, healthcare reform is turning from a humanitarian act to what looks like a BIG wolf in sheep's clothing. They're starting to strip it down and it has taken a nasty turn. The benefits are going out the window and these "sweetheart" deals, are in. Even higher taxes on the middle class (to subsidize the unions, no doubt) Large employers won't be required to insure employees. It's starting to look like a business generator for insurance companies and we're footing the bill.
But maybe, there may be some other benefits...wishing and hoping...http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100113/..._care_overhaul

[domwilson]

Darin,
I know you're gonna say I told you so...But I haven't given up on the power of Lysol to clean up this mess.