Manufacturing making a comeback?

[Twiceshy]

One of the reasons the country is in such bad financial shape is that we stopped manufacturing our own products.

The only way we will be able to create a sustainable economy, notice I didn't say a "growing" economy, is to include more factory/manufacturing jobs within our own borders.

Do you think this would solve many of our problems?

 

[Laughingmouse]

It would provide a greater range of employment choices which, in turn, would move many into a productive like.

Not everyone can go to college, nor should everyone even try!

 

[heretoday]

Most economists that seem to have their heads screwed on properly subscribe to the notion that a nation's capacity for diverse and sophisticated manufacturing leaves it less vulnerable to economic blackmail by other countries.

 

[SageMother]

Most economists that seem to have their heads screwed on properly subscribe to the notion that a nation's capacity for diverse and sophisticated manufacturing leaves it less vulnerable to economic blackmail by other countries.

It makes total sense.

Why in the world would educators and other leaders, continue to push a college education, knowing that economists see the lack of manufacturing as a real weakness?

Do you think they are hiding another motive behind the college push?

 

[Taggart]

I think the concept of having more local manufacturing is a good one. But in practice here's an example of what's happened:

You can buy an American made Fender Stratocaster electric guitar for something like $500 or in the ballpark of that, or you can buy a Fender licensed Chinese made Bullet Stratocaster for about $115. I've auditioned both of them and what very little difference there is between them is not worth the difference in price.

It will still be difficult to compete with countries that have cheap labour.

 

[katharina]

One of the reasons the country is in such bad financial shape is that we stopped manufacturing our own products.

Very true... I think that would solve a huge number of economic problems... BUT... and it's a big but... since we can't do it for as cheaply as other places can manufacture the same item, I fear that greed will win out.

 

[katharina]

It will still be difficult to compete with countries that have cheap labour.

It sure will be... no question there. I am always appalled (although I shouldn't be, it's been going on long enough) at the difficulty there is in finding a product that is American or Canadian made.

 

[heretoday]

These are the businessesthat need good tax breaks, the ones willing to establish (or bring back to America) manufacturing jobs. Give them a little hand up until they're running and building their business. We'll get it back in taxes, and the boost to the economy with folks buying American durable goods again.

 

[Taggart]

I guess years from now it will be easy to see where the bottom of all this is, but right now it seems like it will be tough to recognize when things have gotten as low as they'll get.

I'm afraid that there will be "benchmarks" like GM going bankrupt or merging with Chrysler as a desperate attempt to stay in business.

 

[oldnamvet]

It sure will be... no question there. I am always appalled (although I shouldn't be, it's been going on long enough) at the difficulty there is in finding a product that is American or Canadian made.

Went to Home Depot thnking about getting a new drill. Looked at Rigid, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Dewalt, Bosch -- nearly all made in China. Exception was Bosch which was made in Malaysia but batteries made in China. Even the Japanese companies have their products made in China. I ended up not buying anything. Maybe when my current 30 year old drill finally is beyond help, there will be something made in this hemisphere.