$3,000,000,000,000

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(malorn @ Oct 18 2007, 07:19 AM) [snapback]527251[/snapback]</div>

As with most everything, there are two sides to the issue. As a manufacturer, I revel every time I read the dollar falls further on the world market. A falling and weak dollar brings back jobs and manufacturing back to the US instead of to other foreign countries. With a weak dollar, US made products become more favorable (read, cheaper) to retailers.

Of course, our government will still, as always, try to export jobs with higher taxes and higher minimum wage bases (which in turn affect nearly all wages, not just the minimum wage). Even my own state of Florida has passed constitutional provisions raising the minimum wage higher than the Federal minimum wage which only serves to discourage/hinder manufacturing and prevent relocations of large corporations to the state. Contrary to popular belief, corporations do not "absorb" the extra costs with higher wages. The costs are simply passed onto the consumer. AFAIK, corporations cannot print money. Only the government can do that!

Yes, I understand, our standard of living will fall somewhat as the dollar falls. But we now have such a high standard of living because we have been living off the backs and sweat of the laborers of other countries for quite a spell. These laborers in other countries soon (and are) realize that we live the high life and wonder "Heh, wait a minute, why can't I have my own house, two cars, three kids, big TV's, a SUV, etc". So they in turn demand higher wages, form labor unions, topple repressive governments.

Study your world history. Many nations (Spain, England, France, Germany...) which were once the "rulers" of the world are now just another country with little or no ability to affect the world either economically or militarily as the US presently can.

Trying to change the worlds economy to suit your desires and wants is the same silly thought some believe that they can actually affect the temperature of the world by buying a Hybrid, screwing a few fluorescent bulbs in around the house, and awarding Al Gore a Nobel Peace prize. You will do much better by learning to adapt (of which humans and animals are quite capable of) to the issues at hand rather than wasting your time and efforts to attempt a quixotic fight of issues such as these.

Will or when the US become a relative obscure nation? Who knows? I'll let you know as soon as you let me know when to buy and sell Google stock and become a zillionaire!

Rick
#4 2006

 

I assume Viking31 is on the minimum wage in Florida and feels he is paid too much.

Last time I come to the zoo to feed the trolls.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(malorn @ Oct 18 2007, 06:19 AM) [snapback]527251[/snapback]</div>

Seems I recall about a year ago you promised to enter politics to rescue us dumb Toyota owners from ourselves. How is that going for you?

Or have you discovered that neither Democrats or Republicans really care about your "message" and that both parties are equally in bed with helping make the rich even richer while screwing us 'po workin folk?

Same here in Canada: the Liberals, PC, and NDP are all cast from the same mold. Even the Bloc Quebecois. Anybody who believes the "promises" of a political party is a fool.

I've learned to become competitive in a global economy, that means acquiring skills and education that few possess. So far it's working out very well, most of my clients are in the Far East. It's hard work though, I never had wealthy parents to bankroll everything, even had to join the Army to get Uncle Sam to pay for my college. How about you? Ever been in the Army or Guard?

What I find ironic in your postings: the second and third generation of spoiled brats living off the business acumen of a shrewd grandpa/dad, who have never had to sweat and grow a job from nothing, are the ones who whine the loudest when their "lifestyle" is threatened.

And to venture off topic for a moment: do the new Vortec truck motors still go “knock knock†and burn oil? Or was my 2000 GMC Sierra the only truck ever made that did that?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(patsparks @ Oct 18 2007, 10:38 AM) [snapback]527292[/snapback]</div>

BUSTED! Damn!

Wait, got to go, the stupid a%^**&* manager is yelling at me again; the fries are burning in the fryer and the drive thru is backing up!

Rick
#4 2006

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jayman @ Oct 18 2007, 10:54 AM) [snapback]527300[/snapback]</div>

So right although I don't think poor folks are necessarily getting screwed or specifically targeted. In any society there will always be a relative poor class and they of course will feel they are always getting screwed. I do find it amusing that young people frequently feverently align themselves with one political party or another. "Yes, MY party will solve all our problems and the world's problems too".

But as you get older in life you soon realize politicians solve their own problems first and and make a faux effort to solve their constituents problems. It's only natural human instinct. Relying on politicians or a political party to solve your problems is fruitless. They may be able to make small course changes but natural world events have a much larger impact.

Ooops, got to go. Now the burgers are burning... Damn, I hate this job!!!! Only get four smoke breaks a day! You just watch, It has only been 6 years but I'll quit as soon as I get my credit cards and truck paid off and show them...

Rick
#4 2006

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(malorn @ Oct 18 2007, 10:04 AM) [snapback]527306[/snapback]</div>

Good for you. I certainly hope the doubling in size wasn't due to overleveraging. My work motto is "vacation? What's that??"

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(malorn @ Oct 18 2007, 10:04 AM) [snapback]527306[/snapback]</div>

In politics, there is something known as the "party whip." The function of this person is to ensure that all members toe the party line. For example, if you were to run and win a seat - I certainly hope it works out for you - you would have no choice but to follow whatever the mysterious party doctrine is at the moment.

If you were to start off very outspoken on issues such as your trade thing, the Toyota thing, etc, the Party Whip would quickly tell you to shut the F up. If you didn't, out you go.

I'm sure it has happened in American politcs, it has absolutely happened in Canadian politics. MP's on all sides who were outspoken against their party direction were quickly shown the hatch. There are actually groups here in Canada who quite openly discuss this, especially The Underground Royal Commission:

http://www.theurc.com/

I particularly recommend the URC's eye opener "Secrets in High Places." It was so shockingly candid that many who watched the special refused to believe it.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(malorn @ Oct 18 2007, 10:04 AM) [snapback]527306[/snapback]</div>

No such luck for me, I guess I wasn't pretty enough or athletic enough. I was a grunt with a rifle, later on a technically skilled grunt with a rifle. It all worked out, as I didn't have family wealth to put me into an Ivy League.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(malorn @ Oct 18 2007, 10:04 AM) [snapback]527306[/snapback]</div>

Thank you for the kind words.

At this point in my life, I'm fairly happy with my career and the decision to be around the Canadian side of my family. Once you do enough travelling, you learn that most of us are pretty close together in terms of wants, needs, desires, hopes, etc. For example, most Chinese families want the same things we do: chance to live a "good" life, raise a family, be treated with respect, etc

I have had friends who entered local politics, and their horror stories have forever sworn me away from any involvement. They very quickly realized just how shady, dishonest, even outright *criminal* most political arenas are. If you truly are a person of integrity, you have two choices: quit, or resign yourself to being one more pawn on the board.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(viking31 @ Oct 18 2007, 10:17 AM) [snapback]527316[/snapback]</div>

I realized this less than 4 months into my Army stint. After a few years, I realized politicians were all money grubbing bastards who look after themselves. Right you are, expecting a party to "solve" problems is like farting against a hurricane. Pointless

 

malorn:

i see that your omnipresent view of your portion of life is still has vision that would not allow any craft of any size to fly.

its too bad that we do have that huge deficit to china and japan. because if we didnt, you would have been out on your kister wondering how things had gotten so bad.

 

sound economic policy??? bush takes care of that and we all know how value added his projects are


since when did that enter into the equation? what would goods and services cost if the cost to manufacture them were increased 5 fold?? how much of those pretty things you and your family now enjoy would you have if it werent for them??

how many cars would you be sellling if the average family had to devote 2-300% more of their money towards meeting their basic needs.

man you are B L I N D !!

 

nope trade deficit is because they make it BETTER!!

r we so stupid that is all we care about is a dollar (americans in general, not u.)?

the better the product, the better our lives. we would not be the best place to live if it werent for their sweat. get over your flag waving crap.

we are the world and we must learn that we need to take advantage of what the world has to offer no matter where it comes from

 

ummm. wouldnt know. all my credit cards give me 1-3% cash back on purchases and i have not paid a penny in interest in DECADES

 

i guess it boils down to how much you believe the "us verses them" ideology still applies.

sure its a wonderful thing but other than to build a false sense of pride to fight an idiotic war, i dont believe it applies at all.

do you really think the government couldnt stem the tide of illegals if they truly wanted to?

well then can stop illegals and the wont because they benefit us just like the trade with china and japan does