Just my thoughts on the matter..


>I hate to join this kind of firestarter thread=20
I am wary as well, it's a difficult topic.

>I think that a system of import duties that relate to the real (as
>evaluated by an expert panel *outside* the country of provenience) per
>capita income would slowly fix this. This would mean that products made
in
>a country with a low income would pay high import duties, and one with
a
>high income, would pay low ones. This would wipe most of the price gap
and
>labor cost gap and allow competition on a quality basis. As a side
effect
>the 'cheap bargain c**p' would disappear and local manufacturing would
>re-start in developed countries.

Based purely on my own observations and opinions, this would be a well-
intentioned bad idea. Any time that government assigns itself the
responsibility of regulating business, we all lose. The ideals of "free
market"
are self regulating, based on supply and demand. Any external forces
that seek to modify them can only harm the system.

Personally, I'd like to see our constitution amended to include a
"separation
of business and State". Our government is paying farmers to _NOT_ grow
crops
as a form of price control. This is ridiculous to me, especially when I
realize
that they are using my tax dollars to do it!

Many big business and corporate partners run to
the government for regulation anytime that offshore competition
threatens
to take a "share" of their market. Welcome to the real world, folks. If
someone
else makes a better product for a better price, I will PROBABLY buy it.
It is not in
my best interest to protect anyone from fair competition.

There are exceptions. There are some companies I avoid because I don't
like
their business ethics. I respond by not buying their products.

All other things equal, I prefer to buy American. This week I had to buy
two new cars. This is a very BIG expense in my budget. I need to get the
best value for my dollar that I can. My own experience/opinion is that
Toyota makes a fine car that is very reliable. If I could find an
American
made car with as good engineering/construction as a Toy, and a
comparable
price, I'd be right there.

My wife and I now drive matching Chevy Prizm's. Built here in America in
an assembly plant shared with Toyota. Rather than asking for
"protection"
from imports, Chevrolet decided to cooperate with them. The result for
me is the car I want, at a price I can afford, from an American company.


>Any country trying to cheat by setting too high import taxes to boost
>local industry even more would be quickly rewarded by homemade
expensive
>c**p and possibly inflation if maintained for too long, to which
electors
>would respond vigorously.

Electors SHOULD respond vigorously. Unfortunately here in the US the
choices
are too slim and the office of President is more commonly chosen based
on
party lines or a cantidates ability to look and act smooth. Too often
those
who do bother to vote choose based on the perceived lesser of the two
evils.
I voted for "X" because I don't want "Y" in the office.

>Of course this is a kind of utopia under the present world market
>situation and mentality. But if I'd be in a position to propose such a
>thing I'd give it a good look.

While I don't agree with all your points, I respect your right to an
opinion, and
I appreciate the opportunity to compare your perspectives with my own.

My reply is for similar reasons: I don't offer it as an argument, simply
as
another individuals thoughts on the subject.

If someone reading this has strongly opposing views, I congratulate you
for
having an opinion! I respect your right to choose, please respect mine.

Lyle Hazelwood

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