Bobert a right-winger? Yep, and I'm a communist.

Bobert, in continuation, the workers want jobs, yes, but if the salaries they require cannot compete with the salaries that can be paid in third world countries, the multi-national corporations are still going to opt for going "out of country" for their labor pool. And don't lay all the blame at the feet of the boards of directors of those corporations, or even the highly paid executives, the shareholders are constantly pressuring them to make higher profits and pay larger dividends! And I'm sure you are aware that the bulk of common stocks these days are owned by the very people you champion ...working people.

Nicole: kat, Bobert and others have commented on the clearness of your posts, and I agree in most cases but I am a bit confused about your meaning in a post on this thread. You say (04 Jan 4:50 AM)"I'm all for helping out folks in 3rd world nations whenever possible, but the U.S. government should have the interest of their employers first and foremost."

Does that mean you think the U.S. government should prohibit corporations from establishing plants or factories outside the U. S.?
Who are you referring to as employers of the U.S. government? Tax payers? If so, can you imagine the screams of consumers when they are required to pay $250 for those athletic shoes instead of $150 because of the difference in U. S. labor costs and the cost of labor in 3rd world countries.

And if the shoes are priced at $250 instead of $150 and do not sell, those same workers who were hired at higher salaries will end up getting laid off because the company will have to shave costs in order to show a profit (because the stockholders demand it) and labor is always one of the first areas affected.

I think Troll is right. It is a terrible problem,and I don't know what can be done to make it better.

DougR