Americanization Not Globalization

by Bill Faber

History teaches that a nation in deep debt cannot long rule the ocean’s waves. The U.S. budget now stands in deficit of $427 billion. Just three years ago the deficit was zero.

In addition to the blood-red ink of the budget there is a trade deficit the size of the Grand Canyon - $600 billion for 2004. The U.S. lost 3 million manufacturing jobs in the past six years as America’s patriotic CEOs sent American jobs to China. Working families in Decatur now stand in direct competition with China’s peasants. Since CEOs give paychecks to whomever will work for less, Decatur workers lose and Chinese peasants win. Thanks boss.

Business leaders feel scared. They really don’t know how to stop the world’s run to the lowest wage. They use globalization as an excuse for the elimination of America’s jobs. But globalization with its run to the bottom wage is dumb. America need not let its marketplace be ravaged by China and others. I say forget globalization; lets have Americanization.

Protection in time of assault is common sense. We must protect America’s good paying manufacturing jobs. Tell the world that the party is over. If China wants to participate in the lucrative American market, then China must buy as much from us as we buy from them. Lets have fair trade, not destructive trade.

Next, Congress must declare that one-half of all clothing is to be made in the USA, and one-half of all tires, steel, bicycles, TVs, radios and computers. Our production of the nation’s essential goods is a national security interest. This policy will bring back good paying manufacturing jobs to Decatur.

America’s economic and trade policies must change today. Great nations are seldom conquered, instead they wither from within. Thanks for listening.

Bill Faber is a Decatur lawyer with over 20 years experience trying cases to juries of the people. He welcomes your comments at 425-9002;www.wmfaberlaw.com