Look.
We export farm goods.
That’s pretty much it anymore. We will continue to export farm goods, because people need to eat.
The facts show otherwise:
http://www.worldsrichestcountries.com/top_us_exports.html
“We export farm goods.
That’s pretty much it anymore.”
Not even close. Agricultural products are less than 12% of our total exports.
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ximpim.pdf
Maybe not. With the Democrats continuing obstacles to our developing our own readily available and abundant energy sources while mandating pie-in-the-sky alternative energy sources like ethanol, we are creating shortages and increasing the prices of gasoline, wheat and corn. At some point other countries won't be able to buy our products.
Please don’t talk like a liberal.
Back your opinion up with fact else you look like a fool.
Yes certainly we are importing more than we export, but sadly that is life. A truly free market means FREE. Companies should look at the best way to make more profit. Those profits keep the company moving forward, and competitive in a global market. (Sometimes it’s still not enough with foreign companies getting government money)
We do export lots of products. My company alone is exporting close to $10B/year. That’s one company.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/12/business/economy/12charts.html
I understand many people have lost their jobs. But the bottom line is this... low skill jobs need to go wherever the jobs can be done the cheapest. If I can train a person to do a job in a couple months... well that’s a low-skill job.
The true way out of the problems we face are easier than the government would have us sheep believe.
Companies want 3 things:
1.) Certainty
2.) Competitive Tax profile
3.) Skilled reliable workers
1.) If we put certainty in the Government... that no additional taxes, levies or penalties for success would be implemented things would get better. (Imagine if the next president pushed though a plan to lock in place through congress of course a static plan to cap all Taxes, to cut the rate to 10% then... and this is key... RAISE taxes by 2% every year for 4 years) This would give companies a reason to move NOW. Not stay on the sidelines. A well communicated Plan give us certainty.
2.) Lower corporate taxes. (Mentioned above) I’d actually advocate the elimination of the corporate federal tax.
3.) Create a new school system from our community colleges. This school system would be devoted to Tech&Trades and heavily promote apprenticeship programs.
If someone wants a meaningless 2 or 4 year degree in Liberal Arts... that’s on their dime.
Sorry for the long reply, but your model of protectionism would only lead to one thing. The destruction of profitable companies and instead the replacement by Union and government connected companies. You may as well say you want Fascism to help save the day.
You want to really change the game... apply an export tax to agriculture. Make it an index that tracks various imports. :) A food for oil trade! /sarc
Cheers,