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To: TChris

Can you tell me what happens to the employees who lose jobs due to automation/ computerization/robotics?


48 posted on 11/14/2012 3:21:57 PM PST by dennisw ( The first principle is to find out who you are then you can achieve anything -- Buddhist monk)
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To: dennisw
Can you tell me what happens to the employees who lose jobs due to automation/ computerization/robotics?

Allow me to redirect it back to you: What happened to all the farm workers who were replaced by farming robots (tractors and combines)? Lumberjacks displaced by logging robots (chainsaws and skidders)? How about gas welders who were replaced with arc welders? ...human welders replaced by welding robots? ...maids pushed out by cleaning robots (automatic dishwashers, washing machines and vacuum cleaners)? ...wooden buggy wheel makers displaced by transportation robots (cars, buses, trains or airplanes)?

The list is endless. They are temporarily displaced, then go to work doing something else.

Technology advancements always displace workers in the short run, and they always raise the standard of living for a much larger group of people because of the increased efficiency and reduced cost they bring. The temporary pain of unemployment -- and I've been there personally -- is outweighed by the larger benefit to everyone.

This is why even the "poor" in America will usually have satellite TV, microwave ovens, personal computers, cell phones and two cars. ...and are probably overweight to boot. The truly poor in other countries have none of those luxuries, and are doing well if they get something to eat every day.

Manufacturing efficiencies brought about through technology make for lower costs (therefore prices) and higher quality. That means a much larger percentage of the population can afford nice things.

51 posted on 11/14/2012 4:01:45 PM PST by TChris ("Hello", the politician lied.)
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