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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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To: TChris

Buggy whip manufacturers, automobiles yada yada yada I have heard it all before. I am touched by your innocent faith in how capitalism is continually advancing, self adjusting and will take care of this computerization/automation/robotics problem too. But it won’t. This time is different. The present 8% employment rate here will get worse from here.

Computerization/automation/robotics and free trade will only give us more angry vengeful Obama voters who vote against “the rich”. Democrats are very good at ginning up such resentment just look at the recent election. They will then jack up my taxes and your taxes to payoff the unemployed and get their votes.


52 posted on 11/14/2012 9:56:05 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: TChris
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.

You must be OK with your taxes buying off these people. If they are unemployed how do they exist? By scamming Gov't welfare, housing, medical programs and by off the books activities such as drug dealing, babysitting, shade tree mechanic, home repair etc etc etc etc

53 posted on 11/14/2012 10:01:46 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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