Wal-Mart off the school-supply list

Deborah Bach ^ | 3/11/05 | Deborah Bach

[ARCADIA]

The backlash from consumers and industry against any such action would be immediate and intense.

There is a tipping point between what we are willing to pay for goods, and the amount of opportunity that we are willing to sacrifice in exchange. For many, the shock to the system is already there. If you have been laid-off, or outsourced, or driven out of business; if the best job you can find is working at Walmart at minimum wage, you have already suffered the worse.

Substituting domestic production for imported stuff provides both new jobs and investment opportunities. We can not continue to run with the current level of trade deficit, and China and the rest of the world, are not going to allow us to continue to live and consume by fiat. We once gave up all domestic goods to fight WWII, and I am sure that we can do that again to rebuild a strong and industrious nation.

Sooner, or later, we are going to be forced to return to domestic production. Our creditors, and our own domestic workforce will take us there. A store shelf, whether empty or full, means nothing unless you have means to purchase. We will simply have to consume our raw materials and once again become, what we once were, and still have the potential to be.

[steampower]

You have written a very concise condensation of ideas I've been expressing here and elsewhere. Some things to bear in mind though:

It took Pearl Harbor to get our economy on a wartime footing, although we had been drifting in that direction for several years.

And, there was existing, though under-utilized, industrial capacity and a skilled workforce already in existence when needed.

Of course I suppose that every "big-box" store might quickly become industrial space, but those skilled workers...where do we get them and their machines from? China?

[David75]

She whined that she had to drive 2-1/2 hours to work each way and could barely make ends meet on her minimum wage job

I think that says it all. I find it hard to believe that the closest minimum wage job is 2-1/2 hours away.

[lonevoice]

Thanks for the ping. Wouldn't it be nice if Washington State could make the news once in awhile for something other than its whackos? I got a newsletter from KTRW 970 AM today regarding a guest they're having on tomorrow. It says we're going to be shocked to hear about some proposed legislation that could bankrupt many small businesses in Washington. I have no idea what it's about, but am sure curious.

[ARCADIA]

but those skilled workers...where do we get them and their machines from? China?

Most of the people are sitting right under our noses. Millions of unemployed/underemployed Aerotech, IS, high tech workers, along with highly skilled factory workers, new generations of graduates, and many, many newcomers. This can be converted into a chance to replace the old rust belt with a brand new, innovative, and highly competitive supply chain. Its time to give our whacky environmentalist, and our treasonous self-serving globalist, a well deserved kick in the behind; Now is time to get on with the process of rekindling domestic prosperity and innovation.

[<1/1,000,000th%]

Does this mean they're going to quit paying union dues because of the union's indifference to student education and adding to "public assistance burdens in our state and across the nation?"

[Polyxene]

"At 80, the grandmother most likely has a part-time job. Most part-time jobs do not offer benefits."

Granny doesn't need benefits, she is collecting Social Security and Medicare, compliments of the dem-lib-socialists and our tax dollars!

[Polyxene]

And don't forget all of the "fundraisers". Kids are knocking on my door every week trying to sell something! SHEESH!

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

1 box Ziploc bags (boys)gallon sized or (girls)quart sized

Why do they need Ziploc bags and why do boys need bags 4 sizes bigger than girls?