[jamaksin]

Or, consider, where is the next generation of machinists, tool-and-die makers, ..., etc., coming from?

We have eaten our seed corn!

[jonrick46]

"We have eaten our seed corn!"

The socialistic system only receives its wealth from the hard work of its citizens. Much of that wealth is funneled out of the system through graft and corruption. Such an economic system is one of failure because it does nothing to generate new wealth and individual effort. Such an economic system will devalue its own currency to cover the costs of big government (and corruption). It will oppress its citizenry to reduce those costs which will kill individual initiative. All these forces (and more) will kill the government that these legislative leaches put all of their energies trying to grow. They will work at their own demise, like rats feeding on the seed corn that grows a nation's future.

That's why I call these denizens DemonRATS for good reason.

[familyop]

"Or, consider, where is the next generation of machinists, tool-and-die makers, ..., etc., coming from?"

Parts will come from the very few American men who defy the bipartisan NIMBY/HOA queens by maintaining technical hobbies in their own shops and teaching younger folks. When dire enough needs are realized, families currently involved in business, government and academia should not expect those parts to be cheap.