Unlevel Playing Field

Best I can figure by compiling several sources, I can deduce that the workers in Chinese factories make around $1.00 per hour (this is rounded up to the nearest dollar, but sources vary from 44 cents per hour to 83 cents per hour) before overtime in factored in (whatever that means in China). Some sources make a point to state how much worse the rates are in places like Mexico or Indonesia, but being most goods I see at our local stores are Chinese, I'll pick on them specifically.

I can't say whether $1.00 per hour is considered a decent wage there, but that aside, it does go to illustrate a fundamental problem with our trade policies. Some call it free trade – that basically we put a minimal level of restrictions on what comes in or out, but I think we should have placed one huge restriction on incoming trade a long time ago. Fact is, businesses in the United States are required to pay their employees a certain “minimum wage,” and other countries may not have such a standard, or their standard is far below ours.

Now I know people can cry foul because the cost of living is simply not at high in those countries, but I simply see that as the main disadvantage we're facing today. If companies in other countries were required to pay at least the U.S. idea of minimum wage to their workers, we would probably still manufacture a great deal of these products here at a competitive price. Of course, we can't just change this now – I'm pretty sure that would spell disaster. It is important, however, to recognize a major flaw in our trade policy and remember it as we move on to the future.

I seriously believe that our nation would be in a better position today, at least economically, if we had made a few key decisions differently. In 1935, the federal government instituted the nation's first federal minimum wage standards. At that time, it is my belief that we should have insisted any company desiring to sell products in the U.S. pay that wage and prove it to the federal government in order to be permitted the right to sell it here. If this had happened, and been adhered to even half of the time, not only would we have forced the improvement of living standards in those countries, but we would have kept prices consistent with that which manufacturers in the U.S. can compete – keeping jobs here in the U.S.

I'm sure enforcing this would have been a nightmare in the 30s, but today I imagine it would be relatively easy (not that it would be without problems or cost).

Again, I wouldn't advise trying to implement this today, considering we have so little real manufacturing left in this country. What we would be left with is a bunch of super expensive import products and no American-made options. That, and our trading partners would be really pissed off.

Anyway, just thought I'd use a little lunacy to help illustrate what I think to be one of the fundamental reasons why the U.S. is hurting today in the global economy. Come back tomorrow to read the second part of this ongoing ramble.

Haven't Had a Lot to Say, Huh?

No, I guess I haven't. In the last couple of weeks, I have found time to win Fallout: New Vegas, siding with the NCR. I have since started playing again, but this time I'm choosing a more neutral, self-centered approach. I also got started into a round of an RP game called Classic Country Capital, but oddly have found that I haven't the time for it like I used to, what with our son's home schooling, work, and other things (aka family).

Last week, for instance, I was presented the opportunity to see my brother. He came to Cincinnati from the St Louis area for an overnight visit before departing northward to visit with our Dad and sisters in Bellefontaine. I hadn't seen him in 20 years, and have come to the realization that I've missed a lot having so little contact with the rest of the family. So, as might be expected of me, many alcoholic beverages were consumed and enjoyed. Fortunately, very little in the way of “side effects” were experienced the following day, and all told, it was a very pleasant, informative visit.

Following my brother's visit, my wife and I were permitted the luxury of a child-free weekend, thanks to her parents. Whilst they took him to Toledo to visit family there, my wife and I went to a car show downtown and enjoyed some movie madness via Netflix. “Angels & Demons,” “The Pledge,” “2012,” and “Surrogates” were among the featured titles, and those along with generous doses of amaretto made for a pleasant weekend that involved surprisingly very little computer time and oddly early bedtimes (for me, anyway).

So I guess what I'm getting at is that I've been busy doing other things, and while a few things have suffered, such as my blog writing, I feel like I've actually done something for a change. Not that I necessarily intend to make a habit of that – geesh, that would ruin my reputation!

Super Bowl Sunday

Well folks, I have come to realize (purely by accident, I assure you) that today is special for many Americans in that, at 6:30 PM (eastern), American football's biggest game of the year will begin. I'm kinda glad that I won't need to go anywhere this afternoon, as I know fully well that the stores will be packed with people purchasing those last-minute items for their parties, and lets not forget the bar hoppers and other crazies that will be out on the streets.

I'm not really a fan of football – never really have been. I only went to the games in high school because it gave me a good excuse to not be at home – that, and the cheerleaders, I suppose (although I would never have had a chance with any of them). I went to a pro game with my Dad a couple years ago, but I think even he realizes that I went because it was an opportunity to see him, not because football is of any particular concern or interest to me.

I haven't quite figured out what the allure is with football, honestly, except that it is a good cause for people to get together and drink a lot of alcohol... which, of course, I'm perfectly OK with if those people don't have to drive anywhere afterward. That said, I can hang out with people and drink alcohol without having sports of any kind be involved – but I guess I'm just kinda weird like that.

So, whilst the game rages, I will likely be immersed in the Fallout world, pausing only so long as to laugh at a few commercials here and there. My so-called “New Vegas Bowl” shall feature the forces of the New California Republic and Caesar's Legion, and I'll be fighting on the side of the NCR.

Resistance is futile.

I hope everyone enjoys today's entertainment. I'm sure I'll hear all about it tomorrow at work.