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Originally Posted by stratman
Actually there is a good chance it isn't. Money coming back to an American company from a foreign made product isn't the same as a product produced in America and the money going to an American Company. As has been stated many times the Camaro is probably half import when you look at the development and eventual production. We can't go back to an isolationist mentality. That’s why we’ve been playing catch-up the last 15 or 20 years.
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Not quite on the Camaro part...50% is a stretch. Perhaps by volume, but not value. Still, the fact is that GM designed it, made it, and sells it...where, I don't care because it's all GM. And GM is so tightly routed in this country, the whole car could be made in China and we'd still see that little prick of benefit.
Anyways, I don't think there's been any significant isolationism in the past decades. Instead, and more likely...the direct opposite has been and is currently happening. We're taking part in the fluffy, everybody's a winner, "Global Economy". Yet....as most other developed countries are securing their place in the market...safeguarding their workers, companies, and economies...we're whoring ourselves out under this misguided belief that we are in this perfect, non-manipulated "free" market...we are blind to the wrongs that are being done to us...either that or we don't care. The auto Industry is just a part of this...a big part.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stratman
I do think we are in agreement here. I just believe that as long as illegal practices are not being used all is fair in business. If you are being out done by a competitor you right the ship or perish. I just don't believe in rewarding poor business(be it bad product, bad advertising, loss of touch with customers or just bad business practices). And to be clear these opinions are purely about buying American just to buy American.
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Then, by that philosophy, instituting mild protectionist policies is "all fair in business".
Did you know that the Japanese government funded the majority to 100% of the Prius hybrid system? (exactly how much is unclear) That's why Toyota can sell it for so little compared to other hybrids...has the Prius given Toyota a competitive edge??
...the fact that it's a Toyota and a Prius isn't the point. The point is that countries' governments are supporting their Industries. They are doing everything they can to prop them up because they seem to understand that they're important...and we here in America are shunning our companies because they can't keep afloat of the flood we're causing. I love my country to death, but we've got our priorities frikin' mixed up.