[Number 3]

Ok, here is the fundamental question. Macro economics says that the highest quality, lowest cost producer wins.

Is anyone in America willing to work for $40 per week?

I thought not. Therefore since America can never be (at least in my life time) competitive with China labor.........or Japanese and Chinese manipulated currency, what should we do?

Not for forcing the issue or protectionism, but the global economy will kick us in the pants until we either a) become so efficient that the costs are neurtalized or b) we let our labor rates drop significantly.

Germans buy German stuff made buy Germans. Walmart couldn't make it in Germany. When I was there a couple of years ago I asked why the Walmart was empty. "Closed.....Germans don't buy cheap stuff, they buy good stuff". It's just a mentality.

So good thread and good conversation.

And by the way, GM market share on the coasts drops to near 10% from the 40 plus % in the heartland. Explain that.............I can't.