Blogcritics Comments on The Hole In The Whole

Comment by Dave Nalle on The Hole In The Whole

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:18:12 EDT

Bliffle seems to have spewed some amazing misinformation on this thread. Maurice and Clavos cleared up most of the factual errors, but I have to point out that his fantasy of historically balanced trade is just that. The US has always, throughout its history been a nation with an economy driven by imports of both raw materials and manufactured goods. The one period where that was not true was in the period immediately leading up to the Great Depression. Dave

Comment by Clavos on The Hole In The Whole

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:04:39 EDT

"We simply import much more than we export." Since the overvalued dollar began to normalize, that particular balance has begun to swing rapidly in the other direction.

Comment by bliffle on The Hole In The Whole

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 11:37:08 EDT

International trade generally works to our disadvantage, as a country, tho it benefits numerous narrow segments of the economy. We simply import much more than we export. We've supported that policy since WW2 as a form of foreign subsidization in the belief that it is better to have international trade than international war. "World peace through World Trade". It's been a known and conscious US policy for over 60 years. For example, to rebuild Japan all US patents were suspended for Japan, resulting in floods of cheap Japanese copies of existing US products in the 40s and 50s.

Comment by Maurice on The Hole In The Whole

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:42:58 EDT

bliffle - awfully flippant answers to questions that should be better examined: The obvious answer is to withdraw from excessive international trade. The only obious thing here is your lack of understanding concerning international markets. Micron is the last U.S. manufacturer of DRAM. China is our biggest customer. If we only sold to U.S. customers we would soon be purchased by Samsung. US corporate taxes are comparatively low, so that is not the problem. I've posted this before. Note those taxes are in thousands of dollars. EPA regs are weak and easy to work around, so that isn't the problem. EPA regulations are very expensive for a company like Micron that has level 10 clean rooms and requires millions of gallons of 'clean' water. We have an entire building full of people dedicated to complying with EPA regulations.

Comment by STM on The Hole In The Whole

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 01:48:34 EDT

Ah but Clav, that's not how it works, mate. The greenback is still the currency against which others are measured. It is still the benchmark. The Euro might be strong, but the US dollar is still the benchmark. Today, $A1 will buy you 60 Euro cents. $US1 will buy you about 65 Euro cents. $US1 can be exchanged today for $A1.07. All about the same, really, and I haven't noticed much of a difference from last September (when I was over there) on the $A rate against the Euro, but the $A will certainly buy more $US currency these days. And compare today's rate to that of about six years ago, when I got between 55-65 cents US. I can tell you I wasn't too happy on one overseas trip, where I had to pay accommodation in Fiji in US dollars a few days after a spectacular fall by the Aussie.

Comment by Clavos on The Hole In The Whole

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 01:20:55 EDT

"and the value of our dollar is going up. It's now at near-parity with the greenback" Though the Aussie dollar may be increasing in value as you say, Stan, the fact that it is now at near parity to the Greenback doesn't confirm that. Is the Upside-down dollar increasing against other currencies as well? The EU, e.g.?

Comment by STM on The Hole In The Whole

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:14:45 EDT

OK troll, but prices are rising here too ... and the value of our dollar is going up. It's now at near-parity with the greenback, but a basket of groceries still costs a bit more at the supermarket than it did a few years ago when the Aussie was comparitively weak. It's not the respective dollars that are causing this, however, and when you factor in wage growth and CPI increases it's still not too bad. The thing that kills us here is interest rates. Our economy is so strong, we have underlying inflation of 2-3 per cent and the govt and the Reserve Bank are trying to slow it down. One of the Bank's tricks is interest rate rises to discourage us from spending. My mortgage payment has gone up $500 a month in the past 12 months, and unlike the US, we can't claim it on our tax. My point is, even if the US dollar had remained at its historically strong levels, the same thing would be happening at the supermarket regardless. A few years back, our dollar was quite weak against the greenback, but it didn't make any difference locally on a basket of groceries. Goods still cost the same ... it's only when you venture across the borders that things start going awry, and especially when you bought imported goods from overseas. But like I say, it works both ways and you can buy a US-built car in Oz now, and at a reasonable price whereas a few years back the exchange rate made it prohibitive.

Comment by troll on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 23:26:57 EDT

*It will still buy as much as it ever did*...not exactly - prices are rising here surfer dude hypo-thesis: forcing down the value of the dollar by flooding the market with them through the overly liberal use of the printing press has led to inflated prices at the supermarket... (add the growing transportation costs and an egg is getting pretty expensive)

Comment by STM on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 23:12:40 EDT

Good points bliff. Maurice and co aren't getting this ... Tax? EPA? What, so other western countries with strong economies don't have these, but still manage to remain competitive and are creating jobs rather than losing them? Many are far more restrictive in tax and environmental protection terms than the US. No, it's all about the manufacturing/exports sectors, silly, and the high value of the dollar making America uncompetitive, and big problem is the concept that you can make wealth by shuffling around of bits of paper on the stockmarkets of NYC and London instead of by actually making/growing/producing stuff in the US and selling it at a profit like you used to. So much bollocks, so little time.

Comment by bliffle on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 22:53:11 EDT

"How can we resist this when our own country wants to tax the crap out of us and punish us with EPA regulations?" The obvious answer is to withdraw from excessive international trade. US corporate taxes are comparatively low, so that is not the problem. EPA regs are weak and easy to work around, so that isn't the problem.

Comment by STM on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 22:31:34 EDT

Maurice: Corporations in America actually get a much better deal in tax terms than they do in other developed western countries, most of which have managed to keep a fair bit of their manufacturing sector competitive, whilst still paying good wages. Many US industries are propped up by tariffs and subsidies, which was partly the result of them being unable to compete because of the high value of the dollar (one day Americans will work out that having the world's strongest currency isn't a good thing if you plan to export and want to make money by doing stuff other than having perpetually nervous yuppies in pin-striped suits shuffling bits of paper on Wall St). The real answer to this is to have the dollar at a lower level on the world's currency markets, and to manufacture quality goods (which is what the US is still good at), and sell them overseas. That is, as everyone knows, how the US became the world's wealthiest country in the first place. Also, if companies pay higher wages, it means US consumers can buy American-made rather than buying from China or South America, which also stimulates the slowed-down US economy. Some countries and overseas consumers now might actually be able to afford to buy them - thast's what stuffed you in the first place: it was more attractive to buy from elsewhere. Plus, US corporations, interested only in the shareholders' bottom line and the jobs of the multi-million-dollar-earning executives (too often at the expense of good and loyal workers, who are actually the people who do really make the money for a corporation), have been moving manufacturing and service sectors off shore at a rate of knots for the past 2 decades. All about the bottom line, again. I say, bring it all back, pay decent wages, create jobs for Ameericans tied and tie pay and conditions to productivity and quality, and keep the dollar low so that you can sell once again around the world. But if you are looking for someone to blame, it's not the government in this case. It's the big corporations and the greed-merchants on Wall St who need to carry the can for much of what's gone on. While they're earning the big bucks, the jobs and pay of the little people don't mean squat, and that's part of the "I'm alright Jack, bugger you" malaise currently afflicting the US. And here's a thing about American manufactred (produced, grown, or made) goods: quality NEVER goes out of style, and if it's good enough, and can be bought at a reasonable price, people will buy it. Where I live, American cars haven't been on the roads since the 1960s, expect for the odd brand. They are now back here and competing nicely thanks to the falling dollar, and Detroit is making a big push to feel the water against the local manufacturers. Considering that Australia and New Zealand drive on the left-hand side, and our cars are all right-hand drive, that means a considerable expense to retool, but they are doing it. It might not seem much when you only see a few hundred US-built cars on the roads every day among many, many thousands, but it's a start and it's the way all US companies should going. At least Detroit has been smart enough to pick up the ball and run with it instead of whingeing about what the US government isn't doing for them. Just remember too: all the wailing and gnashing of teeth over the falling dollar really meanas diddly squat except to the collective ego of the US as the dollar falls against the Euro. But it won't make any difference to Americans at the supermarket unless they're buying luxury goods from overseas. It will still buy as much as it ever did. BUY AMERICAN instead.

Comment by STM on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 22:09:06 EDT

DD: "I was wondering why you re-posted a comment you'd made several hours ago". Because he's turned into a prize-gibberer like some of the other posters?? :)

Comment by Dr Dreadful on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 21:35:19 EDT

Just deleted your dupes, Clav. I was wondering why you re-posted a comment you'd made several hours ago. The comments thing is being a bit weird today. To the point where Chris gave up in frustration and went to bed early! No problems this end, though (so far) so behave yourself! ;-)

Comment by Clavos on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 21:25:55 EDT

Maurice, I was relocated periodically all during the 30 years I worked in the airline industry in order to follow (keep) my job. I was the company's troubleshooter, sent to correct problems in stations that had declined; when I was done with one, I would be sent to the next, etc. My wife and I never had any problem with that; we weren't the only ones in the industry who were moved around, and we always regarded it as an adventure and an opportunity to get to know a new place. We were never sent to another country (I was, short term, several times), but would have gone had we been asked. I actually asked to be transferred permanently overseas on more than one occasion.

Comment by Maurice on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 18:15:28 EDT

bliffle #37 - I never said I wanted subsidies. I said other countries are willing to subsidize corporations while the U.S. taxes theirs out of existence. Just pointing out the contrast between the policies of the U.S. vs. the pro business attitude in Asia. Here is my quote: "How can we resist this when our own country wants to tax the crap out of us and punish us with EPA regulations?" Can you answer that question?

Comment by bliffle on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 17:25:12 EDT

Maurice, bliffle #31 - Not at all. I would prefer government to be neutral to business. But you're arguing for US subsidies for your industry.

Comment by Maurice on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 16:06:00 EDT

Clavos, no kids? We have 5 and the oldest (as you and I have discussed) is severely mentally and physically handicapped. Youngest is now 16 and I can see the day when we will be empty nesters and free to live where ever life takes us. My wife is very open minded to travel and has enjoyed our many moves. I agree with you that the idea of a gypsy lifestyle can be fun.

Comment by Clavos on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 15:21:49 EDT

Comment by Maurice on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 13:49:20 EDT

Clavos #27 - I have been designing semiconductors for 26 years and have worked in Hong Kong in the past. Soon my wife and I are going to be empty-nesters and could follow the job overseas. Les #28 - Not sure what your point is. When I worked for Intel in the early 80's we did all of our R&D work locally but all production manufacturing was done overseas. Are you saying Intel produced parts locally? If so I was not aware of it. I will confess I did not work for Intel long and am primarily a bipolar linear guy. Dave #30 - Spot on! That is precisely why I made the earlier comment "...we have continued to move to the left when the rest of the world is moving more to the right (economically)." bliffle #31 - Not at all. I would prefer government to be neutral to business. troll #32 - It is not too late for the U.S. to reverse its policies against manufacturing.

Comment by Rob J (San Fran/Chic) on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 12:29:33 EDT

"Realist" did a fine job of sharing some thought opinions. "Realist" lays a path of thought to ponder. Even if partially true, "Realist" conveys numerous angles with forthright impressions. I say good job. But, I also connect with, let's say, about 1/3 of the material and 1/4 of the logic. Thx. acommonthought rob j>

Comment by troll on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 09:10:12 EDT

I only hope that when companies like Micron go off chasing the logic of maximized profit (don't let the door catch you on the ass) they leave their production facilities here in reasonable good shape...less problems for the co-operatives come the 'take'

Comment by bliffle on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 05:22:48 EDT

"Korea will build a wafer foundry for my company and provide us with water and power for ten years if we will agree to employ their people." This describes a business nanny-state. Is this what you want for the USA? Should the USA provide such facilities for Ford to compete with Acura?

Comment by Dave Nalle on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 04:44:53 EDT

Maurice, it sounds like Hong Kong is heeding the lesson of the fantastic economic turnaround in Ireland. Apparently the French are looking at cutting back corporate taxes as well. It's sad when the US lags behind such traditionally anti-business countries because of head-in-the-sand thinking like that displayed by Les. If we destroy our entire manufacturing base, as seems to be the goal of the left and of those who place the compensation of workers ahead of actually having JOBS for those workers, then we're going to be left with all our eggs in the development/management/services basket, moving even more towards a society divided between the technolocratic elite and a mass of service industry peons. Dave

Comment by Les Slater on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 00:28:18 EST

The 8085 was nmos not cmos. Japan was already becoming a powerhouse in cmos which dominated much of digital technology in the coming decades.

Comment by Les Slater on The Hole In The Whole

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 00:20:15 EST

"We are the last U.S. manufacturer of DRAM memory." I am not personally familiar with Micron. I am sure they have a good handle on quality but this wasn't always true of U.S. companies. There was a point in the late 70's through at least the 80's that if you wanted quality in large scale CMOS semiconductors you would go to Japan and then Korea. This was true with memory and even uProcessors. There was a time when I took Intel off the approved list for their 8085. NEC could make them to Intel's spec but Intel couldn't. Price had nothing to do with it. It was quality. Intel offered a work-around and changed the spec but never fixed the part. It was the engineering, quality and production competence that first moved to Japan and then elsewhere. This was based on them developing the infrastructure including in education. It had nothing to do with high wages or taxes. There is still quite a bit of engineering excellence in the U.S. but HP changing its research focus as it has done in the last couple of days does not bode well for the future.