Remember, it's not so much that we are being "overpowered" by any one nation, but we are actually WEAKENING ourselves while others are getting stronger. Through trade, we give approximately 20% of our spendable take-home pay to China by purchasing goods made there in Wal-Mart, 10% to Japan, 8% to Korea, 7% to Malaysia, and so on until we find ourselves only keeping about 20% of what we earn/spend here to support our own national economy. This is the oversimplified version of our trade deficit, and it is sky-rocketing out of control.

WW-III will be a war of money and economics - not one of bullets and weapons IMO. If it does become one of weapons - we WILL lose. We can't make enough weapons anymore to supply any decently-sized force. I don't really fear the nuclear confrontation so much as the invasion of "interpol" officers that come onto US soil to begin mining coal, iron ore, and our oil resources from the Gulf and Alaska to help support the monster-machine that China is becoming. Since they already hold $660-Billion/worth of our national treasury, all they have to do is start to call for their payments... if we can't repay them, them they have the rights to our assets as collateral. So... here comes the foreclosure squad. Imagine - we lost Yosemite National Park to China because we couldn't make the mortgage payment on it, so they send Korean and Soviet Interpol Soldiers to come and seize the asset.
100% absolutely a realistic possibility.

I see China holding the reins as the manufacturer of goods - as Robert said - and using that as clout to move towards economic rule of the world.

Nothing would ring louder in history books around the world - and especially in Asia - than for China to be the nation that brought down the biggest superpower the world has ever known.

 

What's the difference in buying an "XYZ-brand" pencil sharpner from the evil Wal-Mart versus Dollar General or Bob and Mary's Downtown Hdwe Co?

 

I kinda agree w/ Proudpony that the war, if it ever happens, will be economic. W/c I think is better than blood and bullets.

 

There is no difference if it still says "Made in China" on the container.
You need to look at the label as much as the name of the store.
Or do as others and I have done - do some research and find out what US makers produce the parts/items you are after, and then find out who stocks them. I have a standard set of suppliers I go to for clothes, shoes, car parts, etc that I have developed over the years. It takes some effort, but it's worth it to me.

 

Proud, is this something you'd be willing to share with others of us who are trying to take note of where things are made before buying? I've seen you mention Dexter shoes, IIRC. Any other good suggestions? I know New Balance, for example, still makes SOME shoes here, but they also make some overseas. Any time I go to DSW with the lady, I'll wander around looking at all the tags on the various shoe brands, which is rather depressing...

I've been to some "made in the usa dot com" websites which have been somewhat helpful, but some are not very well laid out.

Just thought I'd ask.

 

Proud,
Man I have been saying what you have said for the longest time. I dont know how many times I have had this argument with my dad about how the middle east is a huge threat. I always tell him China is more and bigger threat. Maybee not now but from what you have said so much better than I could its boils down to that.

Robert..WTF..I am not supposed to agree with you.
But yes also I agree with you. I think you two along with myself have the same idea of whats the world may be heading to. Kinda goes back something I blurted out a while ago, something to the point that Japan is doing it by our economy and china building up its military. Who was going to win first. Now Im not going into the whole thing again, you and Proud Pony both explained what I have been thinking and fearing all along. China is doing the same thing that made this country great it is having an industrial revolution at a time where it took us decades to acheive what we have its going to take China only years, just from shear size and our stabbing ourselves in the back. Imagine if Britan at the time was importing all thier good from the U.S. back then..damn we might be better off than we are now. but besides the point.
Two things..

I have always felt that China will test the waters with Tiawan. And if no one flinches I think they will go west. To the Middle East..rolling in there with not much opposition. Like you said 300 Million mobilized army against a middle east that is tearing itself apart. Hehe and they think they have a problem with Christians now. Hope the Middle East like Chinese Food. So you think China will go after oil feilds if they do become "military" in motives??
think its possible?

And the other thing is I always check to see if its made in the U.S.A.
Well went to Sears and had to buy a new Craftsman Utility Knife. I wasnt looking at the package till I opened it and I was shocked. Made in China..a Craftsman tool made in China?? so yes thats what else I fear were loosing like you said our ability to produce as a country. and all we will have left is farm land..and thats a tasty morsel on a large militant country to not look to have as part of thier empire.

 

Yeah Proud, some of US would love to see your list, what gives? While others could care less, IMO Caps put it quite accurately, we are in effect, stabbing ourselves in the back. I'm sure the military would love a ridgerunt instead of a Hummer........yeah right! I think we have many enemies in the world, who are all watching and waiting in the wings for US to implode, through our own stupidity, and short-sightedness, all to save a few bucks. You get what you pay for! And IIRC, china is already in the process of trying to drill for oil, off the Florida coast. After many attemps by American companies to do the same, were thwarted by the nymby's, and libs alike. We are pissing this country away, and are completely oblivious to it. We have it too good for our own good, I guess. We could never have won the past conflicts without the help of American industry! This country's people have their heads in a very dark place with no sunlight, from which, I'm affraid they'll never retrieve it

 

sad thing is we need a wake up call. I guess 9/11 was not enough. I'm not saying that in a mean way or anything. But after 9/11 if felt like you were living in a country that was proud of who you were we were united. Now its like seeing a movie and its fast food entertainment. Were back to being selfish again. The values that made this country great are being lost or shipped over seas or done by other countries.
Seriously the U.S. needs a wake up call. Economically or emotionaly to fianlly say hey wake up were the new "Rome" here and guess what it is burning.

 

I must admit I haven't read the entire thread but the title compelled me to write to offer my 2c...

Toyota have momentum. The media also appear to be Toyota friendly. Obviously the market is very competitive but the only way GM can get themselves out of the hole is to offer better product. Once the customer gains confidence with GM products it will translate into repeat business.

All that requires a sound business plan. GM must rid itself of a somewhat stodgy image... one of a car company that's stuck in the 80s. I have confidence in the upcoming product and I like where GM are headed but they might have to take a step back in order to progress forward. At the end of the day, the customer wants good product they can be proud to own, not merely proud to drive American.

 

SSbaby,

Thats what were seeing right now. GM has taken the step back. They have the plan to right the ship and I think its just the time frame of getting back to the good graces of the customers. It I really think started in 2003 when you started seeing great product come out. Not alot but I think it started there and were seeing the start of the big push right now to see if GM can get it in the right direction for good.

 

I agree, and it was a wake up call for many of US, but unfortuanely not enough, most of US are still snoooozzing away. I can recall a time before 9/11, when I was worried about the country. But right after, we had kids on the street here, holding up candles and flags in support of this country, in light of this terrible tragedy. And I'm talking kids, and people in general from all walks of life, ie punk kids, rap kids, stoner kids and just all people were united. I remember thinking wow, maybe we'll be alright after all. It gave me a renewed hope for America. But then, it didn't take long, for the dnc to put their friends in the press, and the usual loudmouthes in the gov't into action, and (very effectively, I might add) divide this country at the seams. So I have to dissagree with anyone who says, all GM has to do is make the product. IMHO they are currently making the product, but the press will never let up, they will continue to take their potshots at GM (no matter how good their product becomes), and the regular people (sheep) will continue to buy yota because that's what the press says is good. They will continue to sing the praise of the almighty yota no matter what. They won't talk about the hybrid busses GM has, or really anything positive they do. It will be a constant up hill battle for GM, this press problem. That's one of the many reasons I despise the press, I pray the slimes goes out of business. The dinosaur media has been losing their market share for some time now, and maybe this is a sign of renewed hope for the future of America. I will continue to spread the word about these scoundrels, and hope that I can wake up a few people. One thing is for sure, I pray to GOD, it doesn't take another 9/11 or worse to wake up this sleeping giant, before it's too late!

 

Cool, and thanks for the reply. I've been throwing around the "Evil Wal-Mart" stuff around in my head and reading up a little bit just trying to learn more about the issue. Last week my roomie and I intentionally bought our groceries at a local owned store rather than the usual SuperCenter. It was about 10-15 honest dollars more as I figured. But maybe its worth it.

 

It is worth it. And you know thats what makes it worth it. you buy from stores that cary american goods you get more back in return of helping this country. Like Isaid before if its just pennies after all is said and done well pennies add up. Problem is companies that are here are facing a big problem like GM they have great products but have to pay a fair wage since it is made in the U.S.A.. Just wish it was more well known about getting the U.S. to buy what is needed here in the U.S. instead of to China or some other country. Were loosing our way of life and the middle class is slowly becomming the working poor.

 

Well I fall into the catagory of the lower middle class And co-run a small business with my 67-year old Dad, so its obviously something that bears on me because it affects me. When furnature companies move to China, I have less market to sell to. When automakers move these lil plants to Mexico, its one less of My product they'll need. And its one more household living week-to-week that will have to find work elsewhere. But if it all leaves, where ELSE can a man work??

 

graham..I too am in the same boat in the same way. If things go under I am screwed..
all Ican say is..I guess we gotta practice..

"Want fries with that??"

joking but you know its a huge possibility??