Why Trumps tweaking of NAFTA was a bad idea

[Quixote1818]

[empedocles]

1. traitortrump not into 'tweaking', prone to 'blunderbutting'

It's catching up to him.

[apkhgp]

2. Yes, he has to watch his back now

He was insecure during the 2016 election. These days that has grown much worse. Let us all keep a good thought.

[paleotn]

3. Demogorary on both sides. Why do cars cost roughly the same now as years ago, real dollar terms?

Intricate supply chain networks, certainly, but also....



And these guys...responsible for much of the reduced labor cost in modern vehicles...

I love Bernie, don't get me wrong, but instead of railing at NAFTA, China etc. on lost jobs, he should also be shouting death to robots and Lean Manufacturing techniques. But that doesn't play quite as well politically.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

4. Robots & Lean Manufacturing techniques are NOT going to die. Get used to it. Yesterday if not sooner

Shouting for them to die is as wise as commanding the sea to calm itself. It would be as successful as demanding that we go back to hand assembled vacuum tube radios.

It's not going to happen. It's not the problem. It's a solution and a good thing.

The problem is the inequality of distribution of wealth and income. Too much is concentrated in too few hands for the good of society. A civilization as powerful and capable as on that has robots and Lean manufacturing techniques is one that can afford health care for all and a roof over every head with clean water and comfort in old age.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

5. Why do cars cost roughly the same as before in real dollars? Two reasons

1) Real wages have been stagnant.

2) You get more car for the dollar: more fuel efficient, quieter, more horsepower, more features, better fit and finish. Power door locks, electronic door locks, digital door locks! Pretty much standard now, along with digital radio, USB ports, backup cameras, GPS navigation, better seat coverings. Air conditioning is standard.