We could import teachers, and if they are better teachers, I say import them. And yes, it would be protectionist of the union to fight that. I don't like the teachers union- although I pay them, because I feel I have to. But in many areas their thinking and my thinking diverge. If we could get class ratios down, and have better educated students because we imported, than import.
I see no point in protectionism- except in vital national defense core areas. We need a food supply;we need energy;we need defense supplies. Aside from those bare bones areas, we should pick some areas where we can compete, and where we can succeed- and we should channel our resources. Because any other route is going to be doomed to failure.
If protectionism worked, I would be all for it. But it doesn't, especially not for a country as dependent on imports as we are. We are at the mercy of the world- and not the other way around. We just don't all realize that yet.
You feel for the workers. I see that. I feel for them too- but I understand that the problems in the job market are not to be resolved quickly, and certainly not by protectionist legislation. You give the workers of the country false hope if you let them think their jobs will come back because of protectionism. It might save a few near term, but the long term results would be devastating to our economy, and our work force. |
