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Politics : View from the Center and Left

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To: S. maltophilia who wrote (540682)11/3/2025 1:27:47 AM
From: Gary Mohilner  Read Replies (1) of 540753
 
I agree with most of what you're saying. Our auto industry is a great example. As I understand it, most American brand named cars are really international and it makes sense. If we can upholster seats robotically, then make them here, but if it's being done manually, which I believe is the case, they bring them in from Mexico where the labor rates substantially lower.

I believe the American brand named cars are improving quality substantially, but the ones that continually lead on quality, reliability, etc. all sorts of foreign named manufacturers from all over the world.

A few decades ago I had the pleasure of attending a multi-day class with Dr. Deming, one of the people credited with teaching the Japanese after WWII about constant quality improvement and convincing them it was how we beat them in the war. I wish it were truly being used here in the way it is there. While the class was interesting and much that he taught true, much of what he said would be illegal in the Govt. as you simply can't buy whatever tool a mechanic wants, etc. Everything you purchase must be purchased through a supply system that buys from the lowest bidder. I'm reminded of the astronaut that said, how would you like to be sitting on top of a million parts that were each bought from the lowest bidder.

Govt. buyers try to drive the price down and don't care how long it takes if they achieve a further discount. It takes so long to buy computers that they're obsolete by the time a contract can be awarded. I suspect the cost of running Govt. procurements is far greater than if knowledgeable users were permitted to go out and get what's needed ASAP.

Gary
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