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Politics : Formerly About Applied Materials -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Katherine Derbyshire who wrote (24988)	10/7/1998 10:21:00 AM
From: Joseph Beltran	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 70976

Katherine, I generally agree with your views regarding protectionism. However, it is very infuriating to see countries like Japan and S. Korea routinely employ absolutely ridiculous barriers and obstacles in order to maintain their trade surpluses and protect domestic industries. And our so called "trade representatives" can't seem to do a darn thing about it. I recently read that in s. korea the purchaser of a foreign vehicle (in excess of a certain $ value) is automatically placed on an "audit list". talk about a dis-incentive to buy a foreign product! regards

To: Katherine Derbyshire who wrote (24988)	10/7/1998 9:03:00 PM
From: Big Bucks	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 70976

Katherine, Unfortunately, the equation comes down to "survival of the fittest" (and smartest) concerning the potential global impact on the US economy. When faced with few good choices, one is usually forced to choose the "lesser of two evils". The choices as I see them are: 1. Founder around without a rudder, and risk being dashed on the rocks by global economic circumstance due to ineffective/waffling leadership unable to control the imbalance of trade, while potential profits that could be made by US producers go overseas. The repercussions would be deflation, job loss, economic chaos/business closings, loss of productivity, and general social upheaval as was present during the 80's and early 90's. Also a weak/diminished US would just make the global economic problems worse, since the US wouldn't be importing as much any way due to decreased wealth and reduced discretionary spending by consumers. 2. Take firm and decisive measures to insure the well being of US economic interests which would reduce the time required for global economic recovery. This would act as a secure economic base to help our trading partners to recover once they have gotten control of their economic problems. This is a time to show true global economic leadership and self control. It will be unpleasant but necessary, as most "cures" are. Just my opinion, BB