I agree with you on principle but sadly that is not necessarily the practice. I do not have to mention the low wages, poor treatment, lack of sanitation, long hours, lack of human rights, etc in the labor force in countries U.S. businesses are relocating to. We can never compete with that because our labor force would never return to working under those conditions and our laws would prohibit it here. Yet the quality of the work is just as good if not better overseas. When it comes to the more technical positions, there is no question that some countries are beginning to corner the market on qualified workers and due to the cost of living, will never have to pay the same labor wages there as here in the states. Until the human factor is realized there will not a resounding return of business to the U.S. When sales slack off because customers are tired of not understanding the customer support technician on the phone or products are returned and sales stop when customers cannot communicate with the customer support personnel in other countries then business will be returned to the U.S. or another country where English is the primary language. That only pertains to customers in the U.S., however as a U.S. citizen that is my primary concern right now. Not until living conditions improve in competitive countries and the salary wages increase accordingly will it be cost effective for businesses to return. Not until the government provides incentives. I could go on and on an on. As long as it makes good business sense to move overseas it will continue to occur. I understand that quite well, I am afraid that nothing is being done about it here in the states.


>Tracy,
>No problem. Don't mind lurkers... so long as they play well with others!
>
>Regardless of your position on the topic, outsourcing is a hot button this election year. It could just evaporate like so many others, or it could become a benchmark against which the Nov. 2 winner will be held accountable.
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>Workers would love to hear that their jobs are protected, but don't you have to question if that's good for business in the long run? Doesn't keeping jobs here merely to support Americans prevent competition, limiting business potential? Especially if we admit, as we assuredly must, that we haven't cornered the market on intelligence, hard work, or business acumen.
>
>If American workers have to compete against the rest of the world's workforce, doesn't that make us stay on our toes, ultimately bettering ourselves, the business employing us, and the global economy? Sadly, maybe we're not ready to think that way yet but I have a feeling we're gonna have to learn... and the sooner the better.
>
>---J
>
>>Sorry for lurking :o) but I agree with you. However, the key will be getting the government to create incentives for businessess to continue to operate inside the U.S. and hire from within. Incentives that will outweigh any rewards for moving outside the U.S. (or whatever country we are referring to) That probably won't happen anytime soon and in the meantime...