You're discounting the affects of reality TV. I can't beleive how hypnotized the mob becomes with "Idol" and "Apprentice", "Pimp my Ride", "Cribs" evun the "Superbowl". We've giving up:). We have accepted the fact that we are doomed to be be mindless muggles, so, insteading of improving our lot, we vicariously swoon away the time in the TV dream-share of the rich and famous.

We've become "Lotto Nation":)

>Yeah but at least you have high quality entertainment while you wait for the dole check; Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Jackass, to many to name. And all those fundamentaists! Who could want for more? ;)
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>>Hi John,
>>
>>I'd say the pressures are there, but somewhat less. Mainly because we have less here by far in the first place.
>>
>>There was an interesting twist that came to light a couple of months ago... a "software house" allegedly advertisibg heavily in the states (U.S.) and claiming 200+ employees actually had less than 10 people here, the balance being somewhere in India. As far as I know, they are still operating.
>>
>>There certainly have been manufacturing movements to Mexico and China. Some to Central America too. My brother-in-law, doing IT for a manufacturer of about 50 people with WalMart as their main customer, was let go when the manufacturing part (40+ of the people) had the equipment shipped to China.
>>Non-manufacturing is harder to gauge because such actions are kept much more quiet here than in the U.S. But I've gotta believe that banks and insurance companies are at least dabbling in it.
>>
>>I figure it's just a matter of time before auto manufacturing is moved to China (the big ones are already established there, making cars/trucks for the 'local market'). If that happens it will surely be the start of full 'third world' status for Canada, with the U.S. right behind us. All in the name of shareholder profits!
>>
>>cheers
>>
>>>Jim,
>>>
>>>How are things in Canada? Do you see the same offshoring pressure?
>>>
>>>Regards
>>>
>>>j.R