Check out today's WSJ for a really great story on trade problems, specifically these bogus international trade deals which our country's government has entered into during the past 15 years: ["Pain From Free Trade Spurs Second Thoughts"].
It is well worth the read. As is the chart accompanying the article, showing imports and exports over the years [the interactive online version of the WSJ has other charts such as foreign investment numbers and immigration]. Lastly, check out the jobs list which Alan Blinder believes are at risk - 30 million of them - over the next 10 to 20 years: computer programmers, telemarketers, computer system analysts, bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks, engineers, accountants, wielders, etc.
How are those 30 million folks going to live? Pay taxes? Invest? Etc.? This is amazing. In the end, the worst thing about this piece is the fact that by the time all those jobs are gone, all those free trade cultists will say, Ah jeepers, maybe I was wrong ... and everyone will be out of luck.
It is well worth the read. As is the chart accompanying the article, showing imports and exports over the years [the interactive online version of the WSJ has other charts such as foreign investment numbers and immigration]. Lastly, check out the jobs list which Alan Blinder believes are at risk - 30 million of them - over the next 10 to 20 years: computer programmers, telemarketers, computer system analysts, bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks, engineers, accountants, wielders, etc.
How are those 30 million folks going to live? Pay taxes? Invest? Etc.? This is amazing. In the end, the worst thing about this piece is the fact that by the time all those jobs are gone, all those free trade cultists will say, Ah jeepers, maybe I was wrong ... and everyone will be out of luck.
2 comments:
Hi Tony,
We CPA's are seeing a lot of outsourcing of accounting jobs now -- everything but financial audits which have to be performed on site. Even forensic work is going overseas. (I too am now doing outsourced accounting -- for a California-based client -- from my new office in beautiful, more affordable & less crowded CT.) They call them 'free marketeers' for a reason, you know. - Sue
Sue! It's so good to hear from you. I've missed chatting with you for awhile now. Welcome to New England. I know you will learn to love it although it isn't always sunny as Cali. Touch base via email soon when you get a chance. I'm at the same email.
Post a Comment