NYC Transit workers should be fired 812

Sure, but the market has changed. Now, American engineers have to deal with the low wages and cost of living available in 3rd world countries - a cost of living that is low simply because the people don't expect the amenities that we have grown accustomed to.

To what benefit is it to discourage Americans from learning science and engineering and computer skills? Taken to its logical conclusion, the technical jobs will eventually all be overseas. Then what of the US? Will it be populated with plumbers and electricians, all doing things for each other, but innovating nothing and manufacturing nothing? How will there be prosperity under these conditions?

I read an account of a foreign helpdesk person that was totally baffled by the interference caused by a washer or dryer in someone's house, since they didn't any of them have such a thing in their own houses. I'm just extrapolating from that.

Its not better when its raw money that keeps you alive or avoids your dying of gangrene, or losing a limb, because you can't afford the trip to the doctor for the "little nick" that goes untreated.

Materialism means comfort - heating, air conditioning, and entertainment - TVs, VCRs, trips to movies, traveling vacations. Yeah, I value that a lot. Discomfort and boredom are the alternatives.

But then, of course, wages spiral downward from compebreastion from people that aren't used to making much money, and everybody starts getting paid a fraction of what they were if they're in the US, or more than they were used to if they were in a 3rd world country. When the engineers and scientists start getting paid the same as the plumbers, electricians, and HVAC guys, what will be the incentive to go out and get a 4 year degree just to get paid the same? Crank in the cost of the degree, and over a lifetime it would be a net loss.

I don't think America can afford to let that happen. If that happens, then we will encourage people doing less-send jobs, and will therefore wind up with a population of less-send people.

I think it's a great way to bring America down to the level of a 3rd world country.

The role of the government should be to promote the well being of US citizens to the greatest extent of its power. That includes such public welfare programs as are necessary and affordable, as well as protecting our greatest advantages which are, in part, an educated and innovative citizenship.

Why, if the attainment of scientific and engineering and other technical education is not proportionally rewarded, should we expect the economy, which is built in part on the technical capabilities of its citizens, to continue to be compebreastive in a world market?

Dave Head