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Paul in Mich
01-30-2005 12:27:17
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Re: OT: Setting a good example in reply to Jay (ND), 01-30-2005 06:59:46
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Jay, YOu make a good point. Government specifications, through beauratic morass and non-accountability, create a situation for which manufacturers are forced to build components that do not conform to normal industry standards, are over kills, require extreemly expensive yet certified material, and in many cases at mandated labor scale, which drive the cost way beyond their real value. I worked for a small manufacturer dealing exclusively in government contracts, and rememmber well some hatch screws for the navy which called for a double lead, acme screw with a pitch requirement that did not exist as an industry standard. The thread gauge to check these parts which had to also be specially made cost nearly $5,000. And we ask how there can possibly be a $400.00 hammer? It aint rocket science. As to outsourcing, while it seems Un-American on the surface, it is cost effective to the tax payer to whom we are all accountable. I, but for time and space, could cite many more reasons for outsourcing, (All with American interest in mind) than for demanding that we only buy products and raw materials made in the U.S. There is also the insourcing issue that can be addressed. As some have mentioned, we do live in a global economy, and as much manufacturing as we outsource, we need foreign markets for our products. It is not unlike a grocery store that would expect to survive by only what products it in itself could produce. The fact is that for a grocery store to exist, they need to oursource to the farmers, canneries, bakeries, meat packing companies, packaging products, and what have you. In the real world, there is no such thing as being self contained. It doesnt happen within the boundaries of the grocery business, and it doesnt happen happen within the boundaries of the U.S. We all want the best value, and we are interdependant to achieve that end. Remember, you cant buy French Champaign without doing business with the French. You cant buy a Swiss watch without doing business with the Swiss. They in turn cant buy a Chevrolet without doing business with us.
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