On the Loss of Manufacturing Jobs

Earlier this week, reason.tv released and excellent piece on what I will call the Made in China Myth. You can view the video in its entirety below, but the gist of it is “Who cares if the snow globes of US landmarks are manufactured in China?” Apparently, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)does.

He should not, and nor should you and here is why – a loss of manufacturing jobs is not the same as reduced manufacturing output as this graph clearly indicates.

We are not losing our manufacturing ability we are just manufacturing higher value products with fewer people.

In the late 1700’s 98 percent of Americans were involved in agriculture, now it is less than 2 percent, yet our yields are higher. We don’t lament the loss of agricultural jobs. Maybe some do, but I sure don’t.

Frankly, I am glad to not have to farm or work a production line. Both of these are noble pursuits, but I would rather read, write and think for a living in my air-conditioned house.

Thoughts?