Is America Great Again?

Is America Great Again...yet?

 

In the words of Chuck D (Public Enemy) "When was America ever great? And for who?"

 

So many have jumped in behind that slogan. It seems none has thought about what it really means.

Why is the US not great?
Why did the auto industry pretty much die?
Why did the manufacturing industries of clothing move overseas?

When will people say publicly that the American public chose in their droves to buy cars made elsewhere because they prefer them. They're better. Why did the auto sector in US not just improve their product and beat the competition?

Why did American textile sector not bring in automation or do other stuff to remain competitive?

The problem isn't about other countries being unfair to the USA. I think that's just Trump spouting the same as his base does. They need to know the truth of the real world.

Better products will be chosen by the consumer. Customer is king.
So to answer your question; no it's not great again. Not actually sure it was, ever. No better than anywhere else. But it won't improve until those who feel more disadvantaged are told the truth.

The leaders in those sectors were poor at their job. They didn't owe anyone a job which is why when things went awry, they let the workforces go. Reality was they were crap.

They churned out the same stuff improving on their last products but didn't look at the competition and the faster rate at which it improved.

Truth will always 'out' and when it was finally out there, when the US consumer discovered what was best, they bought it. It wasn't American.

You can't force people to buy something other than that which they want. You've gotta make your product better than the competition.

Until those (who believe trump will fix it ) are told why their job is gone - the truth about why it's gone - I doubt their life will improve.

But when they finally realise the truth and then realise Trump isn't going to fix anything, and dump him, then some things may improve.

Is that the kind of answer you were looking for? I can't wait to see the back of the schoolyard clique, that bunch of childish selfish, arrogant tossers who comprise Trumps cabinet. I hope they aren't just dumped but publicly humiliated by the GOP (as was), once it realises it wasn't actually vasectomised.

 

If you are speaking about Social and Economic satisfaction among the masses, then the last time might have been somewhere between the late 40's and mid and late 60's
As far is the global community? They'd probably opt for the 80's, during our economic and technological booms. The Berlin Wall came down in '89 and the Strength of the US Dollar and the deregulation in financial markets contributed greatly to Japan's bubble economy....

Today? Naw we ain't great...actually, from my POV we are on a down-slide and taking on the facade of some of the worst autocracies in history.

 

Anybody buy a car in the 70' & 80's? Total junk, made by mob unions making outrageous money, made to rust and fall apart .. people making a hundred grand to put stripes on a Buick. Even today, I would never buy GM or Ford...or God forbid, a Chrysler. How can any commercial claim "best in quality for 2025 models", uh, they are brand fucking new, they should all still be working....

 

By mid 70s I was already buying foreign. Haven't looked back or bought American since then. Only made in Japan since 80s.

 

No, But we're coming back strong.

 

I agree with everything in your reply, so you have saved me posting a similar response.

On your point above, things can improve, but in my estimation, it will take around 15 years before the country reaps the benefits.
Since this is longer than the term of office of any president, it will be very difficult to achieve.
To make matters even worse, Trump's botched attempts to put things right will need to be undone.

Any future needs to be based on balance of payments, so this clearly rules out China.
The next president will also need to smoke plenty of peace pipes with Canada and south America.

 

You need to add another line to the poll. Maybe MUCH later. My estimate is 15 years.

 

Thank you @wilsjane .
I too have got concerns about China. Govt different from the people and from traders.
We're it not for the traders, would we in the so-called West, be able to enjoy much of that which we do?! To pay Americans or British workers to manufacture, would mean the lowest paid would have even less because manufacturing costs would be higher. Heck, I think, even middle earners would find stuff unaffordable.

It's a trouble. The perceived wealthy West, is also perceived as being able to afford stuff but, if the East makes everything, what work and income will the West have and, without income how will they continue to afford?

I think those demonising China etc are merely deflecting from the mindset within the West's economic failures. For example, if we buy a thing that is British or American, it's most likely made from components made in China.

We need to stop demonising China etc and hold our own National politicians to account.

It's something of a paradox that the West's leadership, in this instance the US govt, demonises others yet the alternative would further disadvantage the majority of American citizens.

On the other point; I think it will not just take time to repair global trust in America (govt as distinct from people), but probably an Amendment to the Constitution to ensure and reassure that such destabalisation won't recur.

I do hope people don't miss seeing the reality that with no big player in the world ready with allies to be ready to step in and sort stuff out, that things like Pakistan and India may become more prolific. Maybe not a global explosion but more like hard boiling porridge, with blowup everywhere.

 

As in smell? Because something stinks and I think Trump needs to change his diapers.

 

Yes.

Transgender troops are thrilled with the country they chose to defend...

 

Oh yeah--it's a fuckin' paradise.

 

China is great again(trade).......

Maybe the EU.......



Mzzls

 

I had a 1974 Fiat 128 Mini_Wagon. At about 60,000 miles, the fuel pump conked out. I took it to a nearby Toyota dealer and asked for a fuel pump that looks just like it. The guy knew instantly which one. I took it home and installed it. I got another 75,000 miles on it. Just new tires, regular oil changes, and checking for leaks and weird noises.

 

Make Italy great again? Let's bring back the Emperors. They were fun! Futo Berlusconi!

 

A lot of people who hated the very idea of American greatness are now finding that they will miss it as it is being destroyed. If we survive this madness, we will need to value our country as we try to rebuild it.

 

Oh wouldn't THAT be a hoot ... Having Caesar and the Legio Romanus Marching across the globe.
Pretty sure they wouldn't obey any modern rules of warfare. regardless of how Hollywood portrays them.

 

At least the current situation is going to make GREAT comedy fo the next few decades.

Once he cartoonists start, poor old Donald will end up with a head twice the size of his body and with a bit of luck stubby wings and webbed feet.
Roughly the proportions of a human head attached to a duck.

 

That may be a bit disrespectful to the Duck. We may have to be satisfied with good old fashioned caricatures