Anyone watching the hen house? Other than some complaining about job loss to foreign countries, I haven't found anything lately in the news that discusses the National Security implications of the outsourcing milieu that has been building momentum for the last 20+ years.
Is anyone looking at what the potential risk is for a World Superpower who outsources a large portion of its manufacturing capabilities to foreign countries? What about basic production capabilities like steel, aluminum and critical minerals? Should we be trusting foreign countries, some of which could easily turn on us, to supply these materials?
I understand the whole world economy argument and realize that the direction is irrevocably pointed towards more ubiquitous international trade. However, I also understand and truly believe that the world is not yet devoid of the potential for major military conflict between two sovereign nations.
The terrorism threat has, in my opinion, taken our eye off the ball somewhat as it relates to potential traditional military conflicts. I believe this is a tragic mistake.
The world is changing in dramatic ways. As the planet warms up, weather patterns are already impacting the land, the water supply and, therefore, food production. Deserts are expanding in China and Africa at fairly aggressive rates. Reduced snow in the Himalayas may threaten water supplies during the dry season for much of central Asia. And, in the meantime, the population of humans on this planet is growing at an alarming rate. We'll be at 9 billion sometime in this generation.
More people requiring more food, with less land to grow it on and less water to irrigate it is going to cause a problem somewhere in the world for a country who happens to own a big bomb or, at the very least, has a significant military force. If that country can't produce enough food or water for its people, they'll be looking to get it from somewhere. And, if necessary, they will use force to get it.
If we have to intervene in such a war, and that particular country is a primary source to the U.S. for critical materials, we could be in trouble.
There was also some concern back in the 90's about our dependence on foreign suppliers for semiconductors that were used by the military. That seems to have subsided recently as well.
Maybe it's time to refocus on this issue and determine if we're exposed and whether or not National Security is at risk if we continue with the same trade policies. Perhaps these are issues for the new administration to tackle.
As a citizen of this country I say lets all wake up to the fact that these elected SERVANTS not leaders are doing a terrible job of serving their countrymen and woman. It is time for we the people to say no to the greed and manipulation that has ruined our incredible country.
Posted by: Darren Garmer | November 22, 2008 at 10:13 PM