Reply #13: I'm hearing two different complaints:

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First, that globalization by allowing the worlds rich nations the ability to rob the worlds poor ones, esentially increasing inequality

Second, that globalization is resulting in poor nations getting rich at the expense of American jobs and livelyhood, esentially increasing equality.

There is an element of truth in both claims, but they both miss the larger picture. Even if ineuqality has risen due to globalization (I'm not certian it can be traced back to this) the process still leads to increased living standards for all involved. Even the oft mentioned oppressed factory workers are benefiting from the process, otherwise they wouldn't be doing the jobs. I'd rather see the poor get access to higher paying jobs then not, even if most of the profits go to corporate HQ.

As to the second claim, understand that the jobs that we are losing could only have been saved with massive protectionism. This would do far greater damage the good. In all likelyhood, the jobs we lose were simply dragging the rest of us down with higher prices and/or inefficent production. The net gain from free trade far eclipses the loss in jobs it causes, especially considering the jobs we gain from producers requiring skilled labor in high tech sectors. With proper investment in education and temporary assistance programs the displacement caused by job loss can be minimalized, though we are often somewhat lacking in this area.