Outsourcing is a scapegoat invented by the corporate media

[Zidane]

That seems to be pretty obvious considering it has gotten so much attention. This leads me to believe that it's a distraction from other major issues effecting the economy. The mass media would NEVER give outsourcing so much air time unless it was approved by the corporate and republicans backers.

Is outsourcing a problem? Yes, to a degree. However, it is only the tip of the ice berg.

The REAL causes screwing the economy and the people are not getting focus right now. (unfortunately the out sourcing gimmick/scapegoat is getting all the attention) What are those issues?

The destruction of unions. People say we need to get the "union vote". I always ask "what unions?". Take a look at how unions have steadily declined the past several decades. The vast majority of the american work force does NOT belong to a union - and many of those that do belong to unions that are ineffective. (either because of demoralization or because of corporate/legal means to weaken them)

Depressed wages. I sure wish we could outsource as many wal-mart jobs as possible. What about those making $5.15/hr? Corporations like wal-mart ram in to a community, destroy all higher paying competition, and then hire those that they just put out of a job at minimum wage. The negative effects on the economy and quality of life should be obvious here. We shouldn't have a law mandating a minimum wage. Instead we should have a law mandating a LIVING WAGE.

Benefits. Or lack of. Health care is a major problem. Many people can not afford it. Unfortunately the democratic plan doesn't go far enough IMO, and realistically it won't happen for a VERY long time as the republicans (who have NO plan) won't let it through congress. So those of us in this boat are screwed.

Discrimination. Women and minorities are getting screwed over in many work places. Be it less pay, job dismissal, or otherwise being treated poorly at work.

Employment agreements. Most lower paying jobs (dare I say all) today REQUIRE as a condition of employment that you sign and agree NOT take them to court if there is an employment issue - instead you must agree to binding "arbitration". This is just one of many means corporations have developed to deny you what few legal protections you DO have. Requiring that you surrender your ability to take an employer to court should be ILLEGAL.

Don't focus JUST on what the corporate media has been feeding us as a reason for the poor economy or lack of jobs - "outsourcing" - focus on the big picture. Unions, benefits, discrimination, a living wage, employment agreements, and a whole truck load of other issues that have worsened as a result of the anti-worker agenda of the republican party. Until ALL of these issues are resolved the average working american is going to continue to be screwed over.

[Frangible]

1. Walmart....

To be fair, my roommate works at Walmart, and certainly gets paid more than minimum wage. They compensate him far better than any of the competition would -- ie, Kmart, Target, Shopko, etc.

I won't deny Walmart depresses the business of its competition, but they weren't paying glorious living wages before Walmart arrived, and they certainly don't now.

Walmart pays relatively well, for what it is.

He mostly just hates the odd policies there (no carrying a knife, employee parking), etc.

[Zidane]

3. What state are you in?

nt

[physioex]

2. Good Job...

But you failed to mention job skills such as technical training, and education on a higher level. Regardless of "outsourcing" and the Wal-Mart effect, I continue to believe these are important components for a country to prosper in this new century.....

[Old and In the Way]

4. We have to reinvent our economy.

Seems to me that the perfect place to start is a vision for decentralized, non-oil energy infrastructure. A public/private initiative to wean ourselves of oil would reduce our national security exposure and create massive job opportunities here.

Of course, Bush has bankrupted the Treasury, so as to make Democratic visions impossible. Only 2 solutions open:

(1) raise taxes on the wealthy 1% back to where it was or
(2) transfer 50% of the Defense budget into building a self sustaining, non-oil energy grid.

What's the point of a national security if the social security of it's citizens are lost?

[physioex]

5. Yea think of all the...

Education, Health Care, and Infrastructure needs that could have been met with that money...ohhh well

[Caution]

6. Outsourcing is costing the US a very large amount of high paying jobs

I know this from direct experience. My company has outsourced 10 jobs this in a company of less than 50 people. Each of these jobs pays in the $50,000+ range. The company we use for outsourcing is one of the fastest growing companies in the technology sector (as are any number of outsourcing providers).

[pbg]

7. Outsourcing is real

...even if its impact is inflated by the corporate press.

The impact is statling, though, because it hits jobs previously thought immune, like programmers.

The mythology is that unemployed people aren't educated or trained for 'the good jobs.' Therefore the answer is education and training.

The specter of outsourcing brings forth the truth that you can get that training, invest all that time and mental muscle--and see your job go to India.

This isn't theory: it's happened to a number of friends of mine.

I agree that it's a bit of a scapegoat--it doesn't explain the plight of most people--but its impact shouldn't be underestimated.

It strikes at a hope that's held out by the powers that be to the powers that ain't--and in some ways is worse for the economy than actual misery.

But it's not good for Bush at any level, regardless.

[physioex]

8. I agree it's sad when a high skilled jobs leaves...

And things are becoming much more difficult....

[sadiesworld]

9. Outsourcing IS a big deal.

I agree with some of the other points you make, but I think your original premise (outsourcing is a scapegoat invented by the corporate media) is flawed.

I know several people who have lost their jobs to India or have justifiable concerns that they will in the near future. These people used to be pretty apathetic when it came to politics but that has changed. Kerry's promise to end tax breaks for corporations that outsource is very attractive to them.

I don't see all that much focus on the issue in the media, with the exception of Lou Dobbs coverage. Most of the media seem to argue:
1) Outsourcing is inevitable,
2) The amount of outsourcing that goes on is exaggerated, or
3) Outsourcing is GOOD for the economy.

This is a winning issue and Kerry should continue to hammer on it, IMO.

[GreenPartyVoter]

10. Welcome to DU :^D

[Selwynn]

11. Outsourcing is very, very real

There are two reasons why something gets a lot of media attention.

One is as a manipulative distraction.

The second is becuase it is an issue so big that it is impossible for them to avoid covering it.

The latter is the case here. Outsourcing is literally effective every dimension of my industry, and it is a big deal.