We’re Busy Exporting Jobs--Can’t Someone Import an Idea?

I read the very short article from the Associated Press in the Business section of the Los Angeles Times on June 24. This is about the “garlic situation” in Gilroy, Calif. It was written with tongue in cheek, but it “ain’t funny, Magee.”

This is just another bit of America’s livelihood that is going to China. We lost the domestic making of shoes, telephones, fabric, garments, toys--you name it. It’s gone for the American manufacturer. How is the United States to compete with an endless factory labor force that earns from $28 to $32 a month? (That’s less than $1 a day; their workers get two days off per month.)

China exports merchandise to us and we export jobs to them. The smart economist says this will eventually equalize itself, and the whole world will be better for it. I say the American people can’t wait until the mainland China economy and standard of living reaches ours or we get down to theirs.

There are too many people here who need employment. I’m not equipped enough to give anything but smart-aleck answers, but there must be somebody out there who has better answers and perhaps a solution or two.

I’m 75 years old and retired. I made mine, and life has been good to me. After World War II, we had dreams, and there were all kinds of opportunities. Where are they now for too many Americans trying to get ahead or even trying to stay afloat? What’s it like for too many of our children? Do you believe it’s even going to be this good for our grandchildren?

We screwed up badly, letting guns become a way of life (or death). Common sense ceased to interpret our Constitution.

Wake up, America! Please, some smart people find the answer. Do it fast; time’s a-wasting. Do it now.

THEODORE S. FIELD SR.

Studio City