[fabsroman]

There are a lot of things that have caused us to lose out competitiveness in the world economy as far as manufacturing is concerned. Unions and human rights were the start of it. Why do you think the US automakers are having such a tough time. The unions demand health insurance, retirement accounts, 40 hour work weeks, and a decent wage. What do you think the workers in Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, and China get? Do you think employers actually pay for their health insurance and set up retirement accounts for them? I could be wrong about this, but I seriously doubt it. How about the fact that Americans buy foreign stuff because it costs less. Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Getting away from oil is just something that has to happen eventually since it is a limited resource. Problem is, gasoline isn't the only thing made from oil.