How
might the
OccupyWallSreet movement effect the changes they seek in the American
system?
To start, by leveling the economic playing
field. The current system requires manufacturers within the US to
meet pollution, labor, wage, healthcare and other standards. These
standards impose costs on manufacturers, with the intent of benefiting
society. These standards of manufacturing are not required for goods
imported from abroad. America has thus imposed a double standard,
and the American worker suffers as a result of this
contradiction. In the US hourly compensation for production workers
was $23.82 in 2006, compared to around $8.00 an hour in Asia (
Source). Not
to mention the staggering environmental compliance costs. Why build American when there are far less
costly foreign alternatives? Competition
almost requires corporations to avail themselves of these alternatives.
A
solution to the complaints put forth by OccupyWallSreet might be found in
advocating for the implementation of regulations requiring that all imported
goods meet the same standards as those goods manufactured within the US. This would level the economic playing field
and encourage better working conditions across the globe. Corporations export or avoid much of the cost
of production by manufacturing and importing from aboard, including significant
environmental costs. This solution
encourages a higher environmental standard as well.
By
requiring basic pollution, labor, wage and similar standards for all imported
goods, America could solve its unemployment woes. By leveling the playing field, not only would
the US raise the global manufacturing standard, it would make its own workers
competitive again. Just as cars must
meet safety and pollution standards to be sold within the US regardless of
where they are built, so too all goods should meet the basic working and
manufacturing standards required here.
Written in conjunction with Larry Grange. We would appreciate any comments on these thoughts.
