Reply #100: You're stuck in the same mindset. [View All]

[Julien Sorel]

We were dominant in software/technology for 25 years or so; in that time we made trillions from it. We move to the next area, get a lead in that, and when/if the rest of the world catches up to that, move on again. Just as we were once the undisputed leader in manufacturing and agriculture, and then moved that domination to technology and information as the rest of the world caught up. There is no end; that's why it's called progress. You can stick your head in the sand and cry for protectionism all you want, but progress will happen in the world whether we as a nation lead it, participate in it, or hide behind protectionist tariffs while other countries move ahead. I'd rather be the leader in new industries than just another player in the old ones, especially when other people can do the same thing cheaper.

Notice that manufacturing and agriculture still make up a significant part of our economy. As a nation, we simply expanded beyond that economic model. It's the only way to keep a relatively high income: we have to have, and continue to find, a competitive advantage, something other countries can't do at all or as well. The fact that U.S. companies are willing to move these jobs offshore should tell you that we have no competitive advantage in software any longer.