Quote:
Originally posted by sebastian_dangerfield
How the Democrats would answer if I asked them to list 5 policies which would counter this meathook reality:
http://www.spiegel.de/international/...439766,00.html
ETA: For purposes of the exercise, protectionist measures cannot be utilized. (since they're patently absurd responses).
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Speaking for myself, here's some I'd like to see:
(i) Embrace the brain drain -- open up more immigration from India, China and other countries for tech and scientific workers, students, entrepreneurs;
(ii) Move the social security tax burden to the general tax base -- most countries don't impose this cost on goods being exported; we ought to find a way to shift it as well; it's a regressive tax as well;
(iii) Teach more foreign languages and at younger ages;
(iv) Comprehensive education reform to encourage more creativity and problem solving, including more equitable funding and less teaching to the test;
(v) Focus on planting the seeds in industries that will play to strength - like biotech (see PB discussion on stem cells). The private sector can take the products out to market, but the basic research has often been accomplished here in academia, research hospitals, and with government support, and that needs to continue. Putting up artificial barriers to reseach has to end.
I'll let you work out the details. But tell me what the Rs have accomplished on this score with both houses and the oval office?
