Dew, We've talked back and forth about the intelligence of America. Is Washington void of all intelligence.
Over the last 15 years America has promoted a world economy yet America is like a runner going to the Olympics 40 pounds overweight.
In the 1990's we saw a spurt in automation that caused our productivity to surge. When productivity surges you have some "wiggle" room available to get a little sloppy in other cost areas. Over the last couple of years productivity has stalled if not even retracted slightly yet the bottom is wiggling like crazy.
As a side note, what does Washington think GM is trying to accomplish right now at the bargining table. Incredible.