Replies to post #107605 on Tornado Alley (PROG)

[PegnVA]

I saw David Brooks speak in Richmond, VA last year and although I've always liked David, I don't always agree with him (he is a very good speaker, btw).
I wonder why Brooks did not incorporate the global economy into his understanding of the decline in today's economic American standing - I totally agree teachers, nurses, social workers, etc. earn less than WS hot shots, but that's always been the way. What we are struggling with today, and teabaggers clearly illustrate this, is the insecurity generated by the shift of America's strength to other countries resulting in the loss of good paying mfg jobs. What always puzzles me is those who scream the loudest about our economy still support big box stores (WAL-MART especially) who sell mainly "Made in China" products and/or pound US mfg to lower their prices, thus lowering the wages those US mfg corps pay!
As far as the social order having changed, many of the big cities where this is most evident at one time had good-paying mfg jobs but gradually those jobs have moved to third-world countries and without economic security, many abandon their social responsibilities.
Once again I find myself agreeing with David Brooks, but not totally.

[pro_se]

...the value shifts are real. Up and down society, people are moving away from commercial, productive activities and toward pleasant, enlightened but less productive ones.

It's about time! We've had our place in the sun, let someone else 'lead' for awhile. Money isn't everything.

GREAT ARTICLE.