Interesting replies here. When comparing the 40's and 50's to today there is also the question of standard work ethic. People who grew up on farms or children of factory or industrial workers had a different mindset than the majority (not all) of today. Today, the thought is that "good Jobs" are computer based, medical, law, etc.. So when someone is working retail, maintenance, etc. they are automatically "too good" for the work they are in.
My Wife's Navy career keeps us moving at least every 1.5yrs or sooner so I pick up a lot of part time work here and there to keep me occupied and make some fun money. What I usually find is that there are either younger people working to get by until they get their "real" career, or older employees who think they are not compensated for their experience and time. Neither thinks that their current job deserves their full commitment and what results is either crappy customer service, business losses and waste, or poor quality of work. These types do however, think they deserve to be compensated much more than they already are.
Now throw in companies trying to squeeze every ounce of efficiency out of lackluster employees and the result is even worse. The amount or HR bs and bureaucracy to deal with a poor work force usually ends in higher prices and failed businesses.
So I understand WHY manufacturing is moving to other countries, but I still feel the need to put my dollars towards American made products and businesses. If the market shifts TOO far, we will end up buying everything directly from China (which is more than technically feasible) and have delivered straight to our doors. But then we can all work for Fedex or UPS right?
And again, I am not referencing ALL American workers. Just an observation from personal experience. I know there is still a solid core of workers here with work ethic and "Can Do" attitude.
