Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by toasterlovin 886 days ago
Right. The US economy was well poised to tackle the massive task of computerizing humanity and, being a nascent technology stack with green field opportunities abounding, it was more profitable than continuing to produce machine tools. Meanwhile the Pax Americana has eliminated the risk premium to manufacturing overseas, so our entire economy has reconfigured itself around this task and opportunity of computerizing humanity. To our massive benefit, I think. IMO this is the main driver between diverging American incomes compared to the rest of the developed world.
2 comments
dragontamer 886 days ago
As long as those manufacturing centers are part of US allies (Japan, Korea, Europe, Australia, Taiwan), or at least trustworthy neutrals (Vietnam, India), I'm happy.

But some manufacturing, in fact a large amount, is Chinese. And I'm not convinced they've got our best interests at heart. Either China needs to calm down over their "Wolf Warrior" style, or we need to cut back on providing benefits to an obviously and increasingly antagonistic power.

---------

The other part, with respect to Taiwan + China, is that we must defend Taiwan as they are a critical source of advanced-materials (ie: computer chips) to us. Yes, its more efficient to have Taiwan centralize production, but it does come at a cost. We need to be ready to defend Taiwan and keep it safe if we are to continue to build computers and phones out of Taiwan-only parts.

link
poncho_romero 886 days ago
The entire economy is configured around making quarterly profits for shareholders. Any good that happens to come out for humanity is purely incidental. The US economy is not some fairytale hero.
link