Re:What happened to the US machine tool industry?
by toasterlovin on Thursday January 18, 2024 @01:25PM
(#39045505)
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.
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Re:What happened to the US machine tool industry?
by dragontamer on Thursday January 18, 2024 @02:02PM
(#39046079)
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.
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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.
Re:What happened to the US machine tool industry?
by poncho_romero on Thursday January 18, 2024 @05:37PM
(#39048872)
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.