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Forgive my repetitive focus on the NY Times editorial board, but
they are really a study in inconsistency. Bipolar perhaps, in a
vague metaphorical way.
The board pushes free trade
agreements that are a substantial factor causing manufacturing
loss. In other regular written forays, the board complains of
Asian environmental devastation and U.S. income inequality - without
causally connecting them to the current flavor of free trade policy.
Today, the board has a very insightful editorial, "Down and Out in Connecticut."
Over the past two decades, of all the 50 states, income inequality
increased the most by far in Connecticut — and not only because of the
outsize gains of the state’s many hedge fund managers. ...
Over the last 20 years, Connecticut has lost a third of its
manufacturing jobs, replacing them with lower paying service-sector
jobs. Virtually no additional jobs have been created. ...
Connecticut’s schools are big underperformers. The gap between the
educational performance of low-income and middle- and high-income
pupils is the widest in the nation. ...
The loss of manufacturing jobs, coupled with an achievement gap, is a recipe for perpetually worsening poverty.
I have lived in Connecticut. That which they say is
true. It is fundamental, economically and societally. The
inequality and squandering of opportunity is happening across the
country. The trade policy they espouse causes that which they
decry.
The role of agriculture in rural America is the similar the
positive manufacturing dynamic in a more urban community.
Agriculture founded upon millions of independent entrepreneurs is a
great wealth generator, a great class and wealth equalizer, and a great
community builder.
This is not to argue for eliminating service jobs. It is
an argument for balance, and for recognition of how to preserve and
build an economy. And a society.
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