Made in America

Not audio related, but still a good example, i'd agree to Onhwy61.
Manufacturing here vs. there isn't much of the investment difference especially after shipping expenses of transporting overseas goods. Steve Jobs of Apple mentioned that it will be very hard to bring back the manufacturing to USA, but indeed the custom system shouldn've promoted overseas manufacturing for extra profits.
It's completely wrong perception that with larger profits of large companies to gain larger revenues. Larger revenues are generated by smaller percentage of unemployment and welfare benefits.

I recently read an article that compared the federal governments income in the past to the present. A major portion of it was once generated by import duties and tariffs. This is now a minor source of income for the federal government.
Now compare that to another article I read about the cost of a Harley in China. Although I can't recall the exact figures the cost for the bike, as well as the cost to license it, was astonishing.
Although I accept that we are in a global economy and I generally attempt to avoid jingoism, when it comes to China we are definitely not playing on an even field. I would feel a whole lot better if the relationship was a two way street.
If anyone has read these articles perhaps you could reference them here.

Rja,
Yes, up until the Civil War, all government revenues were paid for by taxes and tariffs on imports and about half until the 1st World War.

Steve,
I've heard of Ellen Brown from the Thom Hartmann show where she sometimes offers her latest views. Quite the thinker that lady.

Marakentz,
The savings of labor (typically 5% of product) is only one aspect of the nickel and dime act we endure. The cost of shipping back usually ends up in a wash. The major savings (according to a Bain co-worker of Romney who headed offshoring of labor) comes from avoiding environmental standards, medical benefits, pensions and safety standards. It seems we Americans have it too safe and easy for their tastes.

All the best,
Nonoise

A little OT, but here is an interesting article about insourcing. I grew up in a blue-collar town in the midwest and this made me feel good. I recently purchased one of the high-efficiency heat pump hot water heaters described in the article (made in USA).

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/12/the-insourcing-boom/309166/

Consumer demand leads, and corporations follow. On another current AudiogoN thread, a member is lamenting the fact that dealers won't sell across state lines. He wants the product for less, and who wouldn't? Corporations know this.

Consumers have an expectation (right or wrong is irrelevant) that newer versions of product A will be better, faster, smaller, more efficient, more powerful, AND lower in price than the earlier versions of the same product.

Corporations try to meet these expectations. UNTIL CONSUMER DEMAND CHANGES, CORPORATIONS WILL NOT CHANGE!

Personally, I don't think the consumer expectation is unrealistic. I think the financial burden placed on US companies by federal and state governments is bordering on counter productive.

Ironically, I think high end audio is a bit immune to this. Enthusiasts will pay outrageous amounts of money for nearly anything from feet and cables to speakers and amps. Obviously, there is enough margin in the few units sold to keep some of the "American" high end companies still in business.