The United States was once considered a rich country. We accumulated much abundance throughout most of the twentieth century, as we were a very productive country whose wealth, to a great extent, derived from manufacturing. Our companies invented and produced many of the things we needed and much of what the rest of the world needed. American-owned corporations manufacture … [Read more...]
Not made in America
"Here, look at this handsome L.L. Bean catalog and tell me what you want for Christmas," said a relative over Thanksgiving weekend. I started leafing through the 88 page cornucopia with hundreds of clothing and household products, garnished by free gift cards and guaranteed free shipping. I wasn't perusing it for any suggested gifts; instead, I was going through every offering … [Read more...]
When wind power works for people and production
The sight and sound of a working wind-driven flour mill is a natural experience, much like encountering waves on a beach or a breeze in the trees. In the village of Oatlands, in the heart of the island of Tasmania, an old mill has been authentically restored and once again produces flour to the rhythm of the seasons and the weather. And it sounds great! Everything old is new … [Read more...]
A different kind of supply-side economics
In the wake of the devastating Japanese earthquake and tsunami, an instructive story is unfolding about the manifold vulnerabilities of the modern industrial world. Robin Young of the radio show "Here and Now" reported yesterday on the too-often overlooked phenomenon of industrial supply lines. Her guest, Jeffrey Karrenbauer, a supply-chain expert with Insight Inc., said … [Read more...]