This is really off topic...but here goes.
First of all please don't try to question our patriotism, if you aren't then
please accept my apology for that comment.
Secondly, IMHO the option of choosing between number one and number two just
couldn't happen (I realize you said "what if"---but we could also say "what
if pigs could fly" -- they just can't -- except on another list, of course
:) )
The reason it can't happen is because ever since that little experiment in
Russia failed (Communism) the world has turn to a global society based upon
Capitalism (even China is embracing it, to a certain extent).
The rules of capitalism would call for the prices of item one and two to be
pretty darned close, if the quality of the two were comparable. If not, the
better quality product would disappear due to its price point being too high
OR the lesser quality product would go by the wayside because people would
see it for what it is (a piece of junk not worth the buying no matter how
appealing the price might be.) Before this disappearing act happened
though, the product which saw its sales go down would either A) in the case
of the better product, cut its production costs (and quality) to become
price competitive or B) in the case of the lesser quality product, makes
itself a better quality product but find the need to raise its price due to
added production costs.
However, the hypothesis posted here seems to be saying the quality is the
same...OK. Take a ride on any major U.S. highway and tell me how many
foreign built automobiles you see there...quite a few, I think you'd agree.
These cars are more or less comparably priced with American built cars in
the same class, because that is the price the market will bear. (Let's
assume for now that they are comparably built also...we won't get into that
discussion). Be assured that the price of those foreign cars is being set
by the marketplace. How can we be so sure? Because of the fact that they
are set in U.S. dollars and being built with (say) the Euro (we'll buy a
European car). Did you ever stop and think why the prices of foreign autos
has not skyrocketed with the recent dramatic fall of the US dollar versus
other currencies? It's because the market can't bear it. When the Euro and
the Dollar were (more or less) on a par with each, a one dollar sale raised
1 Euro. Today a one sale yields about 0.67 Euros. The German manufacturer
(I decided on a Mercedes :) ) is getting less money (in Euros) than he
was, although the price here in the States has stayed pretty constant (in
dollars). So why doesn't he raise his price?...well, he can't because no
one will spend that much for his product. OK, so how is he able to sell the
cars ... A) because he was making a lot of profit based on what the
Capitalistic market will allow him to charge in the past (having not much to
do with what it cost him to build the thing) and now his profit is more in
line or B) he can't and he will raise his prices, be less competitive and
probably lose a lot of his market share to the American built cars (this is
why the Fed is encouraging the dollar to drop against foreign
currencies---to discourage foreign trade with the US (making home built
products more attractive to US purchasers) and to encourage US exports
(things are really "cheap" in the eyes of the person buying things in Euros,
etc.). )
So I think this original post gets back to patriotism and those bumper
stickers that say "Buy American" and all which that implies.
I'm an American, all things being equal I buy American, but the question
posted here is moot, because Capitalism works and we're darn lucky to have
it.
Tom
WB2QDG
Note to Eric -- please pull this thread its *REALLY* OT.
----- Original Message -----
From: "S Sacco" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, March 01, 2008 8:53 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Just Say No.
If, for the sake of argument (and this IS just a "what if" exercise,
after all), they COULD make a K3 somewhere else at a lower cost, and
offered you a choice:
1) U.S. made K3 with a collection of options that costs $2,500
or
2) "Somewhere else" made K3 with the same options that costs $1,500.
(Again, I'm making that number up).
Which would you choose?
If you chose #2, here's another question: Would you ever spend more
for the identical unit made in the U.S.? If so, how much more?
I'm very happy to have them here in the U.S., even if that means
acknowledging that California IS part of it. :-)
73,
Steve NN4X
On Sat, Mar 1, 2008 at 7:06 AM, <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
In a message dated 2/29/08 8:08:46 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> it was made in China?
>
No. Just....no.
73 de Jim, N2EY
**************
Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living.
(http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-campos-duffy/
2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598)
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
