How Scary Is the Deficit?
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The U.S. savings rate has been falling for decades. But that downward trend will likely soon be reversed, as factors such as rising mortgage interest rates force Americans to start saving more. The change will ultimately be for the better, but in the short term it could cause serious problems for the United States and its trading partners unless they start preparing immediately.
The United States is obsessed with its ever-growing trade deficit. Yet trade is no longer a valid measure of global competitiveness. Today U.S. firms compete in the world marketplace through foreign-affiliate sales instead of exports -- and they do so with unparalleled success. Overblown fears about the burgeoning trade deficit, along with a slowing U.S. economy, could spark protectionist policies in Washington, which could then trigger retaliations around the globe. This outcome -- not the size of the trade deficit -- is the greatest danger.
Although few U.S. politicians will admit it, antidumping policy has strayed far from its original purpose of guarding against predatory foreign firms. It is now little more than an excuse for a few powerful industries to shield themselves from competition -- at great cost to both American consumers and American business.

Comments
The Deficit will Dim this Nation's Future
With the rise of China, our creditor, and India, the taker of our best jobs, such as, a good portion of IBM; we are headed downward. Rostow, I believe, coined the term of a revolution of rising expectations for emerging nations. I used it once in reference to Iran and the Shah, but now it will impact the hopse and aspirations of our young. Perhaps, science, technology, engineering, and math will catch on in this nation, but it may be too late. The Indian Ocean and indeed, the Pacific Ocean may be China's lake, as well, with our naval decline.
The Deficit will Dim this Nation's Future
With the rise of China, our creditor, and India, the taker of our best jobs, such as, a good portion of IBM; we are headed downward. Rostow, I believe, coined the term of a revolution of rising expectations for emerging nations. I used it once in reference to Iran and the Shah, but now it will impact the hopse and aspirations of our young. Perhaps, science, technology, engineering, and math will catch on in this nation, but it may be too late. The Indian Ocean and indeed, the Pacific Ocean may be China's lake, as well, with our naval decline.