Greetings: I agree that this thread is only slightly appropriate for the group, but I see no real harm in the discussion as long as it remains civil. I also agree that there are probably more appropriate forums. That being said, I seriously recommend Clyde Prestowitz's "Trading Places: How We Allowed Japan To Take The Lead" for a sober account of our dismal foreign trade policies during the Reagan and Bush Sr. administrations. My favorite quote was from a Japanese business leader, it was something like "We love Reagan, he spread America's legs wide". Prestowitz provides a very clear historical account of the rise of Japanese business and manufacture during the 50s and 60s, pointing out that at every step of that rise the Japanese people understood the power of waiting, of deferring the payoff until they had achieved a spectacular position, one almost handed to them by the ignorant policies of the US administrations. His account of the disappearance of the US radio and television manufacturers is most telling, as is his account of the near-demise of the US digital machine-tools industry. Very disturbing stuff, and an indictment of American arrogance from one who should know: he was a US foreign trade delegate during the forementioned administrations, speaks fluent Japanese, and tells the tale without much bias. A most interesting read. Best regards, == Dave Phillips The Book Of Linux Music & Sound at http://www.nostarch.com/lms.htm The Linux Soundapps Site at http://linux-sound.org
