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Return to Article: Negotiations under way on Defense 'Buy American' deal

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  Causes for the Fall of the Roman Empire (is history repeating itself?)

  1. As productivity declined, the Roman empire became more dependent on foreign products.
  2. A break-down in the labor force occurred as the traditional work ethic declined.
  3. The infrastructure of the cities declined and began a steady decay.
  4. A balance of trade deficit began to occur.
  5. The cost of government, including the military and welfare, became too burdensome.
  6. Class economic warfare broke out between the rich and poor. Parts of the empire were not taxed while others were overtaxed.
  7. The government became increasingly run by the rich and the military.
  8. Citizens lost interest in government as it became distant from them.
  9. The military became aloyal to the country - it became a job, not a mission.
  10. Patriotism declined as people lost their allegiance to the state.
  

  GovExec.com reader Posted September 16, 2003 9:37 AM
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  I think Mr Hunter is absolutely correct and should not compromise the safety and welfare of the USA for political gain as stated by Rummy and the White House.

  If we buy from our allies (Iraq who we armed, Iran at one time, Germany today but not in the 1940's, Italy today but not in the 1940's, Russia today but not for the past fifty years, and on and on). I think it is wonderful that Rummy knows who our allies are but I bet he doesn't really know who the USA will be fighting in ten years!

  If we are not self-sufficient in this area them we might as well outsource the entire military operation - hire Chinese soldiers (they are cheaper and there are far more that the USA can enlist.

  GovExec.com reader Posted September 15, 2003 7:30 AM
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  While, addressing this subject Congress whould also take up Fly America. With all the mergers, association/cooperation/partnership agreements the airline industry is saying that flying me is just like flying my partner, yet we (U.S. Government) are saying you can only support a U.S. carrier. To the general public the U.S. carrier is saying fly who you want (because we probably have an association).

  Bottom line: If the U.S. carrier has an association/partnership with other carriers, then the traveling government employee should be able to book freely with any one of the group.

  Stan Harris Posted September 15, 2003 7:10 AM