One thing that is seldom introduced into such discussions is human life span, or "generations". In the long run, we may balance out to a world economy. (Or no

One thing that is seldom introduced into such discussions is human life span, or "generations". In the long run, we may balance out to a world economy. (Or not.) But in the short term, we may disenfranchise entire generations of our population. If it were truly a "free market", workers could follow the work. (Work -- the oft neglected other half of "the market".) That is not the case, now. (And even if it were, income disparity would make it a one-way trip of separation from family and friends -- not that that's anything new.) I agree, society presents -- and depends upon -- a diversity of mental and physical types, and excising an entire sector's means of gainful employment is a distortion to that balance. You can have a country of gated communities and slums, or a country where you can walk down the street in safety and comfort. Which would you prefer? I'm not sure there's a viable alternative to the way we're proceeding. But one should be ready for the consequences. The "free market" doesn't care about deaths. (Some would argue they are an efficiency.) That's left to human morals and values. The hook being, again, what kind of community you wish to live in. One where you can enjoy the company of other people, or one where you fear it. -- Addendum: I meant to include the comment that "white collar" work is moving overseas (as compared to e.g. the U.S. and other "first nation" countries) more rapidly that many realize. Even the (non-ownership) bankers, lawyers, and other "management professionals" that were supposed to be this country's future, are soon -- already -- going to find themselves priced out of the market. The need overseas to educate a generation in this work, and to have sufficient legal and regulatory stability, delayed this occurring. But those prerequisites are now falling into place. And why is someone going to pay 3 - 5 or more times as much for a U.S. resource, when they can get as good somewhere else? True professionals -- the truly creative and proficient -- may always have a job, even if they have to move. But a lot of "value added" people are going to find that, well, they don't (add sufficient value, or have a job). At least, not abroad. There will always be some domestic work. But, their fortunes will fall with those of those of the disenfranchised around them. No one's going to pay them outsize incomes to "manage the world".