n a world in which corporations can move operations wherever they wish, there are no easy answers to stop the sting of globalization. Some Americans have called for crude measures such as import quotas or tariffs to protect workers in particular industries.

Such measures are hard to administer, could spark a trade war, and could undermine economic efficiency by enabling domestic industries to keep prices artificially high.

Not ready to admit defeat

In The World Is Flat, Tom Friedman wrote, “The Indians and Chinese are not racing us to the bottom. They are racing us to the top — and that is a good thing.” To be sure, President Bush has largely taken a “What, me worry?” attitude about the nation’s colossal trade deficit, which is undermining our manufacturing base. many Chinese workers are producing toys, shirts and furniture (often in deplorable sweatshops) that American workers onc...

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