Valve Technology Blog

It seems to me taking the politics out of the response will eliminate nearly all responses. Once the design requirements are met what rules do apply to purchasing? When any number of vendors can meet or exceed the stated requirements do you look at past history with a vendor or product line tho help shape the decision? Are there contract requirements i.e. political requirements that pre-preclude a particular vendor. Do you have a cousin in the business?

As a fire breathing, red blooded, irrational American first kind of guy I look at local, state, regional, then national for everything I buy. At an international level I go to countries that I feel we share like values and culture with. I buy reluctantly while shaking my head when I feel forced outside of those guide lines.

That said...

Unions must take similar positions in an attempt to promote the lively hood and future of their organizations and membership. Any national cheerleader should be doing the same for their individual country it is just sound politics.

That said just how do you decide when all things seem equal?

Well said.

I would add that the resistance to protectionism comes from knowing that the effect is to drive up prices for all products. If foreign products are taxed, then the new price to beat is higher, which allows domestic prices to drift higher as well.

In some areas, I think a little measured protectionism is necessary, especially when the industry is vital to national security.

Hi Guys,

hard times are in front of us. The truth is US has lost a major part of its advance.

Like for cars, Europe has taken the good way for water faucets: technology and research, making taps environment friendly and water saving.

We have to face now european competitors, much more involved in water savings than we are. A good place to feel it is airport: most of European airports are fitted with timed faucets, so as to save water and energy, get more hygienic places and less vandal exposed installations.

Some of these European have exclusive patents for auto cleaning system inside the tap ! As far as I know, no US faucet manufacturer can argue the same.

We have to work, and try and gain all this 20-year delay. Water is very important, and all Americans should be more concerned about it, specially in public places, swimming pools, beaches, jails, schools, universities...

Or we 'd better get used to PRESTO taps immediately !

Sleep well,