In my opinion, the following are additional factors that are often overlooked when discussing the competitiveness of USA manufacturing:
1) OSHA - if you have more than 10 employees, you're subject to OSHA regulations. Do other countries have comparable regulations for keeping their workers safe and healthy?
2) Decline of shop classes - shop/industrial classes used to be widespread in high schools. Not as much these days. Why?
3) Litigious society - our society is quick to sue and the legal standard used in civil trials is "more likely than not".
4) Drug addictions - look at any job posting for manufacturing, labor, construction, etc. and you'll see mention about drug screening.
5) Fat, dumb, and happy society - we care more about Super Bowl Sunday, Hollywood, reality shows, etc. On average, we're lazy and care more about being entertained.
