Yes! We Can! and Yes! We DID it!

Did WHAT, you may ask.  We did this:

AMERICAN exports of goods rose 21 percent in 2010 to $1.28 trillion, as the world trading system shook off the effects of the financial crisis, according to figures released on Friday.

It was the sharpest rise in American exports since 1988, and it enabled the United States to pass Germany and again become the world’s second-largest exporter, behind China. The margin between the United States and Germany was only $16 million, a difference of just 1.2 percent, and could vanish as preliminary figures are revised.

But assuming the difference holds, it was the first time since 2002 that United States exports exceeded those of Germany when both were measured in dollars. A major reason for that was the weakness of the euro during the year as Europe was forced to bail out first Greece and then Ireland. Germany’s exports rose 18 percent when measured in euros, but just 13 percent in dollars.

Now, there is a down side to this good news; it is this:

Both countries fell further behind China, whose export volume rose 31 percent, to $1.58 trillion.

An important thing to keep in mind is that we need to concentrate on being competitive with China, instead of sending our jobs to China, so they can export cheap tube socks and pet food with melamine in it, and kids' toys painted with lead paint.  Oh yeah, and lots of power cords for my notebook computer that go to heck way too quickly.

The sharpest decline in exports came in the category of computers and electronic products. In 2000, that sector accounted for a quarter of all manufactured exports. By 2010, its share was barely more than one-eighth.

To some extent that may reflect the decline in prices for computers. Since the figures are in current dollars, a constant volume would show up as a decline in prices. But it also probably reflects a trend toward moving computer assembly operations overseas, particularly to China.

Obama is stressing the addition of good-paying manufacturing jobs being added to the economy, not minimum wage part-time service jobs.

The figures belie a popular image of the United States as no longer making products, and being largely dependent on food exports. The total of agriculture-related exports in 2010, $122 billion, is less than the value of exports of either chemical or transportation products.

But it isn't only the New York Times which reported on good news; the Minneapolis Star Tribune (aka STrib) has two more benchmarks of good news.  Last year's rebound in manufacturing gained more momentum in January, as two widely read benchmarks posted their strongest showings of business activity and confidence in years.   So while the recovery may be moving slower than anyone would like, it is quality as well as quantity growth under the Obama administration, gaining ground against the conservative backed off-shoring of American manufacturing jobs.

The results underscore an improving economy and helped spur a rally on Wall Street, sending markets to their highest levels in 2 1/2 years.

The Institute of Supply Management (ISM) Tuesday reported that its monthly index of manufacturing activity in January rose to its highest level since May 2004.

Every component of the index -- production, employment, deliveries, inventories, new orders, backlog, exports and imports -- rose last month. The overall index registered 60.8, up from 58.5 in December. A reading above 50 indicates economic growth.

Gee, GOP..........maybe YOU should be paying as much attention to improving the economy and employment - quality employment - in the United States, instead of all that unsuccessful culture warring you have made a priority.