Was outsourcing and downsizing ever a good idea?

There are some positives to it. The company is more competitive, so it stays in business and protects jobs. When the co. is more competitive, it sometimes reduces prices, benefiting the consumer. (Wal-Mart is the clic case). The more the company profits, the better for the shareholders (uming a public co.). Most consumer goods have been made offshore for many, many years. (electronics, clothes, sporting goods, hardware, toys, shoes, etc) making them cheaper.