Gone with the Schwinn

I remember Schwinn bicycles as a sponsor of the old "Captain Kangaroo Show" and always a bit out of reach of my childhood income -- forced to settle for "Flying Os" from Otasco (Oklahoma Tire and Supply Co. for those who never heard of the stores).

Schwinn revolutionized the bicycle market with the introduction of the "Stingray" -- the banna-seated, wheelie popping two wheeler of the 60s and 70s.

It was a staple of middle class aspirations and provided middle class jobs. But the fortunes of Schwinn are an analogy of how American business has turned good paying American jobs into low wage jobs overseas -- and here at home. (WashPost)