A recent trend in the business world will make it more difficult for the graduates of Lowell public schools to obtain employment. American companies such as Microsoft, IBM and General Electric are shifting thousands of white collar jobs from the US to foreign countries, particularly India, where employment costs are less and a skilled work force is readily available. This practice will undoubtedly become an issue in the upcoming presidential campaign although both Democrats and Republicans seem to support measures that would limit this. An article in today's New York Times ("Indians Fearing Repercussions of US Technology Outsourcing") explains that the Indian economy is booming as US companies shift computer-related research and development and call center jobs to Asia. Indian business leaders and government officials argue that they are actually helping US companies by allowing them to cut costs and remain competitive. Maybe. But that doesn't help the person who can't find a white collar job here in the US.