Don, I too must live in an entirely different universe. You only have
to look as far as Mr Goodwrench to see why I disagree with you. I have
friends who work in small and modest automobile shops who make a very
decent living. Beyond that, mechanics can make quite an income by
going into industry, such as Oil & Gas.
 I'm in the oil 'bidnes' and am surrounded by skilled workers who work
directly for us and a large army of skilled contract workers too, who,
I'm pretty sure are not all illegal........them illegals sure are hard
workers though!!

Gracias,
                    Miguel