Just say no to steel tariffs

townhall.com ^ | November 16 2003 | George Will

[Brian Allen]

All the Democrats seeking to evict George Bush from the White House denounce him for ``unilateralism,'' meaning insufficient respect for international institutions and obligations. Now some of those Democrats may turn on a dime and demand that he defy an international organization, and disregard clear obligations freely entered into, by ignoring the World Trade Organization.

[Brian Allen]

George Will gets it.

George Will ROCKS!

[Brian Allen]

Anti-corporate-and-all-and-any-other-mobbed-up-welfare FRee Trade Bump/Ping

[clee1]

This was a big mistake. Except for his stance on terrorism, I'm not real happy w/ GW.

[per loin]

If the bureaucrats at the WTO give America an order, America damn well better obey that order. That's what freedom and free trade are all about.

[Brimack34]

I do not get it. Most people here are for ending NAFTA. So this is the same thing what give? Free trade is killing us.
I will be voting for Pat!!!

[Brian Allen]

<< This was a big mistake. Except for his stance on terrorism, I'm not real happy w/ GW. >>

It was -- and I believe he will say so.

And do not underesdeterminate America's President and Armed Forces Commander-In-Chief, George Walker Bush!

As God knows, to date, everyone who did, came in in second place -- or worse.

[luckydevi]

great piece by Will

The adminstration stance on free trade is deeply disappointing. They talk a good game, but their actions have been atrocious.

[Brian Allen]

Bullsh*t.

[luckydevi]

Or we could start a trade war with Europe and ruin our economy.

It is a damn shame how many conservatives on this board have adocated government intervention with trade.

[IrishCatholic]

You want free trade scary you should know that under WTO and NAFTA rules of 'equivelency' we are required to equate 45 nation's food inspections and laws as our own. That means imported food will go on the shelf with USDA approval based on their laws. It was projected that less than 2% of imported food would be inspected this year.
I won't comment of steel, I just am worried about the food.

[Brian Allen]

<< The adminstration's stance on free trade is deeply disappointing. It talks a good game but its actions have been atrocious. >>

You speak the Truth.

Let's pray Mr Bush gets it turned around.

If not between now and November 2004, then immediately thereafter!

AND then gets busy setting free to work for a living the hundreds of thousands of corporate and "farmer" welfare parasites upon whom, for a hundred years or so, Trillions of Dollars of the confiscated wealth of America's [Of the world's, that is] most creative, innovative, productive and industrious Men have been squandered to achieve and to gain and to advance ...................... ?

Some votes?

[luckydevi]

The thing that I find amazing is that protectionists on this board have the gall to call free traders "free traitors".

I suggest they read this line by Will

"That protection comes at the expense of the 99.9 percent of Americans who are not steelworkers whose jobs are endangered."

Now who is being the traitor?

[MayDay72]

...Bump...

[Spirited]

"I won't comment of steel, I just am worried about the food."

Yes, if you have seen food grown using human excrement as fertilizer you know enough to be very concerned here. No number of assurrances will molify you, either. Inspections can be ignored or paid off.

Food becomes almost as lethal as the 3rd or 4th leading cause of death, doctors and hospitals.

[meenie]

After all the penalties imposed by the WTO against American products and trade practices, does anyone care to elaborate on the difference between "free trade" as expressed and "managed trade" as practiced? Does anyone care to explain how the present trade structure relates to the Constitution and the power of Congress to set tariffs and regulate commerce?

As the Constitution is the framework under which our Republic is supposed to operate, can it be said that "free trade", as practiced, is an option granted under the Constitution? Due to the disparity between our duties and foreign countries, can "free trade" be truthfully called "free trade"?

[per loin]

Bullsh*t.

Well reasoned argument.

[Brian Allen]

<< Well reasoned argument. >>

Succinct.

And, given the load of bovine fecal matter it was sent after, very reasonABLE, too.

[per loin]

When repetition doesn't work, try shouting.

[dirtydanusa]

Here's another problem... North American Steel of Kentucky was bulit and is owned and subsidized by Spain and the Spanish Govt. They don't lose money or care if they do. It is a new start-up operation with no legacy costs and plays by their own rules.