[Proud2BAmerican]

Karl Marx believed that "free trade" would hasten his postulated revolution between the proletariat and the bourgeoise. A closer reading (even) of your selection establishes why he was in "favor" of free trade.

Now ask yourself, who on this thread is arguing much the same thing? Hint: not the "free-traders."

Ok, I thought you knew something about Marx that I was unaware of. Yes, I agree with you that his motivation for espousing free trade was because it would hasten the revolution -- it would hasten the break-up of nation-states, etc.

And yes, I would imagine that none of the free traders (on this site, anyway) would support that. However, there is the matter of "unintended consequences" -- namely, what if Marx was right? Certainly the break-up of the nation-state is something that anti-free traders fear will come out of free trade. Loss of sovereignty, and that sort of thing. They fear it because they believe that some of the consequences of free trade are pointing in that direction; and the fact that Marx was an advocate of free trade -- for THAT particular reason -- adds further fuel to the concern.

Bear in mind, I'm not saying here that it's true (free trade will lead to loss of sovereignty, break-down of the nation-state, etc.); but I do believe it's a debate worthy of respectful discussion.

[Toddsterpatriot]

However, there is the matter of "unintended consequences" -- namely, what if Marx was right?

Any of Marx's other theories you think may be right?

[hedgetrimmer]

And yes, I would imagine that none of the free traders (on this site, anyway) would support that

You shouldn't presume that. Just like NAFTA has created the North American Community (virtually no border with Mexico) the CAFTA is the stepping stone to the FTAA, it says so in its preamble. It also says in its preamble that the purpose of the FTAA is hemispheric integration. The "free traders" on this website are well aware of it.

And, although they have a fondness for calling true conservatives marxists and other names, their view, as has been pointed out, was promoted by Marx himself and "free trade" is their means to destroy nations and integrate the western hemisphere.

[1rudeboy]

Let's say Marx believed that free trade would lead to the demise of the nation-state. Are there any examples of that being the case? Simply saying that it might happen in the future is not enough.