This treaty will effect a lot more than trade. It will strengthen our ties to Central America before Chavez widens his grasp to alienate them. You can be sure that Chavez intends to expand beyond his current borders, it is just a matter of time.
Its going to make us more vulnerable to Chavez. He has already begun to form South American trading blocs, one called ALBA. This means countries siding with Chavez will still have unlimited immigration into the US when the FTAA is signed. Its is opening the door for a literal invasion of enemies to free society. Don't think for a minute they will play nice, with China's help, they will wreak havoc whenever they can.
Oh yes, that had lots of influence on Mexico (not).
You can be sure that Chavez intends to expand beyond his current borders, it is just a matter of time.
He, Lula, and Castro have designs on the entire hemisphere. Frankly, I think Fox is in on the game too with Chinese support. That doesn't mean that strengthening those economies on a blanket basis is a good idea. Witness China and their support of North Korean nukes.
Trade should be managed nation to nation on an individual basis, not by surrendering sovereignty to an international Secretariat unaccountable to anyone. CAFTA is bad for America but great for empowering corporate corruption.