FINAL CAFTA VOTE ROLL CALL - How did your Congressman Vote?

CongressionalRecord ^

[Tulane]

OOh, OOh, I know:

Could it be because the TV's and other manufactured goods are cheaper when there is free trade?

[Ex-expromissor]

Did you watch the debate before the vote on CSPAN? Very telling. The concerns over the effects of CAFTA on the American Worker was most often NOT the main subject of the arguments presented by the Repubs who supported CAFTA and likewise the Dems who opposed CAFTA. The concerns were overwhelmingly centered on the effects CAFTA would have on the Central American workers. It was obvious that most of the Dems would have voted for CAFTA if it had provisions that "International Standards Of Labor Practices" would be guaranteed to the Central American workers with the bill. The small number of Repubs who did vote against CAFTA voiced concerns about the effects of the bill on the American worker, along with the transition of authority over trade regulation to a foreign body of un-elected bureaucrats (The WTO), the Constitutionality of it etc... The willingness of some on these forums to lump Conservatives like myself who are against CAFTA in with the left on this issue proved to be absurd because of the statements presented last night by the opposing Dems.

Next step... The FTAA. Mr Bush has stated that he would like to see that passed by the end of 2005. He'll probably get it judging by last nights vote. Pathetic....

[conservativebabe]

I don't care what people say about Tancredo, on immigration, he is right on. At least he has a pair.

[Tulane]

I'll take a shot:

Free trade pacts like CAFTA are good because it opens markets for the US economy that were formally closed, it allows cheaper goods to flow into the US (building our ability to purchase goods at cheaper prices), and enhances our economy by creating jobs.

[Happy2BMe]

"The small number of Repubs who did vote against CAFTA voiced concerns about the effects of the bill on the American worker, along with the transition of authority over trade regulation to a foreign body of un-elected bureaucrats (The WTO), the Constitutionality of it etc..."

==========================

Yes, I witnessed the carnage. Their political careers will now be blacklisted.

It's the RINO way.

[CSM]

"When you lose control of the majority of your market segments, where does the economy go?"

Is it the responsibility of the Government to "control" market segments or is it the role of the market to control itself?

[absolootezer0]

ah, missed her. always liked her tho. any idea if she's gonna challenge stabenow?

[w6ai5q37b]

Many years ago, the company I worked for sent part of its manufacturing capability to Mexico as a cost-cutting move. For two years, they worked with the Mexican employees to train them on the proper techniques for building and testing quality products.

I know, I'd probably have an easier time explaining the situation to my dog. I sure hope Jesus comes back soon.

[Syds Dad]

If it were up to these guys.. Very few of us would be talking about this right now. Why? Because computers would still cost about $1500-$2000 like they did back in the 80s, and we'd still be pushing out 100mhz pentium chips with our 14.4k baud dialup modems.

If it were up to the protectionists, that's where we would be today.

[Tulane]

NAFTA was 100 times bigger than CAFTA...did we lose all of our jobs? What is the unemployment rate since NAFTA? What is the unemployment rate in protectionist France? Just curious...

[azhenfud]

Have you any idea the economic growth of China in the same period to which you refer?

[Syds Dad]

Follow up..

But Damnit! We'd have our manufacturing facilities here! That's what matters the most!

[Lekker 1]

The U.S. has used free markets and free trade to climb to the top of the global mountain. I have full confidence that free trade will continue to keep us up there. I am amazed at the number of freepers that are against "free" trade, without Government interference.

[cripplecreek]

I think she is considering a challenge to Stabenow.

[Tulane]

But we'd all of jobs...people don't realize that the Soviet Union had 100% employment. I know that is an extreme analogy, but give me a break. The unemployment rate is 5%...what is it in France again?

[international american]

Get ready for the flood of illegals from Central America.
The flood of illegals from Mexico into California has helped close 12 major hospitals in 18 months. 95% of all murder warrants in LA County are for illegals. Maybe Central Americans won't commit as many crimes that native Americans are unwilling to commit : )

[DumpsterDiver]

Looks like most of the NC delegation voted "nay".
Good.

With the vote being 217 to 215, I'm wondering why these two Republicans decided to abstain from voting:

• Charles H. Taylor (R-NC, 11th district)

• Jo Ann Davis (R-VA, 1st district)

[Tulane]

When you're coming from nothing, what do you expect? Is China worried about inflation, because the should be.

[Syds Dad]

I know.. I'm simply stunned at the ignorance of economics and history on here of what otherwise would seem to be reasonable people.

[madison10]

I'm kinda torn. I agree with free trade on the surface, but I don't like seeing the jobs leave, in other words, I like having a roof over my head.