Bush Wins CAFTA But Loses Wider War

Oxford Analytica ^ | 07.29.05

[hedgetrimmer]

Before the treaty comes into effect, ratification by Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica is necessary, and this is not guaranteed.

[Porterville]

It is amazing how often Bush wins but is still consider in a worse spot than before.

[joesnuffy]

Talk about not being equally yoked....

imo

[11th_VA]

I think the Pubbies just handed the Executive branch back to the RATs in 2008 - and maybe the House in 2006 ...

[Ultra Sonic 007]

Bleh.

All we can hope for now is that the other countries shoot down CAFTA.

But still, this is bad. When the ability to change your fate is no longer in your own hands, that's a bad sign.

[lOKKI]

In the 2008 election no one will remember CAFTA. The election debates will all be about some scandal from the Vietnam era which involves one or both of the candidates.

[hedgetrimmer]

When the ability to change your fate is no longer in your own hands, that's a bad sign.

Which is precisely why most Americans oppose "free trade" and "hemispheric integration".

[11th_VA]

In the 2008 election no one will remember CAFTA.

Bullcocky - We'll have two new conservative SC Justices by then. They'll be no reason for people like me (who want to see immigration laws enforced) to vote for either of the major parties.

[nygoose]

Probably true to form for our Pols.

[hedgetrimmer]

In the 2008 election no one will remember CAFTA

Not if I can help it!

[Tenacious 1]

Based on what I have read, I like CAFTA. It essentially lowers or removes tarrifs on American imports from other countries. We have for a long time kept tarrifs low on foreing imports to promote low cost and stay inflation for American Consumers. Some of the fringe stuff in CAFTA is weak.

What is the dissenting position?

[cripplecreek]

"I think the Pubbies just handed the Executive branch back to the RATs in 2008 - and maybe the House in 2006 ..."


It's starting to look like it's intentional.

[Eagles Talon IV]

I don't think you understand what this treaty does, or maybe you do and I don't. My understanding is this involves 7 countries all of whom have tariffs on goods they import from us. We have no tariffs on the goods we import from them. This treaty will cause the tariffs on the goods they import from us to disappear, making them less expensive and thereby increasing demand on their side and an increase in manufacturing (supply) on our side.

This appears to be a win situation for us and aside from the unions whining that it will cost jobs, for which there is no proof, there seems no down side.

Explain where I am wrong and how or why this will impact on the elections of '06 & '08

[Brilliant]

"mounting disarray?"

My view is that our trade policy is finally beginning to gel. No sense in getting too upset about international trade. The economy is in high gear. I don't hear a "giant sucking noise."

[Tenacious 1]

"This appears to be a win situation for us and aside from the unions whining that it will cost jobs, for which there is no proof, there seems no down side.

Explain where I am wrong and how or why this will impact on the elections of '06 & '08"

I second this thought and would also like to understand the argument against CAFTA.

[Rodney King]

Regardless of how one feels about CAFTA, the idea that any "victory" that is opposed by the other party is somehow less than a victory is silly.

[ex-snook]

PNTR maybe a suicide belt strapped around the GOP by Clinton as he left office.

[cripplecreek]

Winning for the sake of winning isn't worth much if it costs you your ideals.

[Dane]

11th and cripple are some of the resident malcontents here on FR.

Bush having a hangnail to them means the Pubbies lose in 08.