Obama trade dilemma: Scant support from Democrats

Associated Press ^ | Jun 15, 2013 12:16 PM EDT | Tom Raum

[Olog-hai]

As President Barack Obama pushes an ambitious agenda to liberalize global trading, political trade wars already are forming, and they’re with fellow Democrats rather than with Republicans, his usual antagonists.

Obama is promoting free-trade proposals with Europe and Asia that could affect up to two-thirds of all global trade. …

Both deals generally have the support of U.S. businesses. But labor unions and human rights and environmental groups—core Democratic constituencies—have so far viewed them cynically.

These organizations, and Democrats in general, say that free-trade deals can cost American jobs and lead to environmental and workplace abuses that would not be tolerated in the U.S. …

[central_va]

Here is a summary of the "help" offered by Friedman to the American workforce:Thomas Friedman believes that to fight the quiet crisis of a flattening world, the United States work force should keep updating its work skills. Making the work force more adaptable, Friedman argues, will keep it more employable. He also suggests that the government makes it easier to switch jobs by making retirement benefits and health insurance less dependent on one's employer and by providing insurance that would partly cover a possible drop in income when changing jobs. Friedman also believes there should be more inspiration for youth to be scientists, engineers, and mathematicians due to a decrease in the percentage of these professionals being American.

I used to be a fan of Friedman, now not so much. Like I said his advice to line workers - train to be surgeons or software engineers. LOL Right...

[central_va]

My bad, this is thomas not milt...

[1rudeboy]

Oh, really? How about your mortgage? One page?

[dennisw]

We need to deport free traitors to China, the land that they love.

[1rudeboy]

Alternatively, we could deport protectionists there, where they would actually feel comfortable.

[dennisw]

China is the nation you currently pledge allegiance too. You and the other free traitors

[Toddsterpatriot]

My idea to "help" would be to deport 11 million illegals, to start.

And build a big wall on the border.

[1rudeboy]

I understand your frustration, being borne of a simple mind. Seriously, go to China . . . you might like it there.

[central_va]

I really don’t think they have allegiance to any country per say. It is about profit and money with no social or political responsibilities. They are “above it all”. You and I are just a couple of silly jingoists to them. I mean that in all sincerity.

[central_va]

My idea to "help" would be to deport 11 million illegals, to start. And build a big wall on the border.

Keep this talk up and you will lose your gloBULList street cred.

[1rudeboy]

That’s the thing—I don’t give a damn if you are a “jingoist.” Just keep your friggin’ nose out of my business. Don’t tread on me, so to speak.

[central_va]

That’s the thing—I don’t give a damn if you are a “jingoist.” Just keep your friggin’ nose out of my business. Don’t tread on me, so to speak.

If playing footsies with ChiComs and weakening our nations defense infrstructure thru offshoring is your business then it becomes my GD business bucko. I will never stop or ever get out your business. Ever ever ever. As long as I live.

[dennisw]

Self-deport your self and your low intellect to ChiCom land and teach them the wonders of free trade

[1rudeboy]

Like I’ve always said, scratch a protectionist, find an authoritarian.

[Toddsterpatriot]

Keep this talk up and you will lose your gloBULList street cred.

Is that what you big government "conservatives" hand out?

[1rudeboy]

The only point I’m making, and that you cannot deny, is that you would feel more comfortable there than I. With a large, kind, benevolent government to hold your hand.

[dennisw]

China needs more knaves. You’ll be very welcome there

[dennisw]

Go to China and preach your childish libertarian BS. You will be able to wow them in the comedy clubs

[1rudeboy]

And this is where things get really absurd with you guys. Seriously. A supply-side, free-market capitalist "welcome" in China. As I mentioned upstream, do you guys ever think before typing a response?

[dennisw]

wtf are blubbering about? Go to China already and stay there. Go teach your perverted version of economics