Posted on 08/12/2002 8:39:19 AM PDT by john bell hood
The bill granting the president trade promotion authority came laden with domestic costs, too. It offers tax-funded income support and retraining benefits to workers who, supposedly, lose their jobs because of foreign competition. How the government plans to distinguish companies that fall victim to nefarious foreign competitors from companies with lousy management or unattractive products is anybody's guess. More than likely, the recipients of taxpayer largesse will be determined based on the clout wielded by labor leaders and their friends in Congress.
But none of this means that hopes for loosened trade barriers are doomed. While tit-for-tat deals between governments have little to do with true free trade, they might at least be effective at incrementally improving the environment for commerce. That means expanded markets for companies overseas, and a wider variety of goods on store shelves at home -- a tempting prospect when the world's economy seems undecided as to whether it will rise out of its current doldrums.
President Bush may not be in the best bargaining position to use his new fast-track trade authority. But he may just have the power to undo some of his own protectionist policies.
You have to ask?
No country in their right mind would negotiate a freetrade deal with this administration given how they have done more to undermine free trade than big labour has,
One need look no further than our illegal tarrifs on Canadian wood based on outright lies to see that this administration can't be trusted when it comes to trade.
"And now I'm marching Southward,
My heart is full of woe.
I'm going back to Georgia,
To see my Uncle Joe.
You may talk about your Beauregard,
Or sing of Bobby Lee.
But, the Gallant Hood of Texas,
Sure played hell in Tennesee."
Welcome to FR, JohnBellHood! Free Trade Bump.
I voted for Bush, but it seems I elected Buchanan by mistake.
Can I riot or anything about this?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.