Bingo. I have no idea how free trade got corrupted into accessing massive pools of Third World slave labor.
Do these "free traders" think they're kidding anyone when they sign trade agreements with the poverty-stricken dregs of the global community, then turn around and claim they represent massive new markets for American high tech goods?
LOL, maybe some day, but it'll take years or decades and during that time the price we'll pay is lost American jobs.
So the good news is eventually we'll bring the whole world up to the US standard of living. The bad news is it'll take decades, and until it happens Americans will have to get used to not having jobs.
Hmmm, I wonder if Congress will support extending unemployment benefits for another 50 years?
Free Trade means the equal treatment of both parties. It means two way trade.
Trade relations on the other hand are often unfair and imbalanced. We give China a 5% tariff rate and they give us a 40% tarriff...
China trade is a classic example of a one way street.
Have you seen the latest issue of Forbes magazine? Go check out the article about labor in Asia.
How do sweat shops contribute to the economy?
Under that arrangement we are free to compete head on, without crutches or barriers.