No, only because most Americans do not still understand free trade. I would probably end up passing the tariffs and farm subsidies that Bush passed, even though I would hate having to do it, knowing how much money it takes from everyone, especially the poorest Americans who nees it most. I would do it only out of political expediency (as was Bush's only reason for doing these things; much like his signing of the campaign finance bill). But in a better economic and political world (and one we are getting closer to in America) I would. Yes, I would push for the other countries to remove their tariffs and protections as well (to minimize the near-term effects on our economy that those actions might have). (This is entirely the point of the WTO and GATT.) But ultimately, their refusing to remove their "protections" would not stop me from removing ours. We would completely benefit in the long run and they would eventually be forced to remove theirs (as all communist, socialist, and other planned economies have been or are being forced to do by our freer market; which just keeps growing and growing as far as world market share is concerned).
I'm kind of taken by the concept of India/Russia/China/Phlilipines/etc. coming on-line in the world. So many people producing so much great stuff & services. I think my fear is that this would mean America becomes third-world, instead of raising up other nations.
Anyway, last question for today - so this is freep (allegedly conservative) - what makes free-trade a conservative value?