[Lazamataz]

The proof is in the pudding ---- we don't need "theories". We have the cold hard facts of the free trade economy staring us in the face: giant trade deficits, double digit unemployment in many parts of the country, large welfare rolls and the "NAFTA displaced worker" programs, massive immigration of indigent people from those countries expected to benefit most with NAFTA, state budget deficits never before imagined, unstable stock market and a social security system about to see some big cuts.

And much more importantly, on CBS Marketwatch today, a PhD in Economics noted that at this particular point in a recovery, we have historically seen a 5% increase in employment off the lows. However, this time -- the very first post NAFTA, post WTO recovery -- we are actually 1% off the lows at the same comparison period.

6% job drain. I think that was the Giant Sucking Sound Messr. Perot was discussing.

[MonroeDNA]

Damn, Laz, you just quoted from CBS.

[MonroeDNA]

This is going to be hard to say.

I understand your apprehension, but I guess my ancestors were born of pretty strong stuff. I hope to live up to their standards.

I am an American Male, with roots that trace prior to the revolution. My ancestors were proudly independent, and would laugh at, and shun, government intervention, to protect their job.

They knew that life is hard, and not fair. Today it is easy, yet still people whine about "fairness." Ask your grandfather, or if he is not alive, ask for advice. What would he say about "fair trade?" Or protectionism?

What would he say to you?

I know what my grandfather's would say. They would tell me to stop complaining, and start learning.

Then again, my bloodline is through Monroe. Hence the FR name.