Posted on 03/08/2016 7:28:37 AM PST by xzins
A new CFR-sponsored Independent Task Force report, North America: Time for a New Focus, asserts that elevating and prioritizing the Canada-Mexico-U.S. relationship offers the best opportunity for strengthening the United States and its place in the world.
"It is time to put North America at the forefront of U.S. policy," the report says. "The development and implementation of a strategy for U.S. economic, energy, security, environmental, and societal cooperation with its two neighbors can strengthen the United States at home and enhance its influence abroad."
by David H. Petraeus, retired U.S. Army general and chairman of the KKR Global Institute, and Robert B. Zoellick, former president of the World Bank Group and chairman of Goldman Sachs's International Advisors, the Task Force is composed of a diverse and distinguished group of experts that includes former government officials, scholars, and others. The project is directed by CFR Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies Shannon K. O'Neil.
The Task Force proposes a comprehensive set of recommendations for deepening North American integration, concentrating on four pivotal areas—energy, economic competitiveness, security, and community. These include:
***Capitalizing on North America's promising energy outlook.***
The North American countries need a regional energy strategy to strengthen the continent's energy infrastructure, expand energy exports, support Mexico's historic reforms, improve safety, and encourage harmonized policies to promote energy conservation and reduce carbon emissions.
"For economic, environmental, and diplomatic reasons, the Task Force recommends that the U.S. government encourage increased energy connections with Canada and Mexico. The U.S. government should approve additional pipeline capacity, including the Keystone XL pipeline," the report says. "The Task Force also proposes that the United States end restrictions on energy exports, including oil and LNG (liquefied natural gas)."
***Bolstering economic competitiveness through the freer movement of goods and services across borders.***
Upgrading infrastructure and policies across borders would interconnect national economies securely and efficiently. Recognizing trilateral economic interests, the United States should also include Canada and Mexico in its negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and other free trade agreements.
"The United States' ability to compete in a dynamic and competitive world economy would be strengthened by enhanced economic ties with Canada and Mexico," the report explains. "The Task Force recommends working toward the free and unimpeded movement of goods and services across North America's common borders."
***Strengthening security through a unified continental strategy and "continuous border innovation."***
While working toward the goal of a unified security strategy for North America, the United States and Canada should support Mexican efforts to strengthen the democratic rule of law, dismantle criminal networks, contribute to the development of resilient and cohesive communities, and reduce arms smuggling and drug consumption.
"The United States should shift from border-centric security toward a strategy of combining perimeter protection with security in depth through the use of intelligence, risk assessment, shared capabilities, and joint actions throughout the region," the report says.
***Fostering a North American community through comprehensive immigration reform, workforce development, and the creation of a mobility accord to facilitate the movement of workers.***
The U.S. Congress should pass comprehensive immigration reforms. To better aid the movement of North American workers, the three countries should also create a North American Mobility Accord, expand visas for skilled workers, streamline recognition of professional credentials, and develop a regional educational innovation strategy.
"The Task Force strongly recommends the passage of comprehensive federal immigration reform that secures U.S. borders, prevents illegal entry, provides visas on the basis of economic need, invites talented and skilled people to settle in the United States, and offers a pathway to legalization for undocumented immigrants now in the United States," the report says.
I think you'd like it anyway.
I have found that the conspiracy thinking regarding Heidi Cruz’s participation in that panel has gone overboard...and they are using the formulations of the 2012 TX Lt. Governor at the time, the GOPe pick, who was so desperate to find anything on Cruz that he attacked Cruz’s wife.
Folks did not buy it back then in TX...or on March 1st.
Anyhow my friend, thanks for your candid and factual information on the issue.
I tired to relate similar information in my post 73:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/3406603/posts?page=73#73
...to little or no avail.
IMHO, it’s sad to see some on FR buying that smear attempt hook line and sinker.
Oh well, such is life.
God’s speed!
I’m all for infiltration of the enemy. If that was Heidi Cruz’ goal, then great!
‘Heidi Cruz took specific exceptions in defense of national sovereignty to the product of the CFR report.’
If I ever make a false accusation, it’s accidental. And I take pleasure from debunking false accusations of anyone, particularly if that person might be a patriot. If you haven’t noticed that yet, I’m disappointed.
Cruz supporters should have shown me links/quotes to indicate rather than let accusations fester. A link would be excellent.
You have read Heidi Cruz’ opinion, so I don’t blame you for defending her. As for us, quotes would help tremendously. While it’s too late for Cruz in 2016, it’s not too late to elevate their stature.
I don’t blame you for being suspicious of Trump and critical of his ability to pull it off, but he plans to rip up any treaty that puts the US on the back seat. It might not be on constitutional grounds, and it might seem to counter free trade, but you’ll see a stronger, robust US economy and a voter base that begins to EXPECT patriotism in DC.
WELL DONE!
Your Post 70 nails it! Simply post her bio.
Adn it’s HIGH time for Trump supporters to cut the Cruz family some slack.
I particularly like this about Heidi’s bio ...
‘[While in] Claremont McKenna College in 1994. She was active in Claremont McKenna’s Republican group, but was asked to resign after spying on Bill Clinton’s campaign for reelection.’
My kind of patriot! And it would be consistent with Carry Okie’s claim that she infiltrated globalist organizations out of patriotism.
IMHO, this couple seems too creative and energetic to settle for the supreme court.
Hey, this sounds great, but a new name might be in order.
How about “Oceana”?
Jeff, I deeply admire you for maintaining such a courteous and respectful demeanor, in spite of the historically unprecedented rancor that has become such an integral part of this divisive election cycle. So proud to continue to call you my friend. :)
~ joanie
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