[egomeimihi]

Having had a full night's sleep and reflection, I see your point, and it's an excellent one. What I failed to see initially was that what goes by the name "free trade" is really something else entirely when one's own economy is fettered by excessive taxation and regulation, and the "competition" is bankrolled by socialist governments. In the long run, I doubt that economic systems such as China's will prove sustainable. On a fundamental level, however, I agree that in order for free trade to work, there must be minimal governmental interference on both sides. I found the quotes from Adam Smith very persuasive. The quote from Karl Marx, however, was less persuasive, as his predictive abilities have proven less than reliable. When I first glanced through RB's post I really only saw the quote from Marx, along with the implication that supporters of free trade are closet Marxists. I obviously misunderstood his point, and apologize for the flame. I was simply wrong. Mea culpa.

[Lazamataz]

Yours is a mature and reasoned response. Thank you for it.

[RaceBannon]

I didnt take it personal!

Buy ya a coffee? (When I get work?)

[Cacophonous]

No problems here, and I apologize if I got a little heated.