Free Republic

The Bush administration's practice of shelving sound research and discarding science that doesn't suit its political goals has been well-documented. Now it seems that Bush's people have taken this approach to the debate over overseas outsourcing of white-collar jobs to low-cost countries. At issue is a Commerce Department report commissioned by Congress. The $330,000 report was supposed to be released before last year's presidential election, but wasn't.

For education and discussion only. Not for commercial use. The overall U.S. goods and services trade deficit increased from $58.0 billion to $59.0 billion, a 1.73% increase, and the third highest total on record. The aggregate figure masked some positive news. The rise in the overall deficit was led by big increases in imported oil, while the non-oil sectors of the economy, including hi-tech, manufacturing, and services, improved their international positions. Yet the August trade figures also show that these improvements remain far below the levels that would enable America to pay for oil and other imports from its national...