The "T" word, trade

[Robert Oak]

Has anyone noticed trade has been completely absent from both campaigns,
yet free trade agreements are the number one reason we're losing
both our college degreed white collar jobs as well as manufacturing?

How do we get this issue even discussed before the election?

[idlisambar]

1. Wouldn't it be nice...

...if the issue got some attention. Our trade deficit is only ~600 billion dollars for crying out loud. :eyes:

A good treatment of the issue might be a little too demanding in our soundbite culture though. In any case, I don't think Kerry is particularly strong on this issue -- either he really does not understand the nature and magnitude of problem or he fears the "protectionist" label. Probably a combination of both.

[IrateCitizen]

2. You're off base on Kerry -- he's always been a "free trader"

He doesn't fear the "protectionist" label -- he's never found a trade deal that he didn't like. Out of all the Democratic Senators, he is one of the most consistent votes for anything labeled "free trade".

[Robert Oak]

3. review w/ 120 days

but review doesn't state "change".

I am very concerned by the reality the US is just a member of the WTO
we have no veto vote...

The WTO can supersede any US law by claiming it's a "barrier to trade". This means any immigration law, any environmental law
they can claim illegal because it's a barrier to trade...

in other words

the WTO can "rule over" the United States

.

Bush & Co. are just selling off the farm as fast as possible with trade agreements, but the whole democratic party and Kerry in particular voted 100% for it...set this up in the 90's...(although this has been going on since the 80's).

well, this is one flip flop we need him to do, no more "free trade mantra" out of Kerry.

He has promised to review all trade agreements within 120 days and has
talked about workers rights and environment laws...

but by joining the WTO, the US, the strongest consumer economy in the world, diminished their own power by becoming equal in trade law with less economically powerful countries.

I wouldn't even call it law actually for the WTO can have a group of
leaders "gang up" on the US and make decisions unfavorable to the US.

So structurally we have a major disaster with the WTO.

with fast track authority, now all negotiations are with the executive branch of our government. Congress has no in line veto.

This is also really bad in terms of balance of power.

Global trade is so complex and the global economy has so much influence over our domestic economy, the whole structure takes
away decisions from a Republic and puts them in secret meetings
and in the hands of a few executive branch leaders and a herd
of international trade law attorneys and negotiators.

Good news is Kerry does have some more sensible economic advisers...
although he needs even more "worker oriented" economists on board
IMHO and I think some of these advisors who architected the joining
of the WTO are admitted there are some serious mistakes...

but, trade...I mean, good god, this is now number 1 influence on our domestic economy and we have no representation in this process beyond
who we vote for as President.