If a Republican president had passed NAFTA

[msgadget]

would the current labor and immigrant debate be different? Do the actions of the DLC and DCCC further prevent that debate from occurring within the party?

[mdmc]

1. I thought that the GOP did pass NAFTA

oh wait, it was the DLC with the GOP... I don't think this debate would be any different. The DLC and the DCCC are pretty corporate, not very "middle class" friendly.

[msgadget]

4. That's what I've been thinkin'...

and there doesn't appear a window for that debate to take place or gain traction if it does.

[eliphaiku]

2. Nafta/immigration

It can be hard to protect labor gains here without appearing improperly motivated.

[msgadget]

3. Can you explain what you mean, please?

[eliphaiku]

8. How?

How do you keep the labor pool small enough to keep a living wage for union members without excluding millions of brown illegals? Seems to be an issue with few good sides.

[msgadget]

9. Ah, I see what you're saying

First of all, all illegal immigrants aren't brown. And, it's not just union members at a disadvantage with this large a labor pool. But, labor pool aside, NAFTA was supposed to UPLIFT Mexico and it has not. Instead it created a larger problem for the working poor and should be seriously addressed, especially by a party formerly committed to labor. Can it be addressed by a party whose last president championed it? And, considering the stances of influential party members, will it?

[mdmc]

6. welcome to DU!

peace and low stress... enjoy!

[Jack Rabbit]

5. The DLC is not helpful, but it hasn't stopped debate

At lesat not at the grass roots level, it hasn't.

No, I don't think the debate would be any different.

[msgadget]

7. Good point about the grass roots

but would it be different for elected dems - would they be pointing to it as a cause?

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

10. Where are the apologists?

[msgadget]

11. Good question!