[narby]

Kill free trade before it kills us, bump.

Thanks for trying to take my job away from me.

Most of the money my company makes comes from selling wireless systems in South America. Our division is owned by a Canadian company, and they build the hardware in Canada and ship it to So. America. It's designed by folks in the Bay Area.

So if you clowns get your way and lock down America, then there are several hundred of us probably out of a job.

Or I'll have to move to Canada (no thanks).

The Willie Greens of the world can always find isolated examples where it looks like the sky is falling. But overall, and for the long run, anyone with brains is for free trade.

If isolation is such a good idea, then it would be a good idea to practice between the states. Put tarrifs on goods made in Californa and shipped to Michigan. Obviously that's a dumb idea, and it's the same dumb idea when applied across national boundaries.

(Yes, I know the Constitution says only the Congress could do that, but that's not my point)

[rmlew]

The problem with Free trade is that capital and skilled labor are exportable. Given lower standards of living, well-paid engineers in India are still paid a fraction of the price of one in any America city. In the long run wages will equalize. While I am all for the developing world getting richer, it will mean that our standard of living will decrease, at least for a few decades.
Free trade proponents (I used to be one) will claim that the loss of jobs is not a real concern. It is simply a cost of the "creative destruction" that drives our economy. To some degree, they are correct. However, there are few jobs that need to be in the US. Even if much of the creativity comes from the US, why would companies produce their goods or services in a high cost environment. While we can, and should, reduce the government-created costs on business, there is no way that we can compete in the long run. In an age of instantaneous connections via the internet, and unfettered shipping, America's competetive advantage decreases tremendously.
There is no real reason to produce technology here. Tehre are problems and costs associated with outsourcing. However, don't kid yourself into thinking that they are insurmountable. Better management, training, and quality control will improve results over time. It may take 5 years, or event a generation, but the costs of outsourcing tehcnical work will greatly diminish.
The end result will be a weaker dollar, lower GDP in America, depressed wages, and the end of American dominance. We are not the New Rome. We are a new British Empire, except that we are already saddled with high debt.

Your job is essentially middle management in the US. Please explain why it will not be outsourced in the next decade before saying that I want to take away your job!

California and Michigan are both states. There is no real cost to the country if a job moves between states. There is a real cost to the nation if it moves to India or China.

[techwench]

sounds like a "better you than me" ping

[Iscool]

So if you clowns get your way and lock down America, then there are several hundred of us probably out of a job.

Well get off your hind end then and start your own business...Or go back to school and retrain for a better job...Hey, the options are endless...Aren't they???

[lelio]

Put tarrifs on goods made in Californa and shipped to Michigan. Obviously that's a dumb idea, and it's the same dumb idea when applied across national boundaries.

I think borders are a dumb idea as well. What's the point of them?

[Doohickey]

Put tarrifs on goods made in Californa and shipped to Michigan.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzt. Unconstitutional.

[hedgetrimmer]

Put tarrifs on goods made in Californa and shipped to Michigan.

So your answer is no borders no tariffs between countries. Do you think that America is interchangeable with Guatemala in culture and freedom? Why shouldn't America define itself with borders and protect its trade with tariffs? Because you think we should give up our sovereignty to foreign treaties and become one with the socialists of the world? Because that is what is happening-- these "free trade" agreements are to create a world order that destroys the sovereignty of America and give it over to other organizations. Read the FTAA. In it, the higher authority is the OAS and the summit of the Americas. But thats ok because you are making money.

[sixmil]

So if you clowns get your way and lock down America, then there are several hundred of us probably out of a job.

• You don't have a right to your job
• Creative destruction
• You'd be better off without a job, that way you could start your own business

Take your pick, what's good for the goose is good for the gander.

[sixmil]

If isolation is such a good idea, then it would be a good idea to practice between the states. Put tarrifs on goods made in Californa and shipped to Michigan. Obviously that's a dumb idea, and it's the same dumb idea when applied across national boundaries.

*sigh* No one is arguing for isolation. How about an honest debate, instead of the democrat paint-you-into-an-imaginary-corner tactics? The reason we have free trade between states is that we have a common government and we all play by the same set of rules. To achieve that with international trade requires either submission of sovereignty to the WTO or real trade wars (i.e. armed invasion). Which do you prefer?

[neutrino]

But overall, and for the long run, anyone with brains is for free trade.

My, what a remarkable blanket statement! Have you looked at the author's credentials? I would be very surprised if yours compare favorably.

You sound like a typical supporter of a dying, false religion - the religion of free trade over all. You defend your faith all the more vigorously because you must drive away the demons of doubt your perceive within yourself.

Free trade was supported by Karl Marx, and is supported by the UN. China and India have rapid growth, and trade restrictions - but they surely want the US to have no restrictions at all.

Free trade is just another global welfare scheme - with US taxpayers footing the bill.

[neutrino]

But overall, and for the long run, anyone with brains is for free trade.

My, what a remarkable blanket statement! Have you looked at the author's credentials? I would be very surprised if yours compare favorably.

You sound like a typical supporter of a dying, false religion - the religion of free trade over all. You defend your faith all the more vigorously because you must drive away the demons of doubt your perceive within yourself.

Free trade was supported by Karl Marx, and is supported by the UN. China and India have rapid growth, and trade restrictions - but they surely want the US to have no restrictions at all.

Free trade is just another global welfare scheme - with US taxpayers footing the bill.

[ninenot]

You expect us to give a s&^% about YOUR job?

Why?

[GOP_1900AD]

You are being investigated by the Canadian and US Governments, another Enron in the making.

[N3WBI3]

Nobody here has ever said all free trade is bad, thinking that a communist nation with slave labor and nukes pointed at us deserve the same favor as Canada is kinda silly..

There are many nations that deserve free trade they have a first world economy, human rights, and dont point nukes at the US.

[Paul Ross]

Our division is owned by a Canadian company, and they build the hardware in Canada and ship it to So. America. It's designed by folks in the Bay Area.

Your tirade against the proper concern over U.S. outsourcing, doesn't apply to your situation. You are representing a Canadian manufacturer. And your sales aren't to the U.S. So you say, anyways. If so, you would be immune to a restored U.S. tariff on imports.