We have significantly reduced borders, I'll agree.
Posted on 08/02/2006 8:41:11 AM PDT by tang0r
Forget the politicking on the news about tariffs and subsidies. The true advantages of free trade, toward which small political steps as the Doha trade round are vital, are to the long-term financial and social benefit of America and the world. Were free trade effectively implemented, instead of being torpedoed by the demagogic posturing of reactionary Leftists, the progress and development it inspired would improve the lives of millions of people.
(Excerpt) Read more at prometheusinstitute.net ...
We have significantly reduced borders, I'll agree.
Somebody might ask what Free Trade might be.
How do you get that out of what I've said?
I just want to stop calling something it's not.
Because you didn't agree that freer trade is better than trade which is less free.
No. I just agreed that "freer trade" is a better name for the thing this thread is about. My argument is entirely semantics. Free trade is free trade or it's not. There's no such thing as "sort of" pregnant.
Great, now that we've agreed about the semantics, let's talk about the real world.
Do you prefer the current levels of tariffs and barriers or would you like them to be lowered? Even if they can't be lowered to zero.
So do I. Nice talk requires specifics.
"I came to Washington to spare the American people the protectionist legislation that destroys prosperity."
Ronald Reagan initiated talks with Canada and Mexico on establishing a North American free trade zone and inaugurated another multilateral trade negotiation known as the Uruguay Round. (from here)
I like Reagan's specifics too.
I'm all for anything that gets us closer to free trade. Just don't call it "free trade" when it isn't.
Excellent!
Just don't call it "free trade" when it isn't.
Just add an "r" to the end of free, in your head.
It should help you unclench.
I thought one quote from Reagan would be enough for you liberal trade merchants to understand that Reagan placed American interests first and foremost when it came to trade issues. Here's two radio speeches President Reagan gave to the nation on the issue of free and fair trade, and the need for the US to remain ever vigilant against unfair trade practices by unfriendly nations. Reagan in his own words are the best specifics I know of. Enjoy.
President Reagan, Radio Address to the Nation on Free and Fair Trade, September 7th, 1985
President Reagan, Radio Address to the Nation on Free and Fair Trade April 25th, 1987
You said that whacks better than me!
Usually these discussions revolve around specific Republican introduced import tax-cuts that the liberals hate. I can name a lot of them. Are you able to name one specific import tax-cut that you liked, or can you name one import tax hike that you've ever hated?
Yeah but we notice you kinda skip over the freedom part. I lived through it and can tell you for certain that if 1944 folks saw what 2006 would be like there would have been one hell of a revolution.
Well, I hope these doha round trade talks are sunk deeper than you know what. There is nothing free about this mess.
I really prefer subsidizing American farmers more than subsidizing foreign corporations who claim to be using their own money to build private toll roads for all this "free trade". What a joke on the American people.
And we know that higher tariffs and barriers are better than lower tariffs and barriers. Wouldn't want to have too much trade.
"And we know that higher tariffs and barriers are better than lower tariffs and barriers. Wouldn't want to have too much trade."
http://www.beekeeping.com/articles/us/honey_laundering.htm
"The honey may have been contaminated with chloramphenicol (CAP), which AQIS says causes the disease aplastic anaemia in some susceptible individuals. AQIS could not confirm the number of shipments that have been transited through Australia."
Just go right ahead and eat your honey from China as we wouldn't want the Chinese to suffer. It is good and cheap honey right up your alley. I, myself, prefer American grown food.
Or maybe we could just test imported honey?
Lot's of people like to stay with Reagan's talk and forget about his actions. I guess I was never much good at that all-talk-no-action stuff, a kind of a short coming on my part. You're free to take on any style you choose with my blessing.
Why should we? Are you accusing our trading partners of avoiding the rules and not playing fair? According to the doha rounds, we just need to cut the subsidies to our farmers and let our trading partners do whatever they want to do to our food.
Me too. Especially his actions in regard to unfair trade practices. While Reagan wasn't a strict protectionist, economists over the years have pointed out his administrations occasional protectionist policy action. Reagan signed off on special trade protection for Harley-Davidson, imposed quotas on steel imports, pressured Japan to restrict vehicle shipments to the United States, tightened limits on foreign textiles, accepted new barriers to imported sugar, raised duties on Canadian shakes and shingles. All in the name of fair trade.
Reagan was right: "I'm committed to and will continue to fight for fair trade. American exporters and American workers deserve a fair shake abroad, and we intend to see they get it." Actions speak louder then words and Reagan's actions to fight for fair trade practices is an historic fact.
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