Free Trade FAQ's

The Center for Trade Policy Studies ^ | Unknown | Unknown

[Lazamataz]

The proof is in the pudding ---- we don't need "theories". We have the cold hard facts of the free trade economy staring us in the face: giant trade deficits, double digit unemployment in many parts of the country, large welfare rolls and the "NAFTA displaced worker" programs, massive immigration of indigent people from those countries expected to benefit most with NAFTA, state budget deficits never before imagined, unstable stock market and a social security system about to see some big cuts.

And much more importantly, on CBS Marketwatch today, a PhD in Economics noted that at this particular point in a recovery, we have historically seen a 5% increase in employment off the lows. However, this time -- the very first post NAFTA, post WTO recovery -- we are actually 1% off the lows at the same comparison period.

6% job drain. I think that was the Giant Sucking Sound Messr. Perot was discussing.

[MonroeDNA]

You forgot "dogs and cats, living together!"

[MonroeDNA]

Damn, Laz, you just quoted from CBS.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

The Bump list "Free" Trade is an index of related threads. Follow the link and scroll to "free" trade to find the list but it won't ping you to new additions.
http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/bump-list

[Lazamataz]

Damn, Laz, you just quoted from CBS.

CBS-Marketwatch. Totally different animal. Pretty down-the-center neutral, actually. Bloomberg was neutral for about 6 months in 1996 or so, then went whacko-left. CNN-Money is ludicriously left. Wall Street Journal ANYthing is right-of-center, and that's a good thing, but sometimes I want to hear it minus the spin.

CBS-Marketwatch -- I give them props. They are right down the dotted line.

[MonroeDNA]

This is going to be hard to say.

I understand your apprehension, but I guess my ancestors were born of pretty strong stuff. I hope to live up to their standards.

I am an American Male, with roots that trace prior to the revolution. My ancestors were proudly independent, and would laugh at, and shun, government intervention, to protect their job.

They knew that life is hard, and not fair. Today it is easy, yet still people whine about "fairness." Ask your grandfather, or if he is not alive, ask for advice. What would he say about "fair trade?" Or protectionism?

What would he say to you?

I know what my grandfather's would say. They would tell me to stop complaining, and start learning.

Then again, my bloodline is through Monroe. Hence the FR name.

[SteveH]

"The H-1B Straitjacket: Why Congress Should Repeal the Cap on Foreign-Born Highly Skilled Workers"

So please reiterate, given the above, why anyone should believe that the CTPS is nothing more than a gladhandling shill front for multinationals, 100% divorced from everyday reality circa 2003, and intent on elevating multinational corporations and their profits above national sovereignty and individual freedoms and quality of life.

[MonroeDNA]

Speak english, please. ;)

[MonroeDNA]

What do you think about the Kyoto treaty?

[Lazamataz]

They knew that life is hard, and not fair. Today it is easy, yet still people whine about "fairness." Ask your grandfather, or if he is not alive, ask for advice. What would he say about "fair trade?" Or protectionism?

Well, being as the Founding Fathers considered tariffs (protectionism) the only legitimate federal taxing authority, and being as George Washington refused to wear a coat cut of British cloth to his inauguration and signed the Tariff Act of 1789, and being as GW also said "A free people…should promote such manufactories as tend to render them independent on others", and being as Alexander Hamilton wrote in his 1791 report as Treasury Secretary, "Every nation ought to endeavor to possess within itself all the essentials of national supply."....

.....well, I imagine they'd be pretty sanguine with the concept of erecting tariffs right now. :o)

[Lazamataz]

So please reiterate, given the above, why anyone should believe that the CTPS is nothing more than a gladhandling shill front for multinationals, 100% divorced from everyday reality circa 2003, and intent on elevating multinational corporations and their profits above national sovereignty and individual freedoms and quality of life

This is the only complaint I have about the pro-tariff side. They are occasionally incomprehensible. ;^)

[MonroeDNA]

You said erect...too cool!

[MonroeDNA]

What would your grandfather say?

[Lazamataz]

All you were missing was the Beavis and Butthead photo, and the HUHUHHHhuhuuh HUHHHuhuuuhuhhh :)

You know, I don't mind having this conversation with a free trader when they are as genteel and civilized as you.

When I become Supreme Ruler, you live.

[Lazamataz]

What would your grandfather say?

I don't care so much, because I prefer to rely on the incredible wisdom of the Founding Fathers. They were giants among men. G-d truly blessed our country, to give us men of such vision at the founding of the nation.

And they like tariffs. They like them a LOT. ;^)

[MonroeDNA]

You rock, too, dude.

Do you shoot as straight as you sound?

Gotta do some hole punching, soon. :)

[RockyMtnMan]

What would your grandfather say?

Since I, not my Grandpa, just filled out the Republican National Committee "Ask America" survey I would say the question is irrelevent.

I should add that this is the first survey they've sent me worthy of filling out that targets the real issues. I still haven't re-upped my RNC membership and plan on withholding it until I see some action on the RNC's part.

[Lazamataz]

You rock, too, dude. Do you shoot as straight as you sound?

IPSC and DCM/CMP competitor. :o)

[SteveH]

Speak english, please. ;)

[OK, how about if I type very slowly :-]

From the CTPS website link

http://www.freetrade.org/pubs/briefs/tbp-007es.html:

The number of H-1B visas was unlimited before 1990, when it was capped at 65,000 a year. In 1998 the annual cap was raised to 115,000 for 1999 and 2000, but industry is expected to fill the quota several months before the end of the fiscal year. The shortage shows no sign of abating. Demand for core information technology workers in the United States is expected to grow by 150,000 a year for the next eight years, a rate of growth that cannot be met by the domestic labor supply alone.

MonroeDNA, do you agree with this statement? Do you find the CTPS authors credible?

If so, why? If not, why should anyone believe anything the CTPS has to say about trade and economics?

[MonroeDNA]

type slooooower....