WP: Time for Trade

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/03/AR2007040301639.html

Time for Trade
Pacts with Latin America and South Korea ought to pass this Congress.

Wednesday, April 4, 2007; Page A12

THE BUSH administration's conclusion of a free-trade agreement with South Korea means that Congress faces a series of critical decisions about trade policy, globalization and U.S. relations with key allies. The South Korea agreement joins similar deals with Colombia, Peru and Panama awaiting congressional action. Congress must also decide whether to extend past June the presidential negotiating authority that makes such agreements possible. The stakes are high: Free trade with South Korea could give a substantial boost to the American economy, while the Latin America deals could help consolidate democracy and capitalism in the region at a time when both are under challenge.

The good news here is that the Bush administration has been negotiating with the Democratic leadership in Congress about a package deal to pass the Latin America trade treaties and extend the negotiating authority. Both sides have shown some flexibility and good faith: In particular, the administration has made a considerable effort to meet longstanding Democratic demands for tougher labor and environmental standards. The key Democratic negotiator, Rep. Charles B. Rangel (N.Y.), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, has sounded open to compromise.

That there has been no deal is largely due to the insistence of pro-labor Democrats that the higher standards they want be enforceable not just on American trading partners but on the United States itself. Last week Mr. Rangel and Rep. Sander M. Levin (D-Mich.) delivered a position paper to U.S. trade negotiators that would require that both sides in future trade agreements commit themselves to "core principles" of the International Labor Organization. At least in theory, this could allow foreign governments to sue the United States in an attempt to change domestic laws that violate ILO standards -- such as those permitting strikebreakers or prison labor. The administration has proposed that the treaties contain a "safe harbor" provision prohibiting labor or environmental suits against the United States; the Democrats have so far refused.

FULL article at link.

[AX10]

1. So now the Whorington Post wants to reach out to the world...

when money is involved for Wall Street. All the sudden they care about the world. Funny how they didn't care for the world when dealing with our security.

The post can go to HELL!

Fair Trade, not "Free" trade!