From: Dehede011@aol.com
Date: Sun Aug 10 2003 - 05:21:41 MDT
In a message dated 8/9/2003 10:46:47 PM Central Standard Time,
damienb@unimelb.edu.au writes: Oddly enough, this is pretty much the way many Aussie
exporters (especially of meat and grain) feel about the US, I understand; many goods
are either locked out or subject to absurd tariffs. Meanwhile, we hear
preachments about the global economy from these alleged freemarketers.
Damien,
When I was a boy there was an old saying I used to hear now and again.
It was "two wrongs don't make a right."
I was not defending the Aussie record on free trade nor the American
one. I was asking how can we call it free trade when it is not free on both
sides.
As an American I look at our imbalance in trade and find that the
countries selling to us don't allow us to sell in their countries. Then I hear
our economists defend what is going on in the name of free trade. So I ask,
what free trade?
As to the specific example you gave on meat and grain. I don't know
the facts of my own knowledge but I do know this: we have about 270 or 280
million people in this country. I am sure we can find some that are just as
venial as any you have in other countries.
But my frustration is not with foreigners. My frustration is that I
have never heard and American economist address the issue of free trade with
massive restrictions head on.
Ron h
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