One thing that always surprises/impresses/horrifies me about the Republicans is their ability to repeat the same message, regardless of the current circumstances.
Exhibit A is this morning's Washington Post article on President Bush's trip to Sydney. Yesterday, Bush urged Asian leaders to continue to join with America in free trade agreements.
President Bush on Friday called on Pacific Rim leaders to support efforts to expand free trade, saying that open markets are a crucial element in strengthening the "forces of freedom and prosperity."
Speaking to business leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum at the famed Sydney Opera House, Bush said free trade is the only route to long-term freedom and growth, despite the short-term pain it often causes in industrialized nations in terms of lost jobs and stagnant wages.
"The surest road to stagnation and instability is the path of isolation and protectionism," Bush said. "And the only road to enduring prosperity and stability is through open markets and open trade."
I find Bush's efforts on behalf of free trade with Asia breathtaking. Look, it's not that I would expect him to suddenly change his views on free trade, but given what we know about our trading arrangements with China, a sane person would at least have some reservations about asking for more.
Over the past few months, the Chinese have poisoned our animals and our children. We've had several recalls. And, by the way, the trade deficit with China approached a quarter of a trillion dollars last year (that's trillion with a t). Given that China is making so much more money out of this trade deal and in return giving the United States poisonous products, wouldn't it make sense for the President to at least revise our current strategy towards free trade in Asia? I'm not saying go all Smoot-Hawley on their asses, but shouldn't we at least do a cost-benefit analysis of these deals before asking for more?
