< Free-trade IS politico-economic policy and NOT inherent to the foundation of democracy.>
Well, a Democracy should never close itself off from reactionaries like Pat Buchanon and Ross Perot who actively campaign against Free Trade. After all, there were some American Blue Collar Workers who got the shaft from NAFTA. Last I saw, we still had the Socialist party and Communist Party on the Election Ballot here. I'm sure you don't want to argue on behalf of Communism or Socialism as possible politico- economic policy. No need to persuade me to the contrary here. <GGG>
My point was that Free Trade ought to be considered as inherent to the Foundation of Democracy, like Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Religion. To be sure, there are limits to everything: When a person shouts fire in a movie theatre when there is no fire, he or she should be punished.
I agree that the history of the World has always debated the concept of Free Trade and has sometimes, unfortunately opted for Protectionism. But that does not mean that Free Trade should not be viewed as a basic human right in a Democracy, which was my argument in my post to Richard. In a Democracy, Principles should always be debated and questioned. Questions of Faith should be left alone by the Government, as long as private property and individual welfare are not threatened.
What takes place in my home, as a law abiding citizen, is at least not subject to "political-economic policy" enforcement yet. |
