The name of the game in these trade agreements, Ron, is to open markets, increase trade dramatically, create new jobs and get the global economy growing.
Well, I don't disagree with the concept, nor its intent. What I care about is the method with which it is implemented, and the results that are achieved. The US has opened its markets to everyone, thinking there trading partners would reciprocate of their own free will. But alas, our naivete has always held sway over our foreign policy.
Sorry, but I'm an unabashed Capitalist.
Funny thing... whenever I see someone claim they are an "unabashed" something or other, it brings back memories of an old professor of mine who sagely stated:
"The only difference between communism and capitalism is that under capitalism, Man Exploits Man. Whereas under communism it's the other way around".
The extreme (or unabashed) versions of both ideo-economic systems are both tyrannical. They are that way because they provide, either by opportunity, or by imposition, the maximum structure for the relative few to exert the instinctive desire to control the many. It was only through the ruthless pursuit of profit, to the exclusion of anything else, that Marx was able to appeal to the oppressed and exploited working class and give birth to capitalism's hated enemy, Commumism. Thus, we can say that Capitalism, or the reckless pursuit of it, is really to blame for the uncounted misery that has been visited upon nation after nation.
I do hold fast to the belief that power corrupts, and that absolute power corrupts absolutely. The key to our economic and political success will remain with our founding father's belief that no one select group of individuals should be permitted to exert total control over the many, either by ruthless and myopic pursuit of profits, nor through the smoking barrel of their guns.
Call me an "unabashed moderate" if you will, with leanings towards the creation of wealth and profit but certainly aware that human nature instinctively seeks to control all variables in their environment, including their human competitors.
Regards,
Ron |
