Is Free Trade bad?

In this global economy many workers are unskilled and receive extremely low pay. In fact some may consider these workers slightly above slaves. Some earning less then $1.00 a day and in many places child labor and the use of woman and the poor in forced labor, low wage, unhealthy and unsafe environments is rampant. Oh, we are working on that. Yes, why did you start it to begin with? When this happens greedy businesses seize the opportunity to produce their product using that cheap labor resource, i.e. sneakers, technological products, furnishings and other goods and services. It is simple and pure an exploitation of people and for intelligent or supposedly educated people to say otherwise in my opinion really speaks to their values. Frankly, it is just far less expensive to make it offshore and ship it back home even with all the tax and tariffs, which by the way helps the others as well.

Now while this is good for the bottom line in our case it eliminated many jobs once held by that our citizens. Simply, as Mr. McCain said "these jobs have gone away never to return". Rhetorically how nice of him to tell us the truth, now. Rhetorically, just where was this protector of America then? Now keep in mind when they talk they use one work "competitive". You hear it over and over and over. Learn to listen for it and like the word unfortunately it is in my opinion is one of the words of this century that is most defining. In my opinion this equates to go where it is the cheapest. This subsequently provides the excuse to lower wages. In other words if you want to compete in this new Global environment you, the worker, must learn to take less. Us today, someone else tomorrow.

Why because much of the cost of the product is wrapped up in labor. So the elimination of jobs is a natural progression. The institution of lower pay and the elimination of benefits is also another give and has significant impact to the bottom line on the plus side. Coupled with reduced hours and more demands on the worker and the installation of fear the worker is literally forced to produce more and more or go. A fact proven by statistics that Americans are afraid to take vacations for fear of not having a job when they return. Taking their emails and work with them "on vacation and having a"contact" number, only in case we need you of course. Yes all leading to high stress, disease, marital and family related problems and social welfare spending. Hey go ask any counselor. Job stress is a leading problem in America. Indications are that it is now a global issue. Does anyone wonder why?  Job stress was named  "The 20th Century Disease" by the UN.  It is even worse in this century. Vacation and comp time while offered, is rarely used and more then likely if you do not use it you loose it. You see employers are fast at taking back something they said you have as a benefit but do not provide the time to do so. This also  creates financial instability in nation, eliminates loyalty, creates job hoping and employee dissatisfaction thus giving justification to outsourcing and medical conditions going well past the workplace and work years and into retirement, if there is such a thing any longer. "How sweet it is" as Jackie Gleeson used to say. That is in my opinion for corporate America.

Now some will say look at all the good this has done. Corporate America has given away millions to charity and we have helped millions abroad, brought nations up from nothing and are making impacts all over the globe, Ok, wake up, you are making an impact right here and that is not a good one. Yes, but we are the richest nation in the world, even in poverty these people do better here then in their home nations. How true but what does that say? So where is the root of the problem . We should be like them or they have a problem? Is it also that their wealthy, business leaders who have gone to many of our elite schools and received the same indoctrination can't lead? Hey that is scary isn't it? They all can't seem to lead. You mean they don’t have what it takes to create work in their own nations they need everything we have? A helping hand certainly, rob the bank, no.

Now no matter how hard these who want Free Trade talk about all its benefits they cannot and I will repeat they cannot eliminate the greed and the exploitation and harm that has been caused to this nation, period. Yes and that strangely always exists side by side with increased profits.

If we could adhere to who we say we are, a Christian nation, we could not ever compete with slave labor and some of the labor we described above, no never. The fact that is tolerated and accepted is of itself a condemnation in my opinion of those who acquiesce to it being allowed. In other words they turned a blind eye toward it making and putting them into the same category.

So not being against Free Trade I am against the wholesale selling out to achieve quick success, exorbitant profits and the exploitation of people. To think these illegal workers are not being exploited is beyond belief and there are no words that can suffice. Yes, they came all wrapped in humanity and the Easter Bunny. Fair equal and balanced trade with consideration for all workers, a fair profit and the sovereignty of nations is not a bad thing. Do you see any of that? The answer you already know and yet you still stand there, cheer, clap, applaud, hold up your signs and say wow. I think of the people in Iraq, Cuba and Russia who do the same for their leaders. They at least have to, us, well what can we say?

So, as I have written to over and over and over again. Just what does it take to spell out for people these are the same ones who led us where we are and will lead us even further? Do you really think they were never a part of this broken mess that they now call Washington? Why, do I ask, because even though they say so their record speaks otherwise the works don't lie. Do you, yes you, also approve of child labor, exploitation, greed, the outright breaking of law and commission of sin? Regardless of what you say and profess if you vote for them you agree and you approve of them and your works signify your acceptance.

Yes, a hard article but to the point. So do you really, really, really think we can ever compete with the likes of India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, etc when it comes to labor? Think carefully because if you say yes, then you are accepting lower wages, no benefits and longer hours, period. Look at these nations, enough said. That is the Free Trade they talk about while spewing out fair and equal. Yes ask the people of Florida who trust in the market and they will sum it up in one word, Insurance.

Now here is the kicker, even if these nations raise their standards, even a little, guess what? Yes, business will always move to cheaper and cheaper labor sources. Does it take time, certainly but it must happen until the world meets what the economists call "equilibrium". That is where no matter where you go all labor is cheap.

So in your zeal for change, your memorized condition that in my opinion you have somehow found the Holy Grail, run out and vote for these who led you where you are, by fact and deed. However, expect more Free Trade of this type not less and that which it will bring under existing conditions not because the President says he will work hard against it but because the same types are in office and will do it.  So for any nation to remain sovereign they must maintain a manufacturing and industrial capability. That is the ability to produce independently of any other nations those goods and services necessary to support their military and society. Free Markets yes, but fair and open markets, respect for nations borders and integrity and law, stop the dismantling and for heaven sakes why do we have to wait until we elect one to prove it, tell me why? They passed the Stimulus, let them get back to Washington and make change. Perhaps then their works will match their words and they really will have ut their money where their mouth is?

So go ahead and vote. You by your deed have provided exactly what you wanted. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Robert T. Melaccio Sr. 2008 Copyright ©2008 Robert Melaccio