sexta-feira, novembro 21, 2003
Fight Bush on trade, not war
President Bush and entourage sweep into London for a State Visit this week. Of course, the usual noisy rentamob are planning demonstrations against the war in Iraq (even though it's a bit late).
Despite all the sneers of the UK chatterati, I think Bush deserves all credit for his bravery, determination and vision in leading the world's war on terrorism. And by making certain countries more nervous about the terrorists they harbour, he has made the world a safer place.
No: what we ought to be demonstrating against is the US trade tariffs that have been raised in order to protect US steelmakers, farmers and others. This policy helps no-one. US users of steel, like car-makers, have to pay more for lower-quality domestically produced steel. Their products become more expensive and harder to sell both at home and abroad. Farmers in developing countries, often dependent on monoculture, cannot sell their produce to the United States. Indeed, the whole environment for trade liberalization is poisoned. The EU starts saying that from mid-December it will retaliate with trade restrictions of its own. The prospect of trade liberalization gets even more remote.
All politicians face domestic pressures for protection against better and cheaper foreign imports. They have done for centuries. A really great world leader should be big enough resist them.
Agradecimentos ao Valete Fratres!
posted by Miguel Noronha 4:27 da tarde
Comments:
Enviar um comentário
