In tonight’s debate, both candidates opposed NAFTA. Very strange. Sen. Clinton said it kills jobs. But it hasn’t; net employment grew by 2 million jobs per year for the first ten years of the agreement. The trend has continued; we’re talking about 26 million more jobs on net since NAFTA.
Both candidates want tougher labor and environmental standards added to the agreement. This is largely aimed at Mexico. Now, everyone wants workers to have higher pay, and everyone wants a cleaner environment. But those things cost money, which Mexico just doesn’t have much of. They need to grow before they can afford the standards the candidates favor. If we make them adopt them now, that growth will happen more slowly.
Then there’s the general nature of trade agreements. They’re basically agreements to lower tariffs. It’s like saying, “I’ll stop shooting myself in the foot, but only if you do the same.” Better to stop the shooting altogether and do away with protective tariffs, period.
Inertia Wins! 