I recently looked at the so called free trade in the country, since I do represent workers. I pondered just how free it really is.

I thought our politicians were supposed to protect and serve the people of this country. Apparently I was wrong. NAFTA and some World Trade Agreements have really killed our country. We are losing many jobs and companies. In NAFTA, it was supposed to help equalize Mexico, Canada and the United States. Well, it sure did not help. The American worker was making just about $22 an hour average. Canada was about a dollar behind that, but with better benefits. Mexico was making around $2.60 an hour. So what do you think happened? Most of the companies fled to Mexico.

Well low and behold, more politicians made a deal with other countries like China. They make about 62 cents an hour on average. So now were do you think the companies have gone? You guessed it. Look at the recalls and dangerous threat to our food and toys and other supplies. Pretty smart, right? Big business continues to try to find workers who work cheaper and cheaper and did it decrease the cost? Not much. Take for example sneakers. The imports are pennies less than American made. Who gets all the profit? You guessed it.

Guess why more Mexican workers are risking their lives to cross the border. The loss of jobs now in their country is so great they have lost what they had.

So now I ask, is it really free trade? Lost jobs, lost companies and a deficit out of this world. Imagine if China, not much different than your bank, decided to claim default on your loan. You lose it right. So what if China says enough is enough and cuts us off? Wow, what a depression we would be in. So who does benefit? Not the American worker. So remember when you vote. The love of money is the root of all evil. Amen.

Michael Doggett

Carpenters Local Union No. 502