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CAFTA will damage U.S. economy

Promoters of the proposed Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) claim that approval by Congress will stimulate the growth of commerce between our nation and five nations in Central America along with the Dominican Republic.

However, the combined economic power of that entire region equals that of any one of America's midsized cities. Simply stated, these nations do not have the ability to purchase our exports.

Instead, the nations of Central America have large numbers of individuals whose low-wage demands will entice U.S. business owners to move their manufacturing firms and American-held jobs into that region. After congress approved NAFTA in 1993, jobs and industry migrated to Mexico.

CAFTA will not expand U.S. commerce. It will expand the already-damaging aspects of NAFTA. Congress must say "No to CAFTA" when the measure comes up for consideration.

Americans should appeal to their representatives and senators to reject CAFTA.

For information, check out www.STOPCAFTA.com.

Richard Miller

851 S. Boston St., Galion

Originally published June 23, 2005