http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/democrat ... 699547.htm

Trade agreements do not develop economies

The trickle-down economics of the Central American Free Trade Agreement do not work, and the North American Free Trade Agreement is a perfect example.

Although foreign investment ballooned in Mexico as a result of NAFTA, it was foreign investors who profited, not Mexican society. More than half of the jobs created in Mexico after NAFTA do not provide health benefits. The average minimum wage fell by more than 7 percent and economic inequality continued to expand.

Foreign investors have no loyalty to the countries that host their business ventures. Their only loyalty is to minimizing the costs of production to maximize profits. This explains why many of the jobs created in Mexico are now being outsourced to China, where wages are as a much as four times lower. It also explains why many of the jobs in this country are being outsourced.

Free trade and trickle-down economics do not equate with sustainable economic development. The World Bank has even admitted this. If passed, CAFTA will be a disaster just like NAFTA, but on a bigger scale.

Lawmakers must start drafting trade agreements that raise labor standards, increase access to health care and education, and protect the environment instead of pandering to the interests of transnational capital.

JASON FLOM
jlogicon@comcast.net