Monday, May 7, 2007

Free Trade



An article by Kerry Howley in the May 2007 edition of Reason magazine asks the question "Who Supports Free Trade?"


The answer? According to a survey from the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, "Better educated and more affluent Americans, regardless of party, generally view free trade more positively."


Free trade is not the captive issue of any political party. Free trade is simply consistent with human nature and the social institutions humans have developed to increase their odds of survival and happiness.


Free trade is one of those rare issues where the right and the left can agree. As the world grows more affluent and better educated, popular support for free trade will grow, too. However, free trade always faces a threat from a small but vocal segment of the population, and from politicians willing to pander to that segment. For example, the Bush steel tariffs. With friends like these, who needs enemies?

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