General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Since Free Traders believe that America should lower its standard of living to help the third world [View all]JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)that enforce strict labor and environmental standards.
And I am advocating that profits enjoyed from "free" trade be distributed not just to the guys at the top of the free trade pyramid but to those whose jobs are displaced, those whose land is lost, those whose lives are turned upside down dud to the changes.
As for the industrial revolution, let's don't repeat the mistakes we made over a hundred years ago. Let's don't pollute and destroy and ruin the fabric of our society so that a small percentage of us can reap huge profits, buy lots and feel more powerful than everyone else. And that is what "free" trade has meant. It may be "free" for the rich and influential, but it is costing the rest of us a lot, especially when it comes to the quality of our lives. And those paying the highest price are in the countries being exploited like El Salvador, Japan, China, Korea, etc.
Moderation in all things is the best policy.