Mexico greets Richardson, doubts NAFTA reopening

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Miami Herald/AP

Posted on Thursday, 12.04.08
Mexico greets Richardson, doubts NAFTA reopening

By MARK STEVENSON
Associated Press Writer

CHOLULA, Mexico -- President-elect Barack Obama's pick for commerce secretary, Bill Richardson, got a warm welcome Thursday during a visit to Mexico, where government officials said they doubted Obama would follow through on a campaign pledge to re-negotiate NAFTA.

The New Mexico governor met with businessmen at the private University of the Americas in Cholula, a town just east of Mexico City, a day after Obama nominated him for the Cabinet post.

A businessman in the crowd called for a round of applause for Richardson's Cabinet selection. Former Mexican Foreign Relations Secretary Ernesto Derbez - who accompanied Richardson - joked of the timing of the visit: "We had it planned."

"It's great to be back in Mexico, great to be at this great university which I've had a long association with," said Richardson, who grew up in Mexico.


Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/story/799896.h...

[acmavm]

1. Serioulsy? There's doubt that Obama will renegotiate NAFTA? The guy

better not break this one. This was a BIG part of the attraction of the democratic platform. When I was out canvassing I heard about this a LOT!

He's not in office yet so I don't think it's time to get antsy. But if he breaks this promise I can promise you that we will never be able to convince working class Americans to trust the democratic party again.

[Romulox]

7. He's already backed away from the NAFTA promise. There will be no renegotiation. nt

[MannyGoldstein]

2. Why Does NAFTA Get All Of The Anger?

Almost-free trade status for China has been far more effective at obliterating jobs.

[jaksavage]

5. selfishly

Mexico is nearer and so there devistated economy directly affected us in immigration.
The same thing happens everywhere we install our preditory capitolistic infastructure.

[pampango]

6. By that reasoning the presence of immigrants is bigger factor than the loss of more jobs.

You seem to be saying that NAFTA is a bigger deal, even though it has cost us fewer jobs, because it generates immigration. While trade with China, while costing more jobs, causes little additional immigration.

[jaksavage]

8. Sadly, I think so

The direct presence of hispanics seems to be a great irritation to some people.
That seems to be a bigger deal than the drain on jobs that China trade has caused.
Major media also makes a much bigger deal about immigration issues than international trade and job loss issues. I wonder if they could intersect.

[OhioChick]

3. I'm not pleased at what I'm hearing lately

regarding all the promises made of "bringing jobs home" "closing tax loopholes" "no need for H-1B visas unless it's essential" blah, blah, blah.

I hope he holds to his word, otherwise he won't get another vote for a second term.

[Azlady]

4. Oh boy

All I can say is, I contact the change.gov website on these issues, to remind him the list of reasons why I voted for him. These issues are still on his website at change.gov If after in office and issues seem to just go away, I will certainly be up in arms and would hope so would the voters of our country & would demand answers.

I am glad that these issues are on his website of change, each of need to send reminder emails to Obama thanking him for standing firm on his promises to us, Nafta, Cafta, H1B, outsourcing, taxes, etc etc.

[BearSquirrel2]

9. Only way to save our economy ...

Getting out of NAFTA is the only way to save our economy. Our nation is hemorraging money. We are replacing high paid manufacturing and Intellect jobs with low paid service jobs.

[lovuian]

10. Well I wouldn't get to chummy with one of the most corrupt

countries who kills thousands of their police and people over drugs

NAFTA needs to be renegotiated if Richardson thinks the American people will love him for this...he is mistaken but the mexican people will love him

[High Plains]

11. Uh, Mexico is our next door neighbor.

I don't think "Mexico" is killing thousands of their police and people over drugs. There are drug trafficking organizations grown fat off the profits of drug prohibition that are killing a lot of cops. And yes, there is corruption. But Mexico has no monopoly on that.

NAFTA should be renegotiated, but it probably ain't gonna happen. It's a class thing.