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Another case of John Edwards needing villains to proceed with his bid to become President. This from a man who caved to the Democratic party elite in 2004 surrendering any serious bid for President by bowing to John Kerry. Now he is a distant third in a field of three although some claim Richardson will become a contender.

After making some serious mistakes at the beginning of this campaign season, Edwards needs his villains as the only idea he can bring to attempt a better showing in the polls. Freezing all ‘harmful imports’ is his latest tactic. He blames every past President for flawed trade agreements and attributes corporate profits as the Washington status quo driver of those same agreements. He begins this crusade while speaking to 300 members of a union.

Saying that the promise of job creation was never realized from trade agreements only serves to reinforce the idea that governments do not create jobs. Governments create programs and business creates jobs. Blaming corporate profits as the only driver behind trade agreements ignores the idea of international trade as well as efforts by other governments to alter the flow of imports and exports. Each country’s policy toward international trade focuses on what is best for that country. The policies and practices of many nations also has influence trade agreements.

Has John Edwards stopped to consider it is not that easy to stop the flow of imports for any reason. How about the 1% or less that can be effectively inspected at borders and ports. While Homeland security’s mission has different objectives, the fact remains there is not 100% control of imports. An attempt to completely halt any selected item from entering the US is unrealistic. Is Edwards suggesting a list be developed? As each new ‘harmful’ import makes the list another expensive process to stop a single import would begin. Government contractors are probably preparing right now to take advantage of that gravy train. There are other more practical methods for controlling problem imports.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Edwards: Freeze harmful imports
By Rick Pearson | Tribune political reporter
2:29 PM CDT, August 6, 2007

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Asserting that corporate profits dictate the nation’s foreign trade pacts, Democratic presidential contender John Edwards today called for a “zero tolerance” policy that would freeze imports of harmful foods, toys and other goods.

Speaking with an eye toward a forum of Democratic candidates sponsored by the AFL-CIO in Chicago on Tuesday, Edwards proposed new rules on trade policies that he said would boost the standing of workers in America and across the world.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 6th, 2007 at 9:08 pm and is filed under Public Affairs, Money Matters, wordpress, Politics, campaign, election, Democrats, Edwards, Foreign Affairs, Business. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.