Michael Barone

Congress's Labor-Driven Refusal to OK the Colombia Free Trade Pact Is Shameful

March 19, 2009 RSS Feed Print

By Michael Barone, Thomas Jefferson Street blog

Yesterday I argued that the Obama administration has been disrespecting the leaders of Brazil and Mexico. For much more on what is going on in Latin America, please read Mario Loyola's article in National Review. He highlights the growing ties between Iran and Russia with the leaders of Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Nicaragua and the dangers they pose. All the more reason that the United States should cooperate with the constructive leaders of Brazil and Mexico, the two most populous countries in Latin America. And why it is shameful that Congress, at the behest of labor unions, refuses to ratify the free trade agreement with Colombia, the third-most-populous country in Latin America and one under attack from the authoritarian demagogue Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. Let's show a little respect for our friends and neighbors!

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Tags:
international trade,
Colombia,
foreign policy,
trade,
Congress

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For the first time in long time I agree with the congress (Democratic) on this TLC, or free trade, How would you like to work for few cents a day, not enough money to feed your family? Young girls selling there bodies, just to put food on the table. all we can talk about how unfair the Democrats are, look behind the sence how Coca cola has had the union leaders killed, and big oil, and gold mineing companys, that pay little for there big profits. American Unions you are right on this one, stick to your guns, and stay true to the Colombian workers we need you. I know because I have been working in Colombia for the past 11 years as humanitarian working in the most romote areas. Colombian Poor does not want this Free trade, because it adds no change for the poor only more proverty and crime, raise our wages then we will talk.

steve maurice of KS 10:04PM January 28, 2012

because DUMBASS , A) a cocaine supported economy is detrimental to America.... AND B) IF we legalized AND regulated cocaine as we do tobacco and alcohol... We would have the revenue to STOP the death caused by the ostrich mentality of Reaganomics.

stephen barlow of CO 10:36AM March 20, 2009

With the exception of earmarks, I must say Obama, and the Democrat controlled Congress, have done what they said they would do. It shouldn't be surprise that labor is getting their way.

Brad of TX 7:48PM March 19, 2009

Michael Barone

Michael Barone

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Michael Barone is a senior writer for U.S.News & World Report and principal coauthor of The Almanac of American Politics. He has written for many publications—including the Economist and the New York Times.

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