Le Jacquelope
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that I said, repeatedly, that I would rather that Congress and Obama end all trade barriers with Western democracies (such as Canada, as pointed out below in the article) and tariff the shit out of China and the sweatshop countries. As in, "Buy from Western Democracies."
To the feeble minded folks who criticize me on this, this is not the same as the "buy American" crusade that is currently brewing.
Congress is going the wrong way with this, although I am not sure if the distinction between "Buy American" and "Buy from Western Democracies" is in any way comprehensible to the groveling "free trade at all costs" corporate statist toady crowd.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090131/pl_nm/us_economy_buyamerican_3/print
Canada might raise "Buy American" issue with Obama
Sat Jan 31, 2:32 pm ET
OTTAWA (Reuters) – The Canadian government voiced cautious optimism on Saturday that a solution could be found to concerns about a "Buy American" provision, but if not, Prime Minister Stephen Harper would likely raise the issue with President Barack Obama at their February 19 summit in Canada.
Canadian International Trade Minister Stockwell Day made the remarks after he spoke with acting U.S. Trade Representative Peter Allgeier about "Buy American" legislation in the U.S. Congress.
"The (Obama) administration is very aware, and there seems to be a desire to do something to mitigate the effects of this legislation," Day told reporters in a conference call from Davos, Switzerland, where he met Allgeier.
"If it's not resolved by the time the president arrives ... I just know how concerned our PM (prime minister) is on this and you can do your guesswork from there."
The measure requiring public works projects to use U.S.-made iron and steel passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week as part of an $825 billion bill to boost the U.S. economy. The Senate has yet to act, but is considering broader "Buy American" provisions designed to ensure that the money stays in the United States.
The "Buy American" provision would not raise any illegal tariffs but some experts say it may violate public-procurement provisions certain members -- including Canada, the United States and the European Union -- has signed onto with the World Trade Organization.
"There's some pretty furious legal research that's going on right now to see where it potentially may cross the line," Day said.
Allgeier told Reuters in Davos that the United States was working to make sure that its stimulus package was consistent with its trade obligations, and he echoed that in his remarks with Day.
"Their wanting to do something appears genuine at this point," Day said in his call with reporters in Canada. "In no uncertain terms, they're telling us, 'We hear you. ... Keep talking to us and stay tuned.'"
The United States has not promised an exemption for Canada, Day said, but he added: "It is clear from our understanding of their regulatory regime that the president does have the capability to waive certain pieces of legislation or regulations if in his determination they go against obligations they've already signed onto."
(Reporting by Randall Palmer, editing by Jackie Frank)
To the feeble minded folks who criticize me on this, this is not the same as the "buy American" crusade that is currently brewing.
Congress is going the wrong way with this, although I am not sure if the distinction between "Buy American" and "Buy from Western Democracies" is in any way comprehensible to the groveling "free trade at all costs" corporate statist toady crowd.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090131/pl_nm/us_economy_buyamerican_3/print
Canada might raise "Buy American" issue with Obama
Sat Jan 31, 2:32 pm ET
OTTAWA (Reuters) – The Canadian government voiced cautious optimism on Saturday that a solution could be found to concerns about a "Buy American" provision, but if not, Prime Minister Stephen Harper would likely raise the issue with President Barack Obama at their February 19 summit in Canada.
Canadian International Trade Minister Stockwell Day made the remarks after he spoke with acting U.S. Trade Representative Peter Allgeier about "Buy American" legislation in the U.S. Congress.
"The (Obama) administration is very aware, and there seems to be a desire to do something to mitigate the effects of this legislation," Day told reporters in a conference call from Davos, Switzerland, where he met Allgeier.
"If it's not resolved by the time the president arrives ... I just know how concerned our PM (prime minister) is on this and you can do your guesswork from there."
The measure requiring public works projects to use U.S.-made iron and steel passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week as part of an $825 billion bill to boost the U.S. economy. The Senate has yet to act, but is considering broader "Buy American" provisions designed to ensure that the money stays in the United States.
The "Buy American" provision would not raise any illegal tariffs but some experts say it may violate public-procurement provisions certain members -- including Canada, the United States and the European Union -- has signed onto with the World Trade Organization.
"There's some pretty furious legal research that's going on right now to see where it potentially may cross the line," Day said.
Allgeier told Reuters in Davos that the United States was working to make sure that its stimulus package was consistent with its trade obligations, and he echoed that in his remarks with Day.
"Their wanting to do something appears genuine at this point," Day said in his call with reporters in Canada. "In no uncertain terms, they're telling us, 'We hear you. ... Keep talking to us and stay tuned.'"
The United States has not promised an exemption for Canada, Day said, but he added: "It is clear from our understanding of their regulatory regime that the president does have the capability to waive certain pieces of legislation or regulations if in his determination they go against obligations they've already signed onto."
(Reporting by Randall Palmer, editing by Jackie Frank)
