Since Free Traders believe that America should lower its standard of living to help the third world

[Zalatix]

154. Then you do not understand the nature of our trade deficit. Allow me to explain, with CITES.

You have yet to cite anything you've claimed. Even once.

If the American economy collapses, here's what happens.

China lost 20 million jobs when America's crisis exploded in 2008. This is largely due to the drop in exports to America.
Cite: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/world/asia/02iht-china.1.19860807.html

Now imagine how bad that'll be when our economy goes boom.

America is China's 2nd biggest export market. That's a lot of jobs lost if America stops buying China's stuff.
Cite: http://www.starmass.com/china_review/imports_exports/china_top_export_market.htm

Now, you say, China has other export markets? If America collapses, we take out Europe, too. Look at that chart and see which is China's BIGGEST export market? You guessed it, Europe.

How dependent is China on exports to the US? More cites. http://articles.businessinsider.com/2010-09-14/markets/30084784_1_china-s-gdp-chinese-economy-state-owned-enterprises

China's total exports amount to 40% of its GDP, cite: http://www.futureofuschinatrade.com/fact/us-and-china-exports-percentage-gdp-1980-2030

If America's economy collapses China loses 10% of its GDP off the bat and another 10% of its GDP as Europe tumbles. Just so you know, the loss of 10% of GDP is the stuff of depressions.

What do you think happens to Canada who sends 70% of their exports to the US? http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/daily-mix/us-will-be-canadas-top-export-market-in-2040/article2044537/

What will happen to India's job market? What'll happen to Mexico? What will happen to the oil exporting countries when America is unable to buy their oil? Many nations depend on exports to the United States.



And if you think America's economy cannot collapse, consider our unemployment and the Government spending we have to do to support that:

53% of all infants born in America receive WIC, cite: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wic
38% of Americans pay no income taxes. Cite: http://www.factcheck.org/2008/11/americans-paying-no-taxes/
50 million Americans are on Medicaid, Cite: http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-08-30-1Asafetynet30_ST_N.htm
46 million Americans are on food stamps, Cite: http://www.cbs19.tv/story/16377232/46-million-living-on-food-stamps

Only half of Americans have jobs now. Cite: http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/employment/2011-04-13-more-americans-leave-labor-force.htm

The trade deficit inherently devalues the Dollar, and I cite the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco to back up my claim: http://www.frbsf.org/education/activities/drecon/1999/9910.html
America's trade deficits also add to the national debt. Cite: http://industryweek.com/articles/u-s-_free_trade_policy_causes_trade_deficits_federal_debt_25366.aspx?ShowAll=1

This is not sustainable. This is in no way sustainable. Look at Europe and their debt crisis. That debt crisis will be ours soon as well. America's national debt is now 100% of our gross domestic product. Cite: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/08/04/us-debt-reaches-100-percent-countrys-gdp/

And in case you think America has not sacrificed enough? Half of America is now poor or low income, cite: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57343397/census-data-half-of-u.s-poor-or-low-income/

There's no way you can address much of this so I'll quit here.