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pampango

(24,692 posts)

4. Like the 'free trade' in Europe, it is a good thing but we lack the progressive taxes, strong unions

Thu Dec 19, 2013, 06:42 PM

Dec 2013

and good safety net that Europeans have so our society has become increasingly unequal. Trade is a good thing, but the 99% benefit if there are progressive policies to make it happen.

Even if trade is stopped or severely limited, our society will still be as unequal if we do nothing about our taxation, union and safety net legislation. (We tried that before under republicans and FDR had to pick up the pieces.) If we had strong unions, progressive taxes and an effective safety net, we would be Germany and we would not worry about trade. We would enjoy it.

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On balance...do you think NAFTA has been good or bad for workers, consumers, and the poor? [View all] Ken Burch Dec 2013 OP

It's a dumpster fire MFrohike Dec 2013 #1

A disaster madokie Dec 2013 #2

Is this a trick question? n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #3

Like the 'free trade' in Europe, it is a good thing but we lack the progressive taxes, strong unions pampango Dec 2013 #4

Horrific..that level of bad. From Adam Smith: Jefferson23 Dec 2013 #5

Turns out that 'Consumers' and 'Workers' are the same people htuttle Dec 2013 #6

On balance, NAFTA would be bad, but not for any reason that would be presented here. Benton D Struckcheon Dec 2013 #7

I expect my politicians to "reek" of US-centirc privilege. Laelth Dec 2013 #8

NAFTA was a huge gift to the US. Benton D Struckcheon Dec 2013 #9

I am open to hearing what you have to say about that. Laelth Dec 2013 #10

Simply put, Benton D Struckcheon Dec 2013 #11