General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Free Trade- just what can we live without? [View all]larkrake
(1,674 posts)We feed many nations. That will end in its own time as soil depletes, and accelerated storms kill crops. This phenomenon has effected the middle east and Africa. Global warming, droughts, mega storms. California and Australia are next.
Competition always lowers prices, stimulates economies. Progressive industries such as renewable energys, desalinization, vertical farming, can help the world evolve. Americans can create their own competitive companies, we always did until free trade. Jobs were plentiful then, no latch key kids, no gangs.
Automation has limits. I will never trust a driver-less car, plane or train, a robot nanny, boss, house appliances, security. Never ever.
The work force will evolve too, technicians to repair those automatrons, solar techs, mining for materials, fisherman, food growers.
Foreign companies do not need to buy trade products, they have their own sources at home, put it on a boat or plane.
I don't think fair trade would spark a trade war. And I don't see any hope of tariffs in TPP, do you? There may be standard tariffs on some products coming to the US- maybe coffee, liquor and tobacco, but I am ignorant of any tariffs on junk products or "toys"so please inform us , I really really want to know, especially when these deals are hiding their fine print from congress.