Australia and Europe incensed over U.S. lies on free trade

May 3, 2002 6:57 AM

Australia and Europe incensed over U.S. lies on free trade Bush: "The final provisions of the farm Bill are also consistent with America's international trade obligations, which will strengthen our ability to open foreign markets for American farm products". In other words, free trade good when we sell to you, bad when you sell to us.
posted by magullo (10 comments total)

While I have to admit that I don't know much about the issue, similar complaints are being made in Canada about softwood lumber.
posted by stevengarrity at 7:39 AM on May 3, 2002

'Banana Wars'.
posted by Frasermoo at 7:51 AM on May 3, 2002

And Canadian tomatos.
posted by five fresh fish at 8:31 AM on May 3, 2002

Or steel for that matter.
posted by prentiz at 8:57 AM on May 3, 2002

If you are surprised that in this day and age the farm sector has such political clout, please keep in mind the demise of the family farm and the fact that the bulk of subsidies go to a very few unbelievably huge agribusiness companies: 75% of subsidies go to 10% of farmers! This is commonly known as 'welfare for the rich', and your tax dollars make it possible for these millionaires to buy a lot of votes. It is ridiculous.
posted by Mack Twain at 10:17 AM on May 3, 2002

Er, isn't that American-style democracy in its finest and purest form, Mack?
posted by five fresh fish at 10:44 AM on May 3, 2002

Looks like the US Government is going to be sued all over the place, now.

Globe and Mail reports that Canadian lumber company Tembec is going to sue the US for $200 million.

This follows a similar action by American Weyerhauser, appealing the tariffs.

I've also heard tell that American home manufacturers and "Home Depot" big-box lumber retailers are protesting it mightly.

They all want the same thing: Canadian wood is better quality and less expensive. Y'all can't afford to tariff it out of the market.

(Though, frankly, I support the tariff. First, I think our provincial governments ought to be collecting higher stumpage; second, I think we'd be far, far better off trading with India and China. They're desperate for wood, and will pay more for it. That's a win for Canadians in my books.)
posted by five fresh fish at 2:04 PM on May 3, 2002

maybe we should start an online petition.
posted by tolkhan at 2:37 PM on May 3, 2002

and u wonder why all these may day kids are protesting against free trade and globilisation...
posted by Burgatron at 6:17 PM on May 3, 2002

And you wonder why other countries have a gripe against the USA...
posted by Jubey at 8:45 PM on May 3, 2002