Gabriel M Key  

May 5, 2008 – Washington Trade Daily reports President Bushaccused Congressional leaders of being “irresponsible” for delaying the vote onthe U.S. – Colombia FTA. 

“Congresswill send the wrong message to the world if it does not approve a trade pact witha close US ally, the President continued.  “I strongly urge the Congress to understand – whether it be Colombia or Panama or Korea – that we can’t be turning our backson our allies,” [the President] said.”

Reportedly, the House Democratic leadership is stalling thislegislation until an expanded Trade Adjustment Assistance program isestablished and a second economic stimulus package is passed. 

So, my question is: how long must this waiting game go on?

I agree completely with revising the TAA program so it is inline with the demands of a 2007 economy, not a 1977, 1987 or 1997 economy.  What that means exactly, I am not sure.  But, I can say a revised TAA shouldaccommodate “white collar” or service workers. 

I also think our elected leadership should do all it can toensure the health and vitality of the U.S. economy. 

But, at what point should our elected leadership stopplaying politics and start focusing on providing band-aids for today and ensuring a robust economy in thefuture? 

I shudder to think of the possibility that our elected leadership is trying set up the U.S. –Colombia FTA, U.S. - Korea FTA, and TAA so that it passes through the Housejust as we swing into the fall elections.  Just think, if you were running for a congressional seat or to be the next President of the United States, wouldn’t it be great to wave around a trade deal or new law and use itto show you and your party fights for the American worker?

Sadly, without programs providing long term support forinnovation, research, the growth of small to medium businesses and robust K –Post Graduate education to all Americans there will be fewer and fewer Americanworkers to defend. 

Your thoughts?