Democrats

Energy And Trade Need More Government Focus

May 23, 2007 ⋅  E-Mail Article ⋅  Print Article ⋅ Post a comment

Two areas the government needs to be much more responsible in are the areas of trade and energy. States are going broke because valuable tax dollars have been lost because of job losses and American citizens are getting hammered by the double whammy of job losses and high energy prices. You would hope that the American Government can see that a dwindling work force causes a shrinking tax base which causes the deficits many states like Michigan are now experiencing. Now throw in the gas gouging and silliness involved with the illegal oil gouging in America and you see that the average American citizen is just having a hard time making it by day to day let alone preparing for their future or their children’s future. High-level economic talks are occurring in China in regards to trade but China is asking U.S. officials to be patient as the two economic powers work together to try and manage a flimsy trade relationship.

China wants to sell everything and buy nothing. China strictly limits imports and discourages trade with foreign countries. China wants America to back off its stance in regards to pushing China into a more fair business climate for all countries but this current group of American officials is presently keeping up the pressure. American officials also want better policies for their energy and technology products in China. Furthermore, they want more openness and access for American businesses to China’s population. However, China has said it will be a very slow process and that Americans should be more patient. China asking for patience is ridiculous and Americans need to push harder and harder for more fair trade policies.

The United States Congress is considering a number of bills that would impose economic sanctions on China based on unfair trade practices and an artificially controlled currency. Most American’s associate the high trade deficits and the loss of 20% of the American manufacturing jobs since 2000 to Chinese currency manipulation and copyright piracy.

Not only does China practice unfair trade but it practices unsafe trade as well. Consider the issue of food safety highlighted by recent events such as the deaths of pets that had eaten pet food made with tainted wheat gluten imported from China or the farm fed fish that were fed deadly ingredients and then sold for human consumption.

China is a bull in a China shop when it comes to practicing fair and legal trade but that should not dissuade American officials from pushing them hard for a fair and level playing field.

The Government also needs to do a better job of handling Americas’ gas and oil needs. We need more refineries, more Ethanol, and more energy policies. It’s a shame many American will not be able to afford to travel on Memorial weekend because of poor wages and the high cost of a gallon of gas. This must not and should not continue here in America.

Related Posts