Abstract

Naftathoughts for the Left

This article discusses the critical issue regarding the ratification of a treaty, discussed at the November 17, 1993, meeting of the North American Free Trade Agreement. This treaty was opposed by left parties and by most of the people in the House of Representatives. Neither protectionism nor "free trade" is relevant to the roots of this crisis, for the crisis is ultimately one not of circulation of goods but of their production. Shifting the locus of production will in no way create more valuable work overall. Conversely, restricting competition by the use of trade barriers will not create high-wage jobs in nations that, because they are not self-sufficient, have to participate in the international economy in order to survive.