Free Trade Mantra Falling on Millions of Deaf Ears

Robert Driskill, Vanderbilt University | May 28, 2008

Why do free trade promoters believe they can convince the “Joe Sixpacks” of the world that temporary, however painful, economic adjustments will lead to overall gain? ++ This argument requires a trustworthy system of redistribution, which the US lacks. ++ Convincing today’s losers that tomorrow’s winners will be numerically greater enters philosophical territory, perhaps no place for an economist. ++ This considered, it comes as no surprise that US presidential candidates are framing a more protectionist debate.