Will the Right Sit It Out?

But why, when America's mini-mills and steel mills are among the most efficient on earth — in terms of man hours needed to produce a ton of steel — aren't those jobs coming back?

Answer: It is due to the free-trade policies of Bush and McCain, which permit trade rivals to impose value-added taxes of 15 percent to 20 percent on steel imports from the United States while rebating those taxes on steel exports to the United States. We are getting it in the neck coming and going.

An America First trade and tax policy could have U.S. steel mills rising again, while those in Japan, China, Russia and Brazil would be shutting down as uncompetitive in the U.S. market.

But we no longer put America first.

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You know, I have to disagree with Mr. Buchanan. Based on a review of the available data, wage and salary disbursements by private industry rose 52% in the period 1998-2007. Further, personal income has risen by 230% in the period 1985-2007.

I would suggest that we need to do more to promote free trade. It is true there are "losers" in the equation of free trade. However, the societal benefits as a whole far outweigh the negative impact on specific individuals.

I do agree with Mr. Buchanan when he states that we need to stop giving out subsidies to the steel industry. We should promote a level playing field for all industries. I do believe that if the government chose to step out of the way, the jobs lost in one industry will be gained in another as we unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of the American public.