Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, November 19, 1993 TAG: 9401220006
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
While the agreement itself is only a step toward freer trade, and even includes some protectionist mischief, it will over time lead to the creation of a tariff-free zone in North America, and perhaps in time among all the Americas. Because trade is not a win-lose proposition, all the participating countries will benefit.
Specific terms of the agreement aside, the NAFTA vote offered a referendum on a fundamental question facing the nation: whether to try to resist integration into the global economy, or encourage it. The former course, fighting the inevitable, would be a disaster for America and a blow to the world. The latter policy, affirmed this week, shows an understanding that the United States benefits from a more open world with free-flowing commerce.
The House victory gives Bill Clinton's presidency a needed boost, reminding everyone that he fights hard and well for something he cares about. He also has buttressed his credentials as a New Democrat, not tied to his party's special interests. It is unfortunate he had to deal so much - offering protection to citrus, tomato and wheat growers among others - to win votes. It is nerve- wracking that he seems to thrive in high-wire situations, moving from crisis to crisis. But it is unquestionable that he has won an important contest, against the odds, and this should lend him strength in future battles.
The defeat of organized labor is nothing to celebrate in itself, but in this case it resists a trend by which Democrats were becoming the party of protectionism. As the House vote indicated, Republicans (at one time the protectionist party) are more committed now than Democrats to lowering trade barriers. The country will be well-served if protectionists can't take over either party; labor will be well-served if it finds better ways to protect American jobs.
Because of the opposition from within his own party, Clinton had to fashion a bipartisan coalition to win the day. This precedent should help him with future initiatives that also may require bipartisan support, such as health care and welfare reform.
Ross Perot has taken a well-deserved fall in popularity polls. As his debate with Vice President Al Gore made clear, the best antidote to Perot's demagogic appeal is continued public exposure. Indeed, the administration probably won numerous GOP votes for NAFTA by cutting Perot down to size; Republicans more than Democrats fear his presence on the political stage.
NAFTA's passage sends crucial messages overseas: that America remains internationalist and interested in world leadership; that it is still committed to liberalized trade, and can be counted on to lead efforts to open global markets. Clinton will be bolstered in talks this week with leaders of 15 Asian nations. And odds are much-improved now for finally completing revision of the global General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. In the grand scheme of things, GATT is far more important than NAFTA, but NAFTA's defeat would have threatened GATT's prospects.
There are many wounds to heal from the national debate over NAFTA. Most of the popular suspicion and economic anxiety that contributed to anti-NAFTA sentiment won't go away, and have got to be addressed. For the moment, though, the White House - and the nation - should be forgiven if they indulge in quiet celebration and a collective sigh of relief.
by CNB