Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Don't Need Manufacturers--or Loggers, Either

The US Department of Commerce has (at least temporarily) given up the fight to maintain a viable US timber industry, acceding to NAFTA's decision. This means that, for the time being, US import duties on Canadian softwood will cease.

In the next few weeks, we'll start to hear about the sawmills and lumbering operations which are closing, or will close, due to the cost pressures. We'll also hear from the WallyWorldWonzos who will tell us that "after all, this makes your wood-goods purchases CHEAPER!!..."

Well, that's true. Of course, for unemployed manufacturing workers, and unemployed timber-industry workers, "cheaper" is a relative thing...

NAFTA was brought to you by the Gingrich/Clinton cabal.

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