Lax enforcement of trade laws hurts U.S.

Whirlpool Corp. has revealed plans to close at least two factories in the United States and to move those operations overseas, costing thousands of hard working Americans their jobs. Aside from wondering if the American taxpayer will reimburse Whirlpool for the cost of its move through tax breaks and subsidies, I am also becoming aware of a pattern with international corporations.

Network and cable business shows talk about “emerging markets” where they see future growth. “Emerging markets” is code for India and China, where corporations see the future of earnings for them. It seems that international corporations are crossing off the United States as a source of labor and a source of demand. As they leave our shores, this is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Less jobs means less demand means a poor business climate for corporations. Their answer? Take jobs out of America, and don’t expect to sell in America.

I only wish that our officials had the guts and the will to make other nations obey the trade laws, and, when a nation abuses its trade privileges, we would institute tariffs on its goods. Our jobs problem is directly related to trade policy. Until America starts to stand up for American workers, our nation will continue its downhill slide into Third World status.

Karen Wagner

Rolling Meadows