Letters: Does expanded trade pay off?

Free trade hurts workers

In response to the commentary by the chief executive of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ("Expanding trade will create Michigan jobs," Sept. 15): Free trade agreements help big businesses and the people who run them get rich. It does not help the workers. Free traders say the agreements will create jobs, but they never say how many jobs will be lost. You can't allow a business to close its operation here, lay its workers off, build its product overseas for $1 an hour, send it here to be sold and think that is better for Michigan. Wake up, people. Is the state or country in better shape since the North American Free Trade Agreement was signed?

Thomas Wiggins, Cement City

Pay back for unfair trade

In the Sept. 16 editorial, "Falling flat: New U.S. tariffs on Chinese tires could help let the air out of economic recovery," The News editorial board noted that two tire manufacturers are complaining that President Barack Obama's push for higher tariffs would hurt their U.S. import of tires made in China. Let's see: Cooper and Goodyear abandoned their commitment of jobs to American workers, but they want to realize profits from the sale to Americans. I find it puzzling that the editorial also opposes the raising of tariffs on imports. China and other countries have enjoyed low tariffs on goods they import into the United States but charge comparatively higher tariffs or impose regulatory barriers to U.S. goods. As the old saying goes, "what's good for the goose is good for the gander."

Henry Swift, Lathrup Village

Consumers get punished

Once again a president has abandoned free trade principles to appease a powerful labor union. Early in his term, President George W. Bush imposed duties on imported steel. Last week, President Barack Obama imposed duties on tires from China. In both cases, each president was pressured by the United Steelworkers and claimed he was punishing foreign exporters for "unfair" trade practices. In reality, American consumers are punished by higher prices. Seems like the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Steve Sutton, Farmington Hills

Jobless refute trade benefits

What planet is Thomas J. Donuhue of the U.S. chamber on? He needs to talk to people who are unemployed. If all of these trade agreements are so good for the creation of Michigan jobs, why are there so many Michigan people jobless?

Craig Clark, Livonia