Labor Rules

One of the topics that I really haven't explored as much as I have wanted to is how the unions in this country influence the Democrats. On the surface, it appears to be about "protecting" the American worker, but often it is really about helping out lefty dictators like Hugo Chavez.

Bob Novack picks up this theme...

Ignoring pleas from outraged South American governments, Democratic leadership of the House this week was adamant about Congress going into its August recess without taking action on free trade agreements with Peru and Panama as promised. Instead, two senior Democratic House members appear determined to travel to those two rare Latin American friends of the United States , to hector them into passing domestic legislation as a prerequisite for approving already negotiated bilateral trade pacts.

Why did House Speaker Nancy Pelosi renege on her previous commitment? She dances to the tune of AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, who preaches outright protectionism. Hostility toward not only the Peru and Panama pacts but also a vital agreement with Colombia can be traced to influence on U.S. unions by South America's leftist labor leaders, originating in Hugo Chavez's Venezuela.
...
Sweeney makes life difficult for Rangel, who seeks a record of achievement in the chairmanship for which he waited so many years. But when labor commands, Sandy Levin obeys. When I met him in the 1970s, Levin was a high-minded liberal as a party and legislative leader and candidate for governor of Michigan. In Congress, he is an errand boy for organized labor who on June 18 withdrew previous support for trade agreements.

Those who argue that free trade with other nations costs American jobs fail to understand that free trade also imports jobs for American workers. It is a delicate balance that requires significant focus. Throw in the lefty shenanigans from Chavez and his ilk and free trade becomes much less about fair trade and more about protecting dictators and thugs.