ADAPTING TO CHANGE IS THE ISSUE, NOT

The battle lines are drawn. NAFTA opponents with one liners are appealing to emotions, while supporters are talking jobs. The Congress will soon cast a vote on an issue that will impact our nations economic health and that of our neighbors, and the future prosperity of our descendants. NAFTA may be the most important legislation before the Congress this century. For this reason, we must all try to understand how technology has changed the world, our nation, our communities, and our families before permitting politicians to make hasty judgments on such a vital economic issue. We must evaluate NAFTA, not from entrancing remarks like a giant sucking sound or its characterization as just a bad bill, but in the context that NAFTA may be the vehicle in this new age of information that provides a foundation for our economic future. There are always problems and concerns with change. Let us not be quick to reject NAFTA due to vote getting, reassuring rhetoric that ignores the value of the contribution of continued Mexican trade to our national treasure.