"Trade is about more than economic efficiency; it reflects a system of values: openness, appreciation of differences, opportunity freedom of choice and a hope for betterment for all peoples and lands." This is a quote from U.S. trade representative Robert Zoellich which epitomizes the beneficial side effects of increased free trade. Of course, there are negative side effects to free trade and expanding the global economy as well. Determining the effectiveness of any approach regarding the United States global role will involve weighing out both the pros and cons. However, when comparing the two sides of globalization, the benefits, both immediate and long term, do beat out the negatives if only marginally. Therefore, America must devote its self to the growth and protection of free trade in the global marketplace. This task can be accomplished by providing developing nations with markets for trade, money for corporate investment, and access to new technologies. Through these measures the most benefits will become available to the people. Short term benefits such as new jobs and cheaper consumer goods increase the standard of living. Additionally long term advantages such as social and government change, and maintained peace among nations are the rewards of the expansion of free trade.
Americans are incredibly reliant on free trade and the global economy. According to the National Issues Forum booklet, By the people: Americans role in the World, exports support over 12 million American jobs. However, we are not the only nation to benefit from jobs created by the global economy. Between 1999 and 2003 K2 Ski Company moved the production of its skis and snowboards to China. This move did result in the loss of a few American jobs, 500 to be exact. However, the new production facility has created over 2000 jobs in China (http://expn.go.com/snb/s/kschina.html). These jobs are not sweat shop positions where workers slave in disgusting conditions, and get paid infinitesimal amounts of money.
