Oldendays
Politics and the Bible
Tariffs and Free Trade
Our nation was partly founded as a result of the debate over free trade. The British followed a policy founded on the belief that it was best to keep gold flowing into the empire. Pariament believed that the strength of the empire required the selling of British products to other nations while purchasing as little as possible from other countries. Many North American colonist found that these requirements prevented them from the bargins they could enjoy in different parts of the world. The debate over how free our trade should be with other nations continues today.
This activity is designed to give the class a chance to discuss the pros and cons of free trade agreements. Grudem takes the pro position. As you read the chapter, try to make note of some of his key arguments. The links below are provided to give you a chance to see some points that support both sides of the issue.
Resolved: Free trade agreements strengthen the American economy and should be encouraged.
Links
These links provide a starting point. I will be adding to them during the week.
Teacher Resource Pro and Con Arguments - Page gives a simple presentation of some of the arguments.
Pro and Con Free Trade Arguments
Congressional Budget Office Pros and Cons - 2003 and mostly on the pro side
Wikipedia Free Trade Debate - A bit complex
ISI Cicero's Podium Debate on Free Trade This is about 90 minutes long. Click on the play video link
U.S. Trade Representative Ronald Kirk discusses the World Trade Organization's rejection of China's complaint against U.S. tariffs on Chinese tire imports. - This is interesting to compare to Grudem's arguments against American actions.
Multiple Viewpoint Resources
Here are a few multiple viewpoint resources. These sites seem to make an effort to be fair but they are not without their own point of view.