A desperate Bush.

Yes they do.
Not on a par with a lot of countries though (obviously because of instability).

You seem a fairly smart cookie, why can't you find anything out for yourself?

 

I have. No need to get defensive. I was obviously asking the question rhetorically, and to some extent of you, to find out what you knew.

I find out many things myself, at least some the things I am interested in. Why would you assume I don't find things out myself? Just because I asked a rhetorical question?

Trade agreements have to be studied closely. The 'devil is in the details'. Some of America's trade agreements, in regards to environmental protection, and our workers and theirs, and human rights records, are better than others.
Of course, as you know, holding up other countries to certain standards is leverage, and hopefully makes improvements for people.
First world countries, and civilzed countries, have certain standards in regards to the quality of the products, the environment, human rights, workers wages, etc., It is good that some countries have these standards, it applies pressure on others countries that if they want to sell their products in our country, they need to clean up their act a little.
Of what I know of Columbia, it needs some work done in several areas, but I agree there are worse countries, even some we trade with alot already.
But it really is how the trade agreement is crafted. It isn't a simple question of "free trade" vs. "protectionism", like the overly-simplistic knuckleheaded media often portraits it, it is more detailed and complex than that.

 

I did not mean to be defensive.
No other way to say it I don't think.
Just wanted to provoke a response.
Columbia definitely has a bad reputation but I know they do work hard and are not living in the dark ages as far as these issues go.
I agree it really is how the trade agreement is crafted.
Plus how our companies operate in the country.

 

Very good then Odon!

 

Hey, you're blonde, right?

 

Yes, I am blonde, bright, and beautiful!

 

Right on Angel. You ask the right questions, and have done your homework. One further question to ask who in our government and which large multinational companies with huge lobbying influence hold a financial interest in Colombia or stand to profit through expanded trade?

http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/colombia/corporate.html

 

Good question. Worth some research. That sometimes can tell you some things, can't it.