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CAFTA will bring benefits to the Florida economy

Re: Approval of CAFTA would be bad news for U.S. economy, May 16.

I strongly disagree with the letter discussing the future potential of the Central American Free Trade Agreement. The letter writer, David L. Prior of the Pinellas County Republican Executive Committee, stated three reasons for not supporting the ratification of this agreement, all of which I respectfully disagree with.

First, the letter points to NAFTA as an example of the "disastrous" effects CAFTA will bring. Since 1993, the year before the NAFTA took effect, commerce between the United States and Mexico almost tripled, from $81-billion to $232-billion. Further, in the past decade the U.S. economy has added a net 18-million new jobs, with our unemployment rate being lower today than in 1993.

Second, the letter mentioned international tribunals having the authority to supersede a U.S. court decision. I believe that is a reference to the World Trade Organization, which is separate from NAFTA and CAFTA. The WTO makes rulings on trade agreements as an independent body. The United States has lost a few battles there, but the WTO does not claim to supersede U.S. courts.

And finally, the letter stated that CAFTA countries cannot provide valuable markets for American goods. However, if approved, CAFTA would establish free trade with countries that make up the United States' 13th-largest trading partner and second-largest export market in Latin America. Upon implementation, goods in 98 percent of the product categories from which the CAFTA countries could export to the United States would enter duty-free. For U.S. companies, CAFTA would offer guaranteed reciprocal access for our most competitive exports, including agricultural products.

I am a Reagan Republican, but this agreement is not about partisan politics. It is about the impact CAFTA will have on Florida's economy, job growth and valued consumers - all of which can flourish as a result of CAFTA's ratification.

NAFTA's ugly sister

Re: Approval of CAFTA would be bad news for U.S. economy, letter.

A gentleman from the Pinellas Republican Executive Committee wrote that he strongly opposes the Central American Free Trade Agreement. Thank heavens one of the major party people has awakened to the fact that NAFTA and its ugly sister, CAFTA, are vehicles in which America's sovereignty is in danger.

In fact, members of the Reform Party tried, in vain, to stop NAFTA from happening in the first place. But they were billed as a bunch of "wackos" at that time. Ross Perot told everyone that there would be a "giant sucking sound" if NAFTA passed. Well, folks, it has come to pass.

All voters should call and e-mail their federal legislators to stop this insanity now. It's too bad that everyone wasn't well enough informed in 1993 before this abomination was passed.

Open up the beverage industry

Re: Open the door to wine delivery, May 18.

The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down state laws that prohibit intrastate shipments of wine is clearly a victory for consumers and those who favor restricting unnecessary governmental interference.

Best of all, the ruling chips away at the power of the big distributors who control the sale, as well as the huge profits involved, of alcoholic beverages.

Florida and other states that employ the so called "three tiered" system of distribution subscribe to what is essentially a legalized monopoly - exclusive rights by law for a select few distributors to profit from every sale of such beverages.

Prohibition ended more than 70 years ago. It is time for this and other states to embrace traditional American values like free-enterprise and competition. Open up the beverage industry and let the consumers reap the benefits that will result.

Statements need clarifying

Re: The reverend, the lawyer and new issues in Pinellas, May 14.

As usual Adam Smith does a great job of writing, but the dilemma faced by all reporters is delicately balancing accurate quoting with space limitions. I must clarify a few points attributed to me in this article.

Smith does not quote me accurately. He paraphrases my comments on the Rev. Jesse Jackson intimidating white corporations to fund minority firms. What I actually said was, more power to the Rev. Jackson being the catalyst, the spark, that creates social conscience in white corporations to the benefit of minority firms. I am not upset about that. It is extremely difficult for minority firms, especially in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County, to get a fair opportunity in spite of competence and ability.

And I also said, without ever using the word "largesse," what is wrong with the NAACP getting life memberships or other donations from those that we have helped, whether it is the man on the street or Capt. Cal Dennie, Karen Brown Dunlap, Sebastian Dortch, etc.?

If the Rev. Jackson helps individuals, why shouldn't they donate to his organizations?

Lastly I said to Smith: You are not advocating a change in the rules now that a significant black law firm has some political, social and star attraction clout, which assists in getting things done, are you? This is a business and marketing phenomenon that majority firms have enjoyed for ages, and it is to a large extent why black clients still go to them instead of black-owned firms. I am not angry at the Rev. Jackson or Willie Gary if they strategically collaborate with each other to the benefit of the people they represent or purport to help.

I detest racial extortionism for the sake of pandering to one's fears or guilt. This is not productive, but racism still exists and must be exposed without fear.

Good news for St. Petersburg

Congratulations to all involved in bringing the Progress Energy building project to life. The forward-thinking efforts of Bill Habermeyer, Richard Kessler and St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker combined with our strong City Council yielded an innovative and exciting development for St. Petersburg.

Mayor Baker embraces a vision for the city of St. Petersburg that fosters intelligent and steady growth - a benefit that makes a positive difference for all of us who live or do business here. With arts, education, commercial, residential and retail components, this project offers the "quality of life" amenities often in high demand by desirable communities.

That it is here in our community provides an opportunity to thank all of those involved in the hard work necessary to bring it all to fruition.

[Last modified May 23, 2005, 01:23:18]