Canada is apparently having some second thoughts about Pres. Obama.
At least, this is what we pick up in the Canadian press:
"The stimulus package that was introduced in the House of Representatives and the Senate provided “Buy American” clauses that stated companies that receive federal funds for infrastructure will have to use American steel and other products.
This constitutes not only a breach of NAFTA and the WTO but illustrates the desire of the current American administration towards protectionism.
Although promises have been made to weaken the package’s Buy American clauses, the senate defeated an amendment made by Sen. John McCain (a mere mortal war hero who would be much better for Canada if he were in the White House) to remove the requirement to Buy American.
It is too early to forecast exactly what the effect of all this will be in Canada but it won’t be good.
Canada has always done better when the United States had a Republican president and/or a Republican congress.
But this fact doesn’t seem to matter to the left in Canada who, as Defense Minister Peter MacKay might say, were smitten with Barack Obama." (Canada’s incredible shrinking love affair with Obama)
I guess that's what happens when "you flip" like a 15-year old girl over Obama!
Didn't someone say read the contents before you take medicine? It may include something bad for you!
Of course, Canada is not alone here: Canada and Mexico have most to lose from protectionist measures
How did all of this get started?
It's the silly, and I mean very silly, "Buy American" provision that the Dems are including in the proposal in the US Senate.
The Dems call it a "stimulus" package. We call it a "Dear Santa spending" package!
We warned our friends in Canada and Mexico that the Dems have a serious protectionist streak.
Do you remember the stuff about renegotiating NAFTA?
Here is the question: Will BO stand up to his own party's protectionists?
Here is a better question:
Has BO stood up to anybody in his life? Didn't this guy vote present over a 100 times in the Illinois Senate?
Has BO ever told a Dem or left wing group what it didn't want to hear?
My guess is that common sense will prevail.
We won't get the "Buy American" provision.
At least, we won't get it now because Pres Obama and the Dems need some Republican votes to share ownership of this monstrosity called "The Recovery Act".
However, "Buy American" will be back.
Therefore, put the Canadians and Mexicans on formal notice.
The Dems are our protectionist party. They love foreign trade as long as another country is buying from a unionized plant!
Don't blame me. I voted for the guy who called for more "free trade" with Mexico and Canada! And let's not forget Colombia!
