About free trade. I bought this small book written by Paul Bairoch: "Economics and World History, Myths and Paradoxes." About the protectionsm 90 years ago: "As with economic growth, the expansion of trade became even greater when all countries increased their protectionism. This is also a partial proof that economic growth is more an engine of trade than vice versa." (page 51)
There are lots of slogans about the blessings of free trade, but sometimes it is interesting to look at the facts, and they are that countries which are pursuing protectionism are often growing faster than countries which are pursuing free trade policies. The last fifty years the fastest growing economies were the "east asian tigers," as long as they were pursuing protectionism. If we take a look 100-150 years back in time we will see the same, the fastest growing economies were pursuing protectionism. Why then free trade? Free trade is not about economic growth, but about sharing the cake (or not sharing the cake), it is about giving the strongest free hands to grab what they are able to grab. Just look at the facts! Hilsen Tor F�rde http://home.online.no/~torforde/europa/europa.htm
