Dialogue【Debate on Free Trade】
We now return to the Presidential Debates in New York City.
Our next question is about trade.
Currently, President Johnson is pursuing the Pacific Asian Partnership,
a free trade agreement between twelve nations in North America, South America, and Asia.
The agreement, however, has proven to be controversial,
with many critics arguing it will further damage the American manufacturing industry.
As president, where will you stand on the Pacific Asian Partnership?
Senator Warren is first.
debate: 辩论
controversial: 有争议的
It is an economic reality in this country that our manufacturing industry and our working class jobs are being destroyed by free trade agreements like the PAP.
The PAP could cost this country 800,000 jobs nationwide.
And these agreements have been written by Governor Reagan's friends in Corporate America,
who can now outsource even more production to countries where labor is cheaper.
nationwide: 全国性的
You do not need a PhD in economics to realize that American workers should not have to compete against people overseas who make 70 cents an hour!
So, Senator Warren, how do you propose handling the PAP?
I will not sign the PAP.
And I will go after corporations who want to move their factories overseas by taxing their goods.
We've had over 60,000 factories in America close since 2001.
If I'm president, these corporations will have to start investing back into this country, and not other countries!
Governor Reagan.
Well, I agree that corporations do need to do more for this country.
In fact, I have long proposed giving corporations tax breaks to invest in local jobs.
But what Senator Warren is saying would be disastrous for our economy.
Trade deals eliminate tariffs and make it easier to exchange goods.
If we walk away from the PAP, this country will have no chance of competing in the global market.
We need to keep our exports strong to keep our economy strong.
And I'm going to do everything I can for America to compete and win in the global economy.
But what about the criticism that the PAP will continue to harm the working class?
What will really harm the working class is taxing goods on companies who manufacture overseas.
Most low-priced items, such as food, clothing, and other basic items are imported.
Tariffs on these goods increase the price,
making it more difficult to live for the people who spend the majority of their income on these items.
I will also work for the freedom of companies to choose where and how they do business.
Our country was built on freedom and I support freedom of choice for businesses.
Let's stop there. That is all the time we have for the issue. Let's move on to our next topic.
Question
- The agreement is between twelve nations in the Asia-Pacific.
- If the agreement is signed, it could cost the manufacturing industry 800,000 jobs.
- By saying she has friends in Corporate America, he is accusing her of putting the interests of the rich before the working class.
- Why does he think free trade is unfair to American workers?
> they can't compete with cheap labor - Where does he stand on free trade?
> he thinks it should be limited - What does she agree with him on?
> cooperations should invest domestic jobs - Wages in deploying nations are much less than in America so workers can't compete.
- A company may be encouraged to invest domestic jobs if it can pay less taxes.
- If the cost of basic goods increases, they will be much harder for working class to afford.
- If she were president, what kind of policy would she pursuit?
> pro-business policies
accuse: 指责
pro-: 赞成
