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Trade Representative Kirk Aiding in America's Downfall

Published 12/26/08 Craig Harrington - Print Article
E-mail - editor@economyincisis.org

The Obama transition team has been finalized with the choice of Ronald Kirk as the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Former Dallas mayor Ron Kirk is an avowed “free trader” who staunchly supports keeping up our trade relations and avoiding what he calls “protectionism.”

The hope and expectations swirling around the Obama campaign have dimmed significantly since his election, the main reason being his questionable choices for advisors and cabinet-level appointments. Obama has clamored for “change” ever since his 2004 speech at the Democratic National Convention, yet all we are witnessing more of the same.

Ron Kirk's background as a mayor and attorney in no way provide him with the expertise necessary to engage in international trade relations. To make matters worse, the position of USTR was not even his primary objective. His original preference was to be Secretary of Transportation – the position has since gone Illinois Representative Ray LaHood (who also has no background worthy of directing the world’s largest national transportation network).

It was not until California Representative Xavier Becerra removed himself from the running that Ron Kirk (currently an attorney with a large Texas firm) became a focus for any cabinet-level position at all. Further highlighting the problem were Bercerra’s remarks that his choice in dropping out was due to his belief that U.S. trade policy would not be a priority in the new White House.

Kirk's a supporter of open trade – even as other countries around the world increase trade barriers in wake of the global recession – and a supporter of disastrous agreements such as NAFTA. The new USTR also has no significant experience in foreign bargaining, and has only limited executive experience (necessary for a cabinet-level position) while acting as the mayor of Dallas, Texas. Not only does he not have any experience in the field where he will serve as the nation’s highest authority, but Kirk was not even the top choice for the position.

There are many reasons that could explain the ad hoc manner in which President-elect Obama has thrown together his cabinet – combining Clinton-era retreads with up-and-coming minorities and big name political celebrities. Regardless of the reasons, a great deal of the choices should be called into question.

Why campaign on a mantra of “renegotiating” when the man you pick to run your trade policies is a proponent of the status quo?

Why focus so much on the importance of your own experience and personal qualifications for office when your cabinet selections possess few of those qualities?

Ron Kirk appears to be completely inept at serving in his position or delivering on the bevy of promises doled out by the Obama machine during its campaign. Obama and his administration need to come through on rebuilding the manufacturing base that was lost to “free trade” and recapturing the outsourced industries that have stripped this country of millions of jobs. America once again needs to become a productive nation.

However, this appointment seems to be nothing more than the same political maneuvering that has mired this country in mediocrity for decades, and we should rethink our expectations for the next 4-8 years. If recent history is any guide, we can expect little from Ron Kirk’s reign as USTR. With the emotional high of election night now behind us, we must deal with the somber reality that we may be in for an unproductive administration.

Source Public Citizen:

Whether Ron Kirk is a good choice for trade representative will be determined by his ability to deliver on President-elect Obama’s pledges to the American public to create a new trade and globalization policy that benefits more Americans.

As a past supporter of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and China Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR), Kirk will face close scrutiny as he assumes the responsibility for delivering on Obama’s pledges to fix existing trade agreements and create a new trade policy that benefits more people.

…

Whatever Kirk’s past views on various trade policies, his future course of action must reflect the powerful expectations for change created by Obama’s trade reform pledges. His actions must also reflect the new political realities created by congressional elections that resulted in 71 House and Senate supporters of the trade status quo being replaced by those who were elected campaigning for a new approach.

Click here to contact your Representative in Congress.

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