As much as any other issue, the fate of the fast-track bill in 1997 will determine whether our budget balances in 2002. While we are the world's largest exporter, we also continue to import more than we export. The best way to shrink the resulting trade deficit is to persuade other countries to eliminate their trade barriers, enabling us to export even more goods, services and agricultural products. That, in turn, will create more and better-paying American jobs. Given the public's general ambivalence about trade matters, it would be easy for either party to try to score political points by criticizing responsible proponents of free and fair trade.
Criticism is easy.
Leadership requires hard work. Our leaders must step forward, now, to do what is right for America's future.