Recently, there have considerable attempts to draw analogies between natural ecosystems and economies and businesses. However, such economies are fragile. Economies disciplined by free trade not only flourish, but because of their depth they are less vulnerable to economic change. The 50 individual states of the United States amply demonstrate that efficacy of such trade. Of course, there must be a legal infrastructure to prevent fraud and adjudicate disputes, but the question of free and open trade is largely settled.
Free trade increases economic prosperity.
The legislation, which Presidents from Ford to Bush have enjoyed, strengthens the chief executive's hand to negotiate trade deals. Under normal circumstances, the President might submit trade legislation to Congress and find that the agreement is amended to death. This makes potential foreign partners to such agreements reticent to negotiate. Under Fast Track legislation, the Senate would still approve any international agreement, but would essentially vote up or down on the entire agreement. The debate on Fast Track is less an argument about legislative strategy than it is an argument about free trade versus protectionism.