But perhaps the greatest opportunity I had in Midland was the freedom to succeed and the freedom to fail. In short, that is the simple brilliance of our free market system - a system that fosters responsibility, accountability, and, yes, true human freedom. It is a principle that President Bush understands well, and a theme that will remain consistent in his public policies. I'd like to take a moment and tell you what you can expect from the Bush Administration as it relates to trade policy. First and foremost, our policy is to expand free and open trade, while ensuring that as we expand, the rules of the game are certain, consistent, and the same for all - a level playing field.
Free trade is good for our economy because it is good for the American people.
We must be clear about the potential that trade holds for promoting our democratic ideals. Our trading partners around the globe should understand that in promoting trade liberalization, we recognize the genius of the free enterprise system, which relies on and encourages human freedom. Free men and women, conducting their business in free markets can pursue their economic destinies and go as far as their dreams, talents, and initiative take them. From my perspective, the white picket fence of the American Dream can extend from dusty Midland, Texas to Paris, France to Gaborone, Botswana. Let there be no mistake, our commitment to free trade is a commitment to human freedom and human potential around the world.