The pictures on the TV newscasts likely will be little more than demonstrations, demonstrations and more demonstrations. The Clinton administration reportedly is chagrined that it could persuade no important world leaders to come. Given the distractions, they're probably smart to stay away. The conference is supposed to make plans for another round of worldwide trade talks. And when those placard-waving marchers cross the TV screeen, it's worth thinking about just why people trade.
People trade because it makes both sides better off.
Otherwise nobody would make any deals at all. They are usually a smokescreen for some special interest that wants higher prices. U.S. dumping laws and rules make no economic sense, and are rigged to favor the complaining firm. Some cases we deserve to lose. The United States has the most productive economy in the world.