Posted by Joseph Y. Calhoun, III

This story in the WSJ claims the Obama adminstration is looking to trade to increase employment:

With the unemployment rate in double-digit territory, the Obama administration is turning to trade policy as a potential balm for the ailing labor market.

By increasing exports to rapidly growing countries like China and India, the U.S. could put a dent in joblessness and foster long-term economic growth without stressing the federal budget. But overhauling export policy is part of a White House approach that is in the early stages of execution.

Obama officials want to change outdated U.S. export controls, make it easier for foreign executives to travel to the U.S. and strengthen protections of intellectual property. One difficulty they face is making it easier for companies shipping products overseas to obtain necessary financing and credit from banks. And firms still face intellectual property rights and foreign-exchange issues.

Well, I’m thinking that maybe if you want to increase trade, imposing tariffs on tires and steel pipe isn’t a very effective way to go about it. Sitting on free trade agreements with Korea, Columbia and Panama doesn’t do much good either. Trade is generally a two way street. You can’t simultaneously impose tariffs to pay off your union buddies and at the same time talk about increasing trade. It’s stupid and our trading partners aren’t that dumb. Time to decide whether team Obama wants to represent all Americans or just unions.