Trade at all costs will do wonderful things, they say.  Let us revel in the bromides.

• It will lift up the poor... if you don't look at rising income inequality.
• Free trade agreements promote trade... if you don't look at the data showing the WTO membership has no correlation with trade flows. 
• It provides opportunities to business... the ones whose lobbyists write the agreements.
• It creates jobs... if you ignore the more jobs lost.
• and.....
  
• It will democratize China... if you ignore the Communist Party's 17th National Congress happening now.

President Hu Jintao... all but ruled out more than cosmetic political reform in his opening address on Monday at the 17th National Congress of the governing Communist Party.

So, a message to you darned protectionists, just ignore the fact that increased trade flows are caused by advances in technology, transportation and communication, not paper trade agreements.  Just ignore the fact that the vast majority of pages and chapters in trade agreements have nothing to do with trade.  Just ignore those confusing and pessimistic subjects like currency manipulation and trade distorting border taxes.  And please stop worrying about trade deficits.

That's so pessimistic.  Join us for another glass of Kool-Aid. 

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