Stop CAFTA - write your representative today

Let's stop the Bush administration's CAFTA sellout. Write your representative today.


Your AddressYour City ST Zip
Dear [Your Rep's Name]:As your constituent and an American citizen, I am greatly concerned about the economic consequences of our already astronomical and still growing trade deficit ($618 billion in 2004) and the continuing loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs. This year the trade deficit is already running $100 billion above last year.I believe that a significant source of these problems is the nation’s continued commitment to poorly designed "free trade" agreements. The Dominican Republic – Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR–CAFTA) currently being considered is an excellent example. While its proponents argue that it will stimulate the U.S. economy, the reality is that CAFTA is an outsourcing agreement for multinational corporations that will cost additional American factories and jobs. Here are the reasons why:
There is no Central American market for U.S. Exports.The six countries involved have a combined GDP of $85 billion. In comparison, New Haven, Connecticut, has a GDP of $80 billion. Over 40 percent of the population of these countries lives in poverty. These countries simply lack the purchasing power to become net consumers of U.S. goods. Even the most optimistic forecasts predict that DR– CAFTA will only add $1 billion in U.S. exports, a drop in the bucket of our current trade deficit. However, DR–CAFTA would open the U.S. market to more cheap imports, further undercutting American manufacturers. DR-CAFTA is an outsourcing agreement.CAFTA would allow for more "turnaround" exports – products shipped south for assembly and then back north for final sale in the U.S. The result would be a net loss of U.S. textile and apparel jobs. Already one third of our trade with these countries is in turn-around exports.DR-CAFTA threatens U.S. sovereignty Chapter Nine of CAFTA invalidates "domestic procurement" laws. This means that, at a time when many middle class American jobs are already being outsourced, state and federal agencies would be barred from legislating ‘Buy American’ guidelines in their purchasing decisions.DR-CAFTA will set the tone for future economic policyPassage of CAFTA would greatly influence future economic policy. If Congress, the Executive Branch, and the multinational corporate lobbyists are able to pass this trade agreement, the momentum in Washington will swing to those seeking further outsourcing agreements, such as the Free Trade Area of the Americas, the Doha Round, a new Andean FTA, and a host of new bilateral FTAs. We need to stop DR–CAFTA and start to re-think American trade policy so that trade benefits all Americans, not just multinational corporations.DR – CAFTA is a further assault on an already imperiled middle class, and I urge you to vote against it. If we are to realize our potential as a country, and retain the strong, broad middle class that is America’s singular political and economic achievement, we must fight to keep a vibrant manufacturing base and good jobs here in America.Thank you for your consideration of my views.Sincerely,Your Name Here

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