Free Trade

* Robert Kuttner’s April 20 Column Left (“A Future of Capital Unleashed?”) utilizes faulty reasoning in its attempt to suggest that the U.S. should interfere in China’s stance on social issues. His flawed assessment of NAFTA, used as a basis for not offering China membership in the World Trade Organization, needs examination.

I have visited many maquila- doras, and have found them to provide excellent opportunities for Mexican workers that did not exist before NAFTA. The average worker changes jobs more than once a year, moving to another factory for a pay or benefit package increase, the unemployment rate hovers between 1% to 2%, and thousands are moving from other parts of Mexico for an improvement in lifestyle.

The U.S. should offer WTO membership to China and pursue a “true” free market global economy, where all parties involved will benefit. With more money flowing into China, workers will have greater opportunities, more of a voice in social policy and a better standard of life.

LELAND J. GREEN

Huntington Beach