Mr. McCAIN: "I say to the Senator from South Carolina, I know there are individual and heartbreaking stories of people who have lost their jobs in the textile industry in South Carolina. The fact remains that history and the record show that every American family, whether they are unemployed or employed or rich or poor, has benefited by the importation of less expensive goods and services into the United States. We balance this with assistance, training, in every way we can, including reaching agreement on health benefits for dislocated workers. I never have sold anything to a grocery store. I bought a lot from grocery stores.I buy flowers a lot cheaper when they are grown in Colombia than when they are grown in South Carolina. It has never been my ambition for any child to grow up to work in a textile factory. I would much rather have them work in a BMW plant or high-tech factory or other kinds of employment for which we can provide the training and education. I hope the Senator understands the fact that Americans have profited by free trade enormously. Yet we can still address the specific problems that result from dislocated workers. That is what free trade is all about. That is why I believe this Nation will continue to prosper when we have free trade agreements consummated between ourselves and our neighbors. We should be concerned about the economy of countries such as Colombia because their narcotraffickers can take over that country and export their goods, which are drugs, into this one. I thank the Senator from South Carolina. I look forward to a renewal of our spirited discussion which we have had for many years, always marked by respect for the views of the junior Senator from South Carolina." [Senate Floor, 4/30/02, http://www.c-spanarchives.org/congress/?q=node/77531&id=8169381] Author: DemRapidResponse Keywords: John McCain Imports BMW Textile Added: July 3, 2008
