Protectionist Trade Measures

When I read of the House of Representatives’ approval of Rep. Richard Gephardt’s (D-Mo.) trade-deficit amendment I was shocked and very frightened. It is precisely that kind of thinking that will lead our country to economic ruin.

Finding it difficult to compete in a world market where countries like Japan and West Germany are beating us at our own game, industry and labor unions find it easier to pressure politicians into outlawing such competition rather than finding ways to improve their products, motivate their workers and increase production.

“Old-fashioned” ideas like taking pride in a job well done and striving to ensure that American goods reflect the latest technology and highest quality have been thrown out the window. Consumers are being forced to pay grossly inflated prices for inferior, often shoddy merchandise, and all that labor can do is point their collective finger at everyone else and cry “unfair!”?

TIMOTHY J. SAYLES

Glendale