Making friends and influencing people
 

http://www.thisislondon.com/news/bus...les/timid70616

"US-based multinationals have been told they will receive compensation from American trade authorities if they cancel contracts in Britain and take jobs home, according to CBI director-general Digby Jones.

The allegations come only a day before Bush arrives in London for his controversial State visit and escalate the storm of protest he has already caused by slapping big protectionist tariffs on European steel imports."

If this was the Guardian, with no one going on the record, I would treat it with the grain of salt it would then deserve. BUT THIS IS JUST FREAKING STUPID. No other word fits. No political gain for the number of jobs moved to the United States. No strategic gain in the ongoing conflict to contain the terrorists. No obvious monetary gain. No ethical stand.

Could anyone provide a logical reason for such a policy?

2Wolves

US has been the #1 promoter of free enterprise around the world and now this?

So much for rewarding your friends...

There has to be some upcoming election year pork somewhere in this.

Perhaps a cheery suggestion as to which multinationals and <s>farmers</s>agribusinesses will get the best compensation for the move and some subtle prompting as to which congressional districts would be good places to set up shop - for a while.

2wolves,

I think this is getting ready for the trade wars that are on the horizon between US and Euro corporations.

You may already be aware of the other brewing conflict--that Euro nations took us to the WTO for our actions in regards to steel trade.

This seems to be gearing up for an exhibit of which corporations have the most clout. That is, if they try to punish us for our tariffs can we force them back into submission by canceling trade outright?

That is my read as to the logical explanation of this policy.

oops

oh no of course not - college classrooms serve as an eclectic, stimulating exchange of ideas in which an atmosphere of diversity of thought is encouraged in an effort to challenge the students to think analytically and without bias.

....ummm, same with the media too....

oh, nevermind it wasn't diversity of thought they gave a shit about - it was diversity of skin color.

Did something strange happen with this thread?