More reasons to enjoy the next four years
Well, well. Obama has announced his selection of Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Los Angeles) as U.S. trade representative. The L.A. Times is not happy, with good reason.
He’s a terrible choice, and not just because of a history of unsavory behavior — such as his successful efforts to win a pardon from President Clinton for convicted cocaine kingpin Carlos Vignali, or the screamingly unethical robo-calls his campaign engineered during his run for Los Angeles mayor in 2001. Becerra is a leader of the Democratic Party’s protectionist wing, which opposes NAFTA, the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement and most other trade deals.
Oh, goody. A protectionist sleazeball. But in all things, I have decided to look at the bright side. The silly Euroleft was all giddy over Obama. The Irish branch is likewise, of course, but also knows that American protectionism is very bad for Ireland and their wallets. I am going to enjoy watching them squirm.