A Governor`s Story, by Jennifer Granholm: on Free Trade

Jennifer Granholm: NAFTA is about whether we're going to make things in America

"It's a valiant effort," the spokesman said. "But we've got to cut costs, and we can pay $1.57 an hour in Juarez. There's nothing you can do to make up for that."

Greenville's Mayor proclaimed, "NAFTA is just killing the industrial strength of this country."

I said, "We are the fallout of these unenforced trade agreements. The average guy is left without a job, maybe without a pension, and as a final insult he trains his foreign replacement before he hands in his ID badge. And there's nothing we can do about it. Nothing. This isn't about tax policy. It's not about regulations. It's about whether we are going to make things in America."

Jennifer Granholm: Replace CAFTA outsourcing with "No Worker Left Behind"

"NAFTA and CAFTA [Central America Free Trade Agreement] have given us the Shafta!" I shouted, and the crowd of workers roared in response, as if ready to tear the heads off of those who had made a profit by outsourcing jobs. I waited for them to settle down and for my own angry heart to slow.

"You've heard of 'No Child Left Behind'?" I asked. "Well, how about No WORKER Left Behind?!"

Jennifer Granholm: Encourage insourcing, instead of victims of globalization

In my terms as governor, I made 12 international trips to recruit businesses: our state attracted 48 companies and $2 billion in investment, with more than 20,000 jobs generated. It was surprisingly easy to get midsized companies in other countries to invest in Michigan. These companies were interested in the American market, but many lacked the multinational global staff to help guide them through the process. Because of their smaller size, relationships were important. My message to them: Let Michigan be your gateway to the US--we'll help you.

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