The United States has now entered a war that is quickly revealing the national security dangers of a radical free trade ideology that has dominated both political parties since at least the late eighties. A recent commentary piece about The Wrong Camouflage on U.S. Troops In Iraq showed how some American soldiers would likely die as a result of being equipped with the jungle green instead of desert camouflage.
This case highlights in the simplest terms what happens when a nation has to depend on foreign countries to manufacture goods necessary for war. Shortages are not limited to desert-camouflage fatigues, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, they include “tents, hot-weather boots, and chemical suits” as the war in Iraq continues and the need for more troops continues. These are due to the inability to manufacture such goods. The Philadelphia Inquirer also states, “Military products must be made in the United States and contain U.S. raw materials. During the last decade, many apparel companies and other manufacturers closed in the United States and moved production to places such as China and Mexico, complicating military procurement.”
Even though the Iraqi army is getting routed, no matter how you look at it, a certain number of American soldiers will die because of NAFTA’s affects on U.S. industry. Do you think radical Free Traders like Bill Kristol of the Weekly Standard have trouble sleeping at night? After all, American soldiers will die in a war that they pounded the drums for because of their Anti-American trade policies. I doubt the thought even crossed their minds.
A recent article in Insight Magazine revealed the frightening prospect of Smart Bomb Technology Going To China. According to Insight, Magnequench Inc., based in Indianapolis, “is shutting down its American operations, laying off hundreds of workers and moving sophisticated equipment now being used to make critical parts for smart bombs to the People’s Republic of China.”
What exactly will be the result when the United States has to depend on China to manufacture its Smart Bombs? Coupled with the fact that by moving the plants that manufacture these weapons to China will allow that nation to acquire the technology for them, what happens if a possible confrontation occurs with China? Do you really think they will ship the Smart Bombs to us so that we can bomb them?
Hopefully the Bush administration will show its patriotism and not allow the manufacturing of such weapons to go to China, but if Richard Perle is any indication, I have my doubts.
One must ask why exactly does a man like Richard Perle get in bed with Chinese controlled companies that may potentially pose a national security threat to America. Perle chairs a powerful defense advisory board, he was an ardent proponent to invading Iraq, and surely national security concerns would be first and foremost in his mind.
Not the case if you take into account what Jim Lobe wrote in the Asia Times:
“Richard Perle, the single most powerful hawk outside the administration, has been retained by Global Crossing to help ensure that Hutchison Whampoa, widely regarded by his fellow hawks as a front for China’s People’s Liberation Army, can buy a majority share in the bankrupt telecommunications company.”
Lobe continues:
“According to a notice submitted by Global Crossing, Perle would be paid US$726,000 by the company, including $600,000 if the sale goes through. Whether it will remains unclear, however. Both the Defense Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have raised some “national security” problems with the deal because it would put Global Crossing’s global fiber-optics network, which is used by the Pentagon itself, under Hutchison Whampoa’s control.”
Some might consider allowing any foreign power a controlling influence over communication systems a national security threat. What exactly is it called when you are paid money to do so?
Dowd writes regarding the same topic in the New York Times:
“The confidant of Rummy and Wolfy serves as the chairman of the Defense Policy Board, an influential Pentagon advisory panel. That’s why Global Crossing agreed to pay Perle a fat fee: $725,000.
The fee structure is especially smelly because $600,000 of the windfall is contingent on government approval of the sale.”
The NY Times also recently reported that Perle advised Loral Space and Communications with regard to government accusations that it violated the law when transferring rocket technology to China.
You would think that Mr. Perle would want nothing to do with a company that transferred rocket technology that helped bring China’s nuclear missile capabilities up to speed.
Mr. Perle’s actions stink of conflicts of interest, even worse they point to the possibility that he may have exchanged national security for money. While his innocence must be presumed unless evidence proves otherwise, Perle’s actions warrant a thorough investigation.
The United States is at war. At such a time it is impossible to allow dangerous transfers of manufacturing and technical independence to foreign powers. There are many reasons why America should retain its vital industries and prevent them from being exported oversees, but clearly the ability to produce our own weapons and logistical supplies is a necessary component to national security. This should be obvious to any idiot.