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In his weekly Saturday radio address, President Clinton
took his case in support of NAFTA directly to the American
people, telling them that the pact will create new American jobs,
and help keep existing jobs in the U.S. "[U]nder NAFTA more jobs
will stay at home here in America, and more American exports will
head to Mexico," the President told the nation. "NAFTA means
exports and exports mean jobs."
"With NAFTA," the President argued, "our products will
have easier access to Canada and the second fastest growing
market in the entire world: Latin America. Without NAFTA, one
of our best markets, Mexico, could turn to Japan and Europe to
make a sweetheart deal for trade. With NAFTA, we'll be creating
the biggest trading block in the world right at our doorstep and
led by the United States. Without NAFTA, Mexico could well
become an export platform allowing more products from Japan and
Europe into America."
The President reiterated that NAFTA is supported by every
living former President, most of the nation's governors, and
leaders in both parties, "[a]nd yet, I know many Americans are
worried about the agreement," the President said. The President
addressed many of American's fears about NAFTA and concluded: "I
believe with all my heart the fears stirred up over NAFTA flow
from the pounding the middle class took over the past decade and
a half, not from NAFTA itself. But I have to tell you, as your
President, I could not be for this trade agreement unless I
believed strongly that we needed it to ensure the economic
security of our hard-working middle class families."
NAFTA Jobs and Products Day
This Wednesday morning, the President will join members of
Congress on the South Lawn of the White House to review many of
American-made products which make up America's $5.6 billion trade
surplus with Mexico. Hundreds of products from nearly 200
companies will be displayed by the workers who produce them.
USTR Kantor, Mayor of San Diego Advocate NAFTA on Brinkley Show
Discussing NAFTA on ABC's This Week with David Brinkley,
USTR Mickey Kantor and San Diego Mayor Susan Golding promoted the
agreement's job-creating benefits, especially for the U.S.
automobile industry. Responding to Flint Mayor Woodrow Stanley
who stated "I just don't think the case has been made" for NAFTA,
Golding said: "The president of Chrysler has said very clearly
that if NAFTA had existed, he would not have had to produce his
new car, Neon, in Mexico. The reason he is in Mexico is because
he cannot sell to Mexico unless he produces in Mexico. When
NAFTA passes, he can produce in the United States and sell to
Mexico."