Unfair Trade

MEMBERS of Congress representing American wheat-growing states are likely to push for action against AWB (Australia’s monopoly wheat exporter).


Given our current knowledge of the US lobbying trade, it would be surprising if Wheat Associates were not moving in to grab Australia’s share of the wheat market.
To be sure, there is a growing case of trade abuse by AWB. However, before they take the high ground, the US Wheat Associates might find that they have their own moral questions to answer in this scandal.
It is well documented that US Wheat Associates brought this issue to the attention of the bush administration in 2003.
According to a recent report:

As the U.S. and war-coalition partner Australia were putting boots on the ground in Iraq in 2003, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile were putting together a bilateral free-trade deal between the nations. Alan Guebert is the owner of Ag Comm in Delavan, Ill.

U.S. Wheat Associates complained, there was a diplomatic flurry, then we have this trade deal that Alan Guebert is so stirred up over. By the US perspective there is only one lot of bad guys, the Australians.
Two wrongs don’t make a right! But both wrongs should be investigated fully and dealt with. The Cole Inquiry will deal with the Australian end more than adequately.
Who is going to look at the conduct of a US administration which knew about, condoned, then rewarded the breaking of UN sanctions?