Opinion Editorials

We are all taught to avoid talk of sex, politics and religion in polite conversation. But polite isn’t a standard often considered in politics today.

Politics has always been (and likely will always be) contentious. Our country’s Founding Fathers designed our legislative process to be chaotic and combative, knowing that scholarly discourse often leads to more thoughtful policy solutions. But such civil discourse has no room for malicious ad hominem attacks designed to play on our base instincts rather than intellect. We can and should be better.

In this republic of ours, we have to remember that our political leaders are a reflection of us. We ask citizen legislators to make difficult public policy decisions on behalf of all of us. We often forget that this is not an easy task that few are willing to do.

Last week, Congress approved three free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. These deals will mean an immediate boost in U.S. exports and the creation of thousands of jobs.

The House and Senate voted in quick succession Wednesday to approve the agreements, which have languished for four years since they were originally negotiated and signed by President George W. Bush. During that time, American businesses paid billions of dollars in tariffs each year on exports to three countries that had already signed free trade agreements with us indicating that they were willing to eliminate those tariffs. With this vote, our country can finally start capitalizing on the profits and jobs promised with these deals.