From Deseret News archives:
Lawmaker assails trade accord
He says deal may lead to elimination of borders
Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Provo, has introduced HCR7, which asks Congress to withdraw from, or at least take oversight control of, a 2005 agreement that was signed by President Bush and the leaders of Mexico and Canada.
While at first glance the "Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America" may seem harmless, said Sandstrom, it could lead "to the elimination of our borders" in the name of free trade.
"It could well perpetrate our illegal immigrant problem. We could end up like the EU, even have a common currency," he said.
However, Joe Reyna, chairman of the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, doubted America's border with Mexico would be opening up any time soon.
"I don't think it would happen in the next 100 years," Reyna said. "Our cultures are so different."
Reyna said the SPP agreement is beneficial to the United States, particularly when it comes to security provisions, which include sharing intelligence on terrorism.
"It creates a partnership, an agreement to protect our borders so the flow of goods and services runs without any interruption," he said. "You cannot have trade without security."
Since Democrats now control both houses of Congress, Sandstrom doesn't think his resolution will be taken seriously by national lawmakers.
"But at least we can raise the awareness" of what the SPP could mean down the road, he said.
The Utah Legislature has gotten into some real scrapes over seemingly-innocuous resolutions sent to Congress. Several years ago legislators debated whether Utah should recommend that the United States get out of the United Nations.
But principled stands should be taken, says Sandstrom. For example, his resolution says that a super, secure highway could be built from Mexico to Canada across the middle of America, leading to all kinds of troubles, especially if the U.S. lost control of how it would operate.
Alex Segura, head of the anti-illegal immigration group Utah Minuteman Project, agrees with Sandstrom.
"It's a very scary thing that they are doing this without the consent of the American public," Segura said. "It's to create commerce ... even at the price of community."
Segura admits that it may seem far fetched that the United States would join a European Union style commerce organization, but he says the nation is heading toward open borders for people and goods.
Comments
- 8 killed in Kabul suicide bombing 1:38 a.m.
- Explosions rock downtown Baghdad 1:32 a.m.
- Family found dead in Calif. home 1:32 a.m.
- House GOP won't take no-tax pledge 12:18 a.m.
- Storms dumped lots of snow in Utah 12:18 a.m.
- Deputies dragged by fleeing car 12:17 a.m.
- Some charities are close to folding 12:16 a.m.
- Insurance exchange not faring well 12:16 a.m.
- Gila Valley Temple dedication set 12:16 a.m.
- Davis schedules 2 free H1N1 clinics 12:15 a.m.
- Wet spot found in Powell's home
- Sources: Josh Powell hires attorney
- Y. opponent nearly smelled roses
- D-Will treats military families to party
- MWC looks better in basketball
- Pace happy not to be noticed
- Maynor amazed by L.A. fans
- High school football: All-region teams
- Jazz will have full lineup tonight
- Jazz Extra: Starting 5
- Gay-friendly curriculum phased out
145 - LDS to emphasize helping needy
125 - Unga might enter NFL draft
106 - BYU to wear royal blue uniforms
103 - Disappearance called 'suspicious'
96 - TV mom gives birth to 19th child
96 - Choir, guests unwrap musical magic
84 - Barkley says Boozer is big problem
81 - Sources: Josh Powell hires attorney
80 - Stay the course with our president
79
First of all, to "20/20," how can you read newspapers and not understand...
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
"Price has been problematic for proponents of the exchange who have been...
By the way: Legacy Highway was the suggested alternative to hwy 89.
..but, unfortunately, it sells papers because people want in on the gossip.
Peanuts are NOT NUTS. They are legumes, like beans are. I am allergic to tree...
Mosiah 4: 16-18: So tell me at what point did Mosiah say give of you...
Now take advantage of their size and strength and run the ball more --...
Kim Shinkoskey...I'm afraid your the one who lost his mind.
It seems to me that if Tiger is going to be about fixing his problem the...
Well said...
Spoken like someone truly out of touch with reality. You now want us to...



You can be the first to comment on this story.