Thank you for your Jan. 29 editorial exposing Bill Lipinski`s idea on trade as the reckless and irresponsible notion it is. However, you said that I ”didn`t have the courage to lambaste the Lipinski plan,” which was presented near the conclusion of a half-hour television program. This is inaccurate. I felt it was inappropriate to respond in the same reckless manner as when Lipinski offered his proposals to ban Japanese auto imports for five years.
The following day, after consulting with Trade Subcommittee staff and private sector experts in trade, I formulated my response: a repudiation of Lipinski`s idea. In an interview with WMAQ-TV on Jan. 25, I called the idea irresponsible and said it would cost hundreds of thousands of American jobs. I support fair trade.
Lipinski`s idea would create economic chaos. In this time of economic crisis we should be working toward passage of legislation that would create jobs, not throw even more people out of work.
By associating me with Lipinski`s idea, the Tribune implies that I am a
”Japan-basher.” This is also inaccurate. I believe any rational trade policy should require that we have the same access to foreign markets those nations enjoy here. We have been the patsy of many of our trading partners-not just Japan-that have abused our friendship.
Through my work on trade issues I`ve learned we must respond vigorously to trade-distorting practices. While I have endorsed new legislation to address these concerns, I believe the situation could improve if the administration would enforce a way to achieve fair trade without destabilizing the international trading system.
