We know that Big Media editorialists and prominent Members of Congress don’t exist solely to be punching bags for GLOBALIZATION FOLLIES.  But commentaries like the Washington Post’s recent “Jobs for Our Allies” really make us wonder.

This editorial endorses a new trade bill, sponsored by Maryland Democratic Congressman Chris Van Hollen, aiming to encourage U.S. imports from Pakistan and Afghanistan in an effort to fight terrorism in these countries by creating economic opportunity.  But if we’ve learned anything about terrorists since 9-11, it’s that hardly any come from the ranks of the third world’s most impoverished.  Their backgrounds are overwhelmingly middle class and professional.  They’ve had the opportunity for economic advancement and a decent, stable life – and want no part of it.

Then there’s the bill’s main feature – the creation of  “reconstruction opportunity zones” in these two war-torn countries from which certain products could enter the United States duty-free.  In a bid for support from his own party’s trade policy critics, Van Hollen would set up mechanisms for monitoring labor standards in these zones.

Of course, the key phrase is “war-torn.”  As the editorial itself notes, July was “the bloodiest [month] for American forces [in Afghanistan] since they began fighting there....”  Pakistan is scarcely more stable, i.e., heavily armed soldiers from the United States, Europe, and Pakistan can barely ensure their own security in these two countries.  And U.S. legislators want to send inspectors around on a regular basis to whatever viable export businesses remain or might be started?

Loonier still is the excuse for controversy provided by Sen. Charles Grassley.  The Iowa Republican and ranking member of the influential Finance Committee objects to the bill – but not out of any concern about adding to America’s bloated trade deficits and national debts. According to the Post, he claims mainly to fear the bill’s labor-protection provisions “will be so onerous as to deter investors”– investors who presumably otherwise are aching to pour money into these violent madhouses.

Most revealing of all are the cockeyed priorities displayed by the Post, Van Hollen, and Grassley.  The current economic crisis has destroyed literally millions of jobs for Americans.  And the actors in this Kabuki-like drama are obsessing on a transparently phony bill to create jobs for foreigners.

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