Regarding our nation’s future independence, the words “convergence,” “harmonization,” and “integration” were used frequently and each was characterized as the overall goal. Every dictionary I have consulted states that “integration” means creating a single entity.
Beyond frequent mention of NAFTA and the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP), the participants delighted in discussing the Framework for Advancing Transatlantic Economic Integration created in April 2007 by President Bush, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. According to information distributed at the meeting, this “Framework has put the United States and the European Union on a joint path toward further transatlantic economic integration ….” Claiming it also to entail a “political commitment,” the Framework has led to “a new Cabinet-level Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC).
Some of the comments made about the TEC were enlightening. “We are in close contact with the EU.” “We have great hopes for more US-EU discussions.” “We want to reduce and harmonize regulatory burdens.” “It was simply wonderful to have this meeting [TEC] with our EU friends, and six cabinet leaders were in attendance along with the heads of two regulatory agencies [EPA and FDA].” Obviously, this TEC is paving the way for convergence of North America and the EU.
One speaker said it would be wise not to refer to what they were doing as “NAFTA Plus.” Evidently, those favoring “convergence” are aware of growing opposition to NAFTA. Another admitted: “SPP builds on NAFTA.” Still another offered, “The Security aspect of SPP is being directed by the Department of Homeland Security, and the Prosperity aspect is being directed by the Department of Commerce.”...
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C.M. Burns