Trade and Hard Times
The drop in trade is spreading economic weakness across the
world. Protectionism would only create more barriers to
global trade and prolong the recession.

Full Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/26/opinion/...amp;tntemail1=y

From the story:

"Of particular concern are attempts by governments — including in the United Kingdom,
the Netherlands and Switzerland — to ensure that banks bailed out by taxpayers favor
domestic borrowers. While the Obama administration has not imposed similar requirements,
there is pressure from Congress and the public to make American banks that receive TARP
money lend primarily, if not exclusively, to American borrowers. That would be a mistake.
One of the sure ways to prolong the global recession is to create even more barriers to global trade."

I do know this all the American Recovery and Re-Investment Act (stimulus) money has
strict requirements to explain why any purchases with the funds are not domestic. There are
slightly hidden trade restrictions in it...that I know personnally from applying for same.

BTW, I learned we just got alloted another $103,000 in Justice Assistance Grant money.
I'm doing my job...but I have personal thoughts about all the government spending (e.g. Bubble).