I have a free trade debate and i need some questions to ask the team thats against free trade?

Question

like i need questions that will stump them im representing the team thats for free trade i really need to stump them cuz they always come up with the question of losing jobs in america

Answer 1

Ok, what does it mean to not have free trade? Basically, it means there aren't any trade barriers such as tariffs. When you ask them questions, make sure to make them pointed, such as: "If you're against free trade, then shouldn't the U.S. just go back to the way it was after WW1, with the Great Depression and all?" If they want to institute barriers like tariffs, you could ask them questions about what will happen to other countries that depend on trade with the U.S. They can barely compete with our companies now, what'll happen afterwards? Most of the world's economy will plummet, and the U.S. will be even more isolated than ever. Compare that with globalization and jobs moving abroad. At least with the latter, we're providing some sort of income for the people of other countries. If tariffs are instituted, their income goes away.
That last bit was more of an argument, but you can fashion it into a few good questions. These are pretty pointed, though that's best for a debate, make your questions provide you with offense.

Answer 2

Ask them why some jobs in America are protected while others are not. Why are manufacturing jobs constantly being sent overseas but you hardly ever see doctors from other countries coming to the US. If they could pass a test to prove to the AMA that they're certified and know their trade why shouldn't we allow doctors, lawyers, etc. into our country to work? If it were allowed, the wages of those professions would drop significantly and save the American people money. Why is it that when jobs are cut or shipped overseas, it's never the CEO's, it's always the jobs at the bottom of the pay scale. Check out "The Conservative Nanny State: How the Rich Use the Government to Stay Rich and Get Richer"

Answer 3

Following on from whiteflame55- protectionism (the opposite of free trade) cannot not be replicated. If country A decided that they will only export to country B, but will cut imports from country B- Country B will likely retaliate and not buy anything from country A either. So no one can sell anything. That was how we got the Great Depression.

Answer 4

If foreign workers are willing to do simple manufacturing for $2 a day, and Americans require $20 an hour, then wouldn't stopping businesses from outsourcing manufacturing merely prevent them from selling their products competitively around the world? Furthermore, wouldn't it end up costing the American consumer far more for it's manufactured goods?

Answer 5

Would free trade increase or decrease trade among two countries?

If increased, trade would mean more manufacturing more manufacturing would mean more jobs in both countries. Please explain how more manufacturing in both countries could possibly mean less jobs?

More jobs would represent higher incomes in both countries, higher incomes means more taxable income for both nations ergo higher revenue. How would you validate the position that higher revenue is a bad for a nation?

Free trade would represent more manufacturing at home in both nations, more jobs at home means less incentives for those abroad to emigrate. Please explain under what circumstances would it benefit us to continue their motivation for emigration?

Answer 6

We have a wonderful word out there. Things growing in places we don't have. Fruits and vegetables etc beneficial for us all. I think "free trade" should be just those things you have or I have that we can't get by any other means. Bananas for mangos....apples for coffee.....corn for fish........not something for cheaper for what I can already get.