Don't blame NAFTA.

According to Kevin Clarke's March Margin Notes ("A failing grade on free trade"),"almost 900,000 manufacturing jobs were [created] south of the border," new wealth was created, and "all three countries (United States, Canada, and Mexico) enjoyed more trade and some minor economic growth because of [NAFTA]"

But Clarke then begins a listing of non-sequiturs having nothing to do with NAFTA. He complains that the Mexican jobs jumped to China, hardly a result of NAFTA. Next he rails against Nordstrom and Brooks Brothers' executives for having a profitable 2003 Christmas season while Wal-Mart and Target did not. lie did not clarify the NAFTA connection here. He protests the lack of a recent increase in the minimum wage, as though that was connected in some way to free trade.

NAFTA is not to be confused with America's economy. It's but a small part. Other, much larger issues cause the concerns Clarke complains about. But it confuses the reader to blame all of America's perceived economic problems on one little trade act. But keep saying it, and the big lie is eventually believed.

R. Patrick Henry Jr.

East Longmeadow, Mass.