The Washington Post reports that a trade agreement with the United States is a major issue in Ecuador's presidential campaign. It repeatedly refers to the proposed agreement as a "free trade" pact. Of course the agreement would not create free trade. It would largely leave in place the protections that ensure high wages for doctors, lawyers, accountants, economists and other highly educated professionals in the United States. It would also increase protectionism by requiring more stringent rules in Latin America for drug patents and copyrights. So, why not save a word and just call it a "trade" agreement?
The American Prospect is nonprofit, reader-funded journalism—and we need your help.
Our reporters dig deep, hold power to account, and explain how policy shapes people’s lives. If you value independent journalism that goes beyond the headlines, now’s the time to support it.
Here’s how you can help: • Donate to power fearless reporting
• Subscribe to get our print magazine 6x/year.