Duty, Honor, Fruits and Vegetables

In the last hours of the debate over NAFTA, many stirring words were spoken about free trade, open borders and America's courageous march into the future. Some of the most high-flown oratory was uttered by Representatives who once opposed the agreement but obtained Administration promises of a better deal and quite suddenly changed their minds. If you went by the rhetoric of the Florida delegation, for example, you would quickly conclude that many of those who switched sides did so because of their ideals -- and that they were unswayed by the White House offer of greater protection for citrus, sugar and vegetable growers:

"I believe we crafted a new agreement that will benefit Florida and all of America. I have full confidence that America and Florida can compete with anyone globally, and look toward the future with hope, not fear, about the effects of free trade."

-- TOM LEWIS, REPUBLICAN

"I concluded -- and firmly believe -- that NAFTA is a job creator that will increase the economic opportunities for every American We can stand pat with the same old solutions, or we can take a bold new direction and run with this opportunity."

-- CARRIE MEEK, DEMOCRAT

^ "The expansion of trading markets is essential for our prosperity History has proven that isolationism is detrimental to this country."

-- ALCEE HASTINGS, DEMOCRAT

"A yes vote says to the world that America is alive and well and a champion of free enterprise. It says to our neighbors in this hemisphere that we can be trusted to negotiate faithfully and fairly. And it says to Americans -- in business, on the farm, to workers and professionals and their families at home -- that we can compete and win. Bring on the world -- we're ready."

-- PORTER GOSS, REPUBLICAN