Let me admit this now if I haven’t done it before. I’m a Detroit Lions fan. I grew up in Southeastern Michigan. I barely remember the first Lions game I went to in person, but I do remember being a Lions fan from that moment on. I’m confident in saying that no other fan of any sports team, professional or otherwise, has suffered as much as die-hard Lions fans.
The thing is, I remain optimistic that one day the Detroit Lions will be Super Bowl Champions. Laugh if you must.
In my heart, I’m an optimist. But I’m also realistic. At the start of every NFL season, I have deep skepticism of there being a successful Lions campaign.
Similarly, I believe in the democratic process that defines our government and its politics. Despite the extremely divisive current political climate, I’m optimistic that one day Republicans and Democrats will unite to work together as a team for the good of our country and citizens.
Realistically, I have deep skepticism.
So I’m asking, is the news of a deal being struck between House Democrats and the Trump Administration on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) going to actually push the trade agreement closer to being ratified?
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is trying to be optimistic, like me. AEM president Dennis Slater said in a statement, “This is good news for equipment manufacturers, the 1.3 million men and women of our industry, and the entire U.S. economy. We’re another step closer to getting the USMCA ratified. Getting this across the finish line will preserve duty-free market access to our most important trade partners, add more than $68 billion to the U.S. economy, and create 176,000 U.S. jobs. We applaud the work done by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass.), U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, and everyone involved in these negotiations. We look forward to Congress ratifying the agreement and President Trump signing it into law.”
Sure, signing the USMCA into law could solidify trade relations with Mexico and Canada, boost the economy, and create jobs. But will both sides be able to get past party tribalism? Will the impeachment process put a stop to any agreement?
For more than the past two years, the AEM has been lobbying both Congress and the Trump Administration to get the USMCA passed into law.
As an optimistic Detroit Lions fan, there are plenty of reasons to cheer on the team throughout the football season. As a realist, I know I’ll be watching the next Super Bowl in envy of the fans of another team.
What do you think the chances are of the USMCA being passed into law?
