Tom Harkin: “we all know that values matter to Americans. It is also becoming increasingly clear that they matter inside the global…”

“we all know that values matter to Americans. It is also becoming increasingly clear that they matter inside the global marketplace as well as outside. That explains why, according to a recent nationwide poll, 77 percent of Americans said they would likely look for a label when purchasing if there was a label on some products to indicate that they were made without the use of exploitive child labor. Most Americans also understand that in today's complex, interwoven global economy, some of our cherished values come into conflict with one another in new and different ways and require very difficult trade-offs. For example, more free trade and free enterprise, as practiced in the real world versus more economic fairness, social justice and environmental sustainability. Recognizing this creative tension, 76 percent of Americans in a recent nationwide poll on globalization said they would pay more and buy a piece of clothing for $25 that is certified as not made in a sweatshop instead of buying the same article of clothing for $20 if they were not sure how it was made. Most Americans clearly want to bring our fundamental values--a sense of fair play, universal respect for human rights and worker rights, better stewardship of our shared environment, and more hope and equal opportunity for our children and grandchildren--into the conduct of international business and investment.”