Our trade deficit increases by $2 billion a day. Pharmaceutical companies and their lobbyists have such influence in Washington that Medicare, by current law, is not allowed to negotiate lower drug prices. We import oil on an ever-increasing scale, putting ourselves into debt with the Saudis, the Kuwaitis, and other Middle Eastern nations. With their windfall profits, they continue to buy American assets. China's booming economy and abundance of cheap labor are threatening our economic survival. We have mortgaged our fortunes, our principles, and our way of life.

In this comprehensive look at the real, human toll of America's unsound trade policy, Senator Byron Dorgan exposes the myth of "free trade." Indeed, free trade is not free; it is something that is slowly but surely draining away American prosperity. Sure, Chinese labor can drive down prices at Wal-Mart; at the same time, however, those saved wages — dollars that would have gone to buy these cheaper goods — are gone. Too soon, it will all come crashing down.

Major U.S. corporations continue to ship jobs overseas by the millions and, because of their influence in Washington, avoid paying a king's ransom in taxes. Many billions of dollars that these companies fleece from the government and the American people go overwhelmingly to investments in expanding production capabilities overseas. In short, our government is in the grip of corporate and foreign interests, and the American worker has born the brunt of this culture of corruption. How can we stem the tide of outsourcing? Why has the White House done nothing? Will the middle class survive?

From describing corporate profiteering to calling to action a lethargic, inactive government, Byron Dorgan exposes the truth about the destructive relationship between corporations and Congress and proposes strategies for what can really be done to preserve America's preeminence in the world.

Senator Dorgan (D-North Dakota) issues a broadside against the North American Free Trade Agreement and other free trade policies of the United States long embraced by politicians from both major parties. He argues, often anecdotally, that current free trade policy has had damaging effects on the economic health of the nation, distorts American foreign policy, and hurts the world's environment. He includes with a list of recommendations for addressing these problems, including the development of an American Fair Trade Plan, the establishment of a Federal Trade Department, addressing the trade deficit with "import certificates," repealing tax breaks that encourage job exportation, encouraging stronger labor unions, and setting a ceiling on trade deficits.
Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Senator Dorgan (D-North Dakota) issues a broadside against the North American Free Trade Agreement and other free trade policies of the United States long embraced by politicians from both major parties. He argues, often anecdotally, that current free trade policy has had damaging effects on the economic health of the nation, distorts American foreign policy, and hurts the world's environment. He includes with a list of recommendations for addressing these problems, including the development of an American Fair Trade Plan, the establishment of a Federal Trade Department, addressing the trade deficit with "import certificates," repealing tax breaks that encourage job exportation, encouraging stronger labor unions, and setting a ceiling on trade deficits. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

"Written with poignant stories, persuasive logic and superb factual support, this book is a wake up call for every American who cares about U.S. policy on trade and jobs. One doesn't have to agree with all that Senator Dorgan writes in this book to find it remarkably compelling." Senator Tom Daschle

"If you're tired of seeing good American jobs shipped overseas in search of cheap labor, you're going to appreciate this book. Senator Dorgan and I have joined forces in the Senate to fight the trade policies of a weakening America. His book offers real solutions that can strengthen our country." Senator Lindsay Graham

"If you think that no one in Washington gives a damn about about corporate greed and the decimation of America's middle class, you haven't met Senator Byron Dorgan. In Take This Job and Ship It, this modern day Prairie Populist pops the greedhead right in their snouts, using both facts and a stinging sense of humor. Byron's book is both a rallying cry and a blueprint for action. If you believe America is headed in the wrong direction and you want to do something about it read this book, then help us elect more Byron Dorgans." Jim Hightower

"Senator Byron Dorgan is one of the few elected official of either party who has consistently and unwaveringly defended the interests of American working men and women and their families. His commitment to our country and the truth is inspiring. His book is a trenchant and timely examination of America's so-called free trade policies and the exorbitant cost to our middle class and our nation." Lou Dobbs

"I watched Senator Dorgan take on the powerful interests in the U.S. Senate, and this book shows that he is still at it. Our country's trade policies are a scandal, and Dorgan has the guts to expose it and name names. He also tells us how to put our country back on track. This is an important book that might finally call our country to action to protect good jobs and our way of life." Senator Fritz Hollings

"Dorgan cautions that American consumers are in denial about the cost of the cheap goods they buy in terms of job loss and the exploitation of overseas workers." Booklist

Senator Byron L. Dorgan is the senior senator from North Dakota currently serving his third term. In 1998, Dorgan was named the chairman of the Democratic Policy Committee, a position held by many before they became party leader. He lives in Bismarck, North Dakota, and Washington, D.C.