On Sept. 16 I was able to attend an International Trade Commission hearing. At issue was the dumping of government-subsidized coated paper in the U.S. by Chinese and Indonesian paper manufacturers.
Twenty members of Congress testified, but U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar was the one who commanded the respect of the commissioners. Testifying on behalf of Sappi and New Page, Oberstar described the devastation associated with unfair trading practices and how failed free-trade practices have exacerbated job losses and created anxiety over the future of plants, factories and communities.
Oberstar has been working hard for Minnesotans in the 8th District for 36 years, creating jobs and fighting for jobs and for what is right when foreign countries attempt to flood the market with their government-
subsidized goods.
Oberstar is as valuable a resource to Northeastern Minnesota as the forests are to the paper mills or the mines are to the Iron Range. Oberstar deserves our respect and support -- and our vote on Nov. 2.
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Steve Bauer
Duluth
