I have done some research of government stats and came up with some pretty
interesting statistics on trade surpluses and trade
deficits.

From 1940-1970, the US ran 30 straight years of trade
surpluses. The US was a manufacturing Juggernaut.
GDP growth was 8.06% from 1940-1970.

From 1976-2004, the US ran 28 straight years of trade
deficits. GDP growth averaged 6.87% from 1976-2004.

Free traders will argue that inflation should be lower
because of the competition of imports against American
made goods.

Wrong!!! Inflation from 1940-1970 average 3.28%.
Inflation from 1976-2004 average 4.44%.

Free traders will say well you didn't look at
unemployment stats. Wrong!!! Yes I did.

The bls.gov stats only goes back to 1948 but here it
is. From 1948-1970 unemployment ran from just under
4% to a high of 8% and average of around 5.25%

From 1976-2004, unemployment went from 8% to a high of
over 10% to a low of 4%. The average was around 6%.

From 1940-1970, GDP growth was over 1% higher,
inflation was over 1% lower and unemployment was 0.75%
lower compared to 1976-2004.

This proves that free trade policy is a total failure
and a national disgrace.