Free Trade

People, and governments, with the power to impose their will, have been trying to control trade in the western world at least as long as they have been able to write to each other. Now governments talk about 'freeing' trade with each other. What does it all mean? It means, at least for me, that trading blocks use their power over resources and wealthy populations, to extract concessions from other blocks which have something they seek. Many poor working people suffer the loss of their employment as a result. Let me give two examples.
The fishing industry in Ireland is dominated by small boats, which are restricted in the fish they are allowed harvest, and in the number of days they are allowed to go to sea. I am confident that, if I had access to all the treaties and data involved, the European Community would be able to convince me that Europe as a whole has gained. The Irish fisherman has still lost his livelihood.
A poor Mexican farmer could previously provide for his family from his small holding of land. Now, after Mexico has negotiated trade agreements with the United States, the small farmer cannot compete with exported food from America. He is forced, if he wants to feed his family, to try to find marginal employment in the United States, only to be denied legal entry.
There should be provision in every one of these treaties to provide directly for those who are going to be hurt by them, and I don't mean handouts. There should be provision for the Irish fisherman, so that he is still allowed to fish, even if it is at the expense of factory ships: the Mexican farmer should be protected in his small holding, so that he is not driven off his land.