Free Trade vs. Protectionism

Editor,

The debate with respect to so-called "free" trade is cast invariably in the NYT as a binary choice between "trade" and "protectionism" or between "globalization" and "isolation." But the issue is not whether international trade is good or whether a global economy is in some respects inevitable. The issue is whether the rules of "free" trade, in which the interests of international investors and multinational corporations take precedence over all others, are "fair."

I find it strange that the NYT argues frequently for stronger regulation in the domestic economy -- to protect workers, consumers, citizens, and the environment -- but in the international arena you call regularly for laissez faire for corporations and the rich. Why is this?