Miami or Atlanta?

[Newnan]

Before you automatically say Miami, listen to this report and tell us what you think.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5453498

[cameronm]

uh..... Miami.

[Mr.Marc]

I would say Miami, ALL THE WAY. Miami has long touted itself as the "Gateway to Latin America". I don't see that changing anytime soon. Miami's location is more easily accessible in more ways than Atlanta as they have the advantage of being a port city. Also, Atlanta may have a major airport as the article states, but so does Miami.

[Andrea]

I would think Atlanta would be the obvious choice, if the intent is to integrate with the U.S. trade community. Yes, Miami is physically closer to Latin America, but once you get to Miami you're still 600 miles from anywhere. Even in the jet age that's not an inconsiderable distance.

[AubieTurtle]

Given the recent political developments in South America, along with the Bush administation's reaction to them, I doubt that the FTAA will ever come to be. What's more likely is a South American free trade zone that will also include most Central American countries south of Mexico.

[ironchapman]

I thought it was between Port-of-Spain (Trinidad and Tobago) and Miami.

Anyways, where I want it to go is obvious (Atlanta, of course), and, as the article (along with a few others I have read over the past few months) does point out that Atlanta does have quite a few things going for it. However, I'd be willing to bet that it's going to Miami, but I wouldn't necessarily count Atlanta out, though.

[krazeeboi]

Atlanta definitely has some things going for it, but if it comes down to Atlanta and Miami, I have a hard time seeing this go to Atlanta.

[UrbanSoutherner]

Miami is already the de facto financial capital of Latin America. It is the best choice if the deal ever comes into being.

[AubieTurtle]

If the recount in Mexico results in Obrador becoming president, the FTAA, if not NAFTA too, will be history. Latin America is becoming more and more socialist, which means organizations that put business interests at a level above national laws will have a hard time.

[ironchapman]

If the recount in Mexico results in Obrador becoming president, the FTAA, if not NAFTA too, will be history. Latin America is becoming more and more socialist, which means organizations that put business interests at a level above national laws will have a hard time.

Well, Calderon won, so what would you predict now as to the future of the FTAA?

[AubieTurtle]

I'm not sure it is completely over but from what I've read about Mexican law regarding elections, it does appear that Calderon has the upper hand. I don't think this does much to change the chance for the FTAA since Fox was already in favor of it and I assume that Calderon will be for it too. But I don't see the other Latin American countries, at least not the left leaning ones, joining the FTAA if it includes the US.

[SkyDave]

If I read that article correctly it stated Atlanta has a "seaport"......uh what seaport???? Savannah????

Miami with its obvious connections to Latin America is the heads on favorite. I love Atlanta, but it can not successfully compete with Miami for the Free Trade Center of the Americas. Good Try.

[AubieTurtle]

The seaport is probably some sort of inland special customs zone. Containers are offloaded (probably in Savannah) and sent by rail sealed to the special customs facility inland. So while the "seaport" isn't actually on the ocean, containers go through and are processed at the inland facility. Given that Atlanta is a major rail hub, this is the most likely explaination.

Since none of us knows what criteria will be used for selecting the HQ, it is silly for anyone to say they know for sure which city will be selected. Is having a large cargo facility important? UPS has its headquarters in Atlanta but most of their packages don't pass through here. FedEx on the other hand is headquartered in Memphis and most of their packages go through Memphis. Different groups have different requirements and preferences. For the FTAA, we don't know what those are.

[ryanmckibben]

First, I don't see the FTAA becoming a reality any time soon. Modern economic reality is undergoing a seismic change. Peoples lives are being turned upside down. Economists call it "creative destruction", believing that while the short term pain may be real, it will lead to a better future. The guy or gal who just lost their job at the textile mill calls it unemployment, and the assailant is free trade. In the developing world, dynamic new opportunities are opening, the problem is that most of the developing worlds citizens have neither the education, experience or capital to take advantage of them. They see the rich getting richer while they are left to live in a squatters shack and collect their $1 per day. Until all of this shakes out, I don't see the world rushing to sign any more large scale trade agreements. There may be one-off's here and there, but the FTAA is far too ambitious for this moment in time.

Having said that, IF the FTAA were to somehow spring into existance, the Secretariat would be the administrative and judicial body. Seaports would not matter, air cargo would not matter. It would come down to the number of non-stop flights to as many Central and South American countries as possible. Find the answer to that and you will know where the secretariat will be located.

[BHCav]

Twist it anyway you want to, but Atlanta doesn't have a true seaport. That sound you just heard was the credibility of the article flying out the window.

[verge]

Well, Calderon won, so what would you predict now as to the future of the FTAA?

Just thought I'd point out that your political 'heros' are both anti-urban and in Sooonnny's case...

anti-Atlanta...

[Go Gators]

Just thought I'd point out that your political 'heros' are both anti-urban and in Sooonnny's case...

anti-Atlanta...

Sonny is anti-Atlanta? If thats what you mean, you are going to need to back up your claims rather than taking cheap shots.

[Pillsbury]

^^ Look, I'm no fan of Sonny. But the guy has a lot of support in metro Atlanta (he would not have won otherwise). Regardless, I really don't see how Purdue or Reagan have anything to do with the conversation except as a cheap shot like Go Gators stated.

[ryanmckibben]

Sometimes the truth hurts. Sunny is indeed anti-Atlanta. More accurately, Sonny is anti-urban. Atlanta being the only MAJOR city in Georgia...A=B, B=C, therefore A=C.

Sonny has steadfastly refused to help with the states only mass transit system, instead sheperding new criteria for evaluating transportation projects through the ARC that will overwhelingly support more roads. Sonny had absolutely zero interest in helping the states capital as well as it's economic engine with it's sewer crises.

Those are two real quick examples of how our Governer is anti-Atlanta. I was trying to think of an instance that Sonny has lifted his finger to help Atlanta, granted he shows up at big events to tout how great Atlanta is, but when we need him, he's out in the field with the rest of Georgia...his true base.

Just out of curiosity, what would someone who lives in Florida know about Atlanta politics???

[Pillsbury]

Well I'm looking forward to November so we can vote him out. But in all fairness, Atlanta has always has to do things without the help of the state. Anyway, I still don't know why he and Reagan were brought up.

[Go Gators]

Sometimes the truth hurts. Sunny is indeed anti-Atlanta. More accurately, Sonny is anti-urban. Atlanta being the only MAJOR city in Georgia...A=B, B=C, therefore A=C.

Just out of curiosity, what would someone who lives in Florida know about Atlanta politics???

I Know a lot of things about politics in the Southeastern US. You could say Im "in the loop" or something.

On a side note, A=B, B=C, therefore A=C is not always a balanced equation.

[ryanmckibben]

I Know a lot of things about politics in the Southeastern US. You could say Im "in the loop" or something.

On a side note, A=B, B=C, therefore A=C is not always a balanced equation.

I'm assuming you work for either a political party or an elected official. You stated that you know about politics in the southeast, so I will go with a political party. You evidently are an admirer of Sonny, so the Republican Party?

Anyway, unbalanced is exactly the word I would have used to describe our Governers record with regards to urban/suburban/rural issues.

Although I do personally have a problem with the typical suburban way of life, I begrudgingly respect one's right to choose where they live (as long as they pay the true costs of that lifestyle, but thats another topic). Sonny has more then proved himself to favor the suburbs over the city. Most notably when it comes to transportation. From his guidance of GDOT to his apathy toward GRTA and what seems like outright hostility to anything that doesn't run on rubber, Sonny has consistently shown himself to be no friend to anyone seeking a truly urban existance.

[Go Gators]

I'm assuming you work for either a political party or an elected official. You stated that you know about politics in the southeast, so I will go with a political party. You evidently are an admirer of Sonny, so the Republican Party?

Well....you are basically right. I dont work for a political party. I also do not work for an elected official. Some would say we are the 4th branch of govt (and no not the media). But you are correct in that I am very Republican.

I wouldnt completely agree with all your comments, but can see where you may be coming from on some things.

[Pillsbury]

Well....you are basically right. I dont work for a political party. I also do not work for an elected official. Some would say we are the 4th branch of govt (and no not the media). But you are correct in that I am very Republican.

I wouldnt completely agree with all your comments, but can see where you may be coming from on some things.

You work for the NSA!!!???

[atlmario]

I cant wait to cast my vote against Sunny. He goes out of his way to make sure Atlanta doesnt build mass transit. And as much as he hate Marta...we wouldnt have got the Olympics without it...and without the olympics I dont think atlanta is..what it is today. Shame on him for not helping and putting people in place to make sure it ran with the right leadership to prevent mishaps. Also, he's given nothing to the Arts. He doesnt get it...he's a red neck republican...with typical ideas that keep minorities away from his party. Besides, he ran his first campaign on the racist flag. Shame on perdue!!! Sorry if thats off the topic of Miami vs. Atlanta