According to a fresh report from the U.S. Office of Textiles and Apparels, in just 12 months, China has doubled its textile and apparel exports to the U.S. The report compared January 2005 to January 2004, and showed that, in some categories, exports have surged by over 1000%...

"January shipments of cotton trousers – men's and boys' from China rose 989.63 percent while those of cotton trousers – women's and girls' climbed 1,081.29 percent," said the Southwest Farm Press. "Cotton shirts – women's and girls' were up 522.68%"

"But official Chinese export numbers," continues the Farm Press, "indicate the shipments of cotton knit shirts to the U.S. could be up by more than 1,800% and cotton trousers up by more than 1,300% from January 2004 to January 2005."

The explanation is simple: On January 1, 2005, a 30-year global agreement on textile limits came to an end, and Chinese-made products have since come flooding in.

The garments aren't only to be found on the bargain racks either...according to a report Addison Wiggin heard on NPR, imports of frilly Chinese lingerie are up massively too.

The Neanderthals are incensed. One group of primitive cave dwellers has asked Washington to enact combative legislation. Worst of all, under modern Neanderthal law, congress is legally allowed to do this. Through a safeguard mechanism, agreed under WTO rules and valid until 2008, the U.S. can limit imports from China that are proven to be harmful to domestic industries.

From our humble perch here in the Rude Awakening's Baltimore office, just 30 miles from the Capitol, it appears the administration will spout its free-trade mantra to anyone who will listen, yet when it doesn't suit them, they slam the door shut.

It is precisely these policies that have upset our friendly neighbors to the North. Please recall our special report titled: "Backstabbed."

The boneheads in Washington, we postulated, "are no doubt ringing their hands in horror at the Canada/China oil alliance."

We were, of course, referring to recent long-term crude oil supply contracts between Canada and China. "Up on the hill, everyone's buzzing about the great Canadian Double Cross," we said.

Unfortunately, we failed to make the point clearly, and we offended our dear Canadian readers.

"Your presentation sounds like a temper tantrum," wrote one."

"As a Canadian, I am really ticked off with your attitude," said another.

"Backstabbed?" replied a third. "What a load of horse hockey and inflammatory hype."

More angry emails poured in...

"Perhaps U.S.A. should have thought about the oil and gas issues before it illegally destroyed the Canadian softwood industry or before it decimated the Canadian beef industry by closing the border to imports of beef."

And another:

"Canada is the one being betrayed here...betrayed by the U.S. in failing to live up to its trade agreements."

Another:

"The standing relationship with the U.S. is nothing but an illusion."

"Commerce between nations should be fair and equitable," writes one, referring to Franklin's inscription on the U.S. Department of Commerce building in Washington.

The only response we have to these emails is one of complete unreserved agreement. It's the monkeys in Washington with whom we take issue...

Fortunately, we can ask our Canadian friends to take solace in the Neanderthals' assured demise, while we all profit at the same time...

Long live free trade!