Originally Posted By: Bill S.
I can't explain it, but perhaps it has something to do with the intrinsic insecurity of subsistence farming, and the hope that the grass will be greener over there.


Yea I suspect it's that too. But not just false hope or millions of people wouldn't be doing it - have been doing it during many countries' transitions from subsistence farming to industrialization.

That means the low pay job in the city, made available by international trade, is better than life without international trade.

I'd really be suprised if someone said the solution for poor countries is to cut them off and let them go back to an even poorer state. But that's exactly what Bryan seemed to be saying. And it's what many lefties I've met say.