Although history never quite repeats itself, some patterns remain the same.

During the boom times, there is widespread and growing support for open borders and ever expanding cross-border commerce. However, when the economic pendulum swings the other way, so does faith in free trade.

Thus, it should come as no surprise, as the following Reuters report, "Obama, Congress Leaders to Meet Monday on Economy," seems to make clear (in the paragraphs I've highlighted in bold italic), that the winds of protectionism are gaining strength.

Both President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden will huddle with Democratic and Republican congressional leaders on Monday to try to advance a huge economic stimulus bill that Obama hopes can be enacted quickly, despite Republican reservations.

Obama's transition team said it is mulling "buy American" provisions for the stimulus package that could favor U.S. companies over foreign competitors.

Leadership aides in Congress said Obama's meeting is set to begin around 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT) on Monday.

But in the run-up to the meeting, Republicans on Capitol Hill were warning their Democratic counterparts that legislation to improve the worsening U.S. economy should not spend too much money on government-funded projects and should not be rushed through Congress without adequate review.

Democrats have been hoping to deliver the plan -- which could cost $675 billion to $775 billion or more -- to Obama on Jan. 20, the day he becomes president, or shortly thereafter.

One element of the plan could be "buy American" language benefiting U.S. industry. "We are reviewing the buy American proposal and we are committed to a plan that will save or create 3 million jobs including jobs in manufacturing," Obama transition spokeswoman Jen Psaki said by e-mail.

The New York Times on Friday quoted Daniel DiMicco, chairman and chief executive of steel maker Nucor Corp, as saying the steel industry was asking Obama to "deal with the worst economic slowdown in our lifetime through a recovery program that has in every provision a 'buy America' clause."

The newly elected Congress is to be sworn in on Tuesday -- two weeks before Obama. Hearings could push a final package well into February.

The Democrats, who have a majority in Congress, want the economic stimulus to include tax relief for the middle class and spending on schools, roads and other infrastructure.