It's a clear case of déjà vu all over again. Back in the '80s, Brian Mulroney raised the spectre of U.S. protectionism, then set out to win guaranteed access for our exports. He didn't succeed: We got a "dispute panel" system, instead, and even that doesn't work. But his government was publicly committed to guaranteed access, so Mr. Mulroney put a brave face on his 1988 deal --spinning it as essential insurance and worth the steep price (control over our energy).