Epidemics are another example of why we should have high protective tariffs, and we should strive to have domestic production capablility in most industries.
I’ve read we’ve outsourced most of our anti-biotic production to China. Taiwan just banned the export of N-95 masks for fear that they may need them domestically.
If you’re China are you going to export anti-biotics when your own people are sick???
George Washington warned us not to become too entangled with foreign governments. Economic entanglement is dangerous.
I’m not opposing all trade. But every country should strive to provide the necessities for itself. That includes and production of enough food, medicines, clothes, shelter, and anything that the military needs.
Because the day may come when you are cut off. Maybe because of war. Maybe because of a pandemic. Maybe just politics or greed.
I agree! Non-essentials, luxury, entertainment or “ fun” items, trade is fine. But essentials as you listed and also raw materials for those things such as oil, steel, coal etc, we need to be independent.
I was in my local home depot buying N95 masks off a full shelf. Me and three Chinese types were there to buy. I would think people here in the states, with relatives back in China, are much more aware than 90% of the general public. I went to the Little Clinic at Kroger today for a sinus infection. The assistant who took my vitals and the nurse practitioner were woefully uninformed about the information we’re discussing here on FR. I was a little shocked.