[William Tell]

central_va said: "Other nations already rape the US for import duties. "

Where exactly did you get the 20% number? Why not 100% or 200%?

If we simply outlawed all trade with other nations, perhaps we would do just fine. I suspect however that there would be widespread smuggling in both directions, creating the need for a police state.

With no tariffs, no need for the police.

[editor-surveyor]

.
>> “With no tariffs, no need for the police.” <<

Which is half of the reason why we have tariffs.

[central_va]

Where exactly did you get the 20% number? Why not 100% or 200%?

The USA imports $2.4 Trillion per year and collects almost nothing in duties on it. A 20% tariff raises $500B which would balance the budget under the Bush administration. Under a free sending leftest maybe not, but almost.

But your flippant comment can be turned against you What about income taxes? Why can marginal rates be 50%? Why not 90%?