I looked closely. I found this:
Posted on 10/16/2017 12:07:04 PM PDT by TBP
A major problem with protectionism is retention obsolete technology since the producer does not have to keep up with the advancements of international competition.
Tariffs were huge political plums enriching some, bankruptcy for others.
Look dim bulb you have it backwards. Everyone everywhere agrees that trade is perfect for acquiring the things you cannot produce.
But only an idiot would say that a worldwide economy can work well, but that a nation spanning a continent cannot support do this. And look closely you will not find Japan Outsourcing a single thing that they can do at home. In America that’s exactly what the free traitors are doing
Adam Smith showed the economic superiority of Free Trade vs Mechantilism. Ricardo’s iron logic showed Free Trade benefits are built in, almost a law of nature.
Not to mention your sacred free trade it requires world government and the strip mining of your rights as a citizen to have a constitutional republic.
Which is exactly what we have seen happen. Control of the nation-state must be pried away from the citizenry
You need to read a little deeper into your Adam Smith
but that a nation spanning a continent cannot support do this.
Also try to avoid changing your argument in mid discussion. Do you now agree that it is NOT generally possible for a nation to sustain its economy in the same way that a planet can?
The Chinese military loves free trade and thanks you for their new Aircraft carriers and submarines.
You posted 8 more opinions to go with yours.
Each of those opinions is by somebody who personally benefits by “free trade” (which does not exist anywhere in the world). Modern “free trade” means ONLY, I say again, ONLY that there are no tariffs or restrictions on the sale of products imported into the US.
It has no other meaning, worldwide.
But you do not address the transfer of capital stock.
What an idiot.
“Free Trade” does not exist anywhere in the world.
Taxation of “trade” is effectively no different than taxation of income or taxation of sales. All taxes are “penalties.” Why some people think that “trade” from outside a country should be exempt from taxes, when we have always accepted that in the past AND we have income and sales taxes today, is beyond comprehension.
The author is a dolt.
ROFL!!!
Where have I made "free trade" (whatever that is) something "sacred"?
The answer, of course, is that I have not. Is it possible for you to discuss without insulting?
“Adam Smith showed the economic superiority of Free Trade vs Mechantilism. “
Cite a single era of Smithsonian Free Trade.
I contend it has NEVER existed.
Never.
It’s just a theory. And an unproven one at that.
And if folks want to take down all defenses to all the other Mercantilists, they are just stupid, or suicidal, or both.
I looked closely. I found this:
The Northern states prior to the War imported huge quantities of British capital to build the railroads. Inputs that produce more outputs are desirable.
Do you want the government to have Capital Controls on the flow of capital?
Tariffs are one of the reason third world countries are Third World countries. The lack of economic progress is not just political but due to the free flows of capital and commodities as well.
America’s premier financial position is because it has always been an innovating and creating country. We produce the NEW, not cling to obsolete technology. Those technologies are encouraged by competition which requires international trade.
The point is free trade is good between the 50 states.
Jobs follow technologies. When one is in an obsolete industry (cannot compete internationally) there will be pain.
Theory can tell you why the pain exists. Capitalism is a Storm of Created Destruction according to the most conservative of economists, Schumpeter). Life can get very hard when you are on the wrong side of the economic changes.
As others have pointed out we have not had true Free Trade, perhaps ever.
And then there is the problem of cheap imports driving out quality. I long ago had it with cheap junk and will not buy it. Too often the alternative is higher priced junk. Precision built things that last are rare items.
Your assertions are incorrect, and your lack of understanding of trade is showing.
If a Free Trade Agreement is 20,000 pages, it ain’t Free Trade.
You would rather the fisherman not get the buck? That will help.
Right — the producers don’t have to update because the government protects them with artificial favors.
(This is called rent-seeking.)
Because of they — and the country — fall behind, losing sales and production to others. Lost sales and production mean lower purchasing power, a lower standard of living, and fewer jobs.
You’e not going to get the GDP up by protecting obsolete technologies and means of production.
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