“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.
Adam Smith’s theory was something to shoot for not an actual accomplishment. The establishments profited from Protectionism hence were bitterly opposed to it.
Your last comment is just a Straw Man not a relevant or intelligent one.