[calcowgirl]

Free trade is capitalistic; any time you start managing it you start adding a little bit of socialism. If you're managing everything you end up at the Communist end of things. It's called a continuum - the more Government interference and "management" the more socialist you become.

On the far continuum, I believe you must mean fascism, not socialism. Tariffs or other protectionist measures do not represent ownership of the means of production, a basic element of socialism.

[Mojave]

Tariffs or other protectionist measures do not represent ownership of the means of production, a basic element of socialism.

Reagan haters aren't known for their honesty or rationality.

[PugetSoundSoldier]

Well, tariffs are an interesting thing, at least in the US. When you import goods, there is actually a Government lien on your goods until you pay the duties, meaning that the Government does, in fact, own your product.

The shipper also has a lien on the product, so that if you fail to pay your freight then they can sell the product since they do own it.

I’d say it’s really a fascist-socialist mix, if you want to get to the nitty-gritty.