[1rudeboy]

Again... socialism is where the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government. Neither is true with respect to our current "managed trade" practices.

Would you agree that tariffs are one method that the government uses to achieve what it calls an equitable social outcome (as argued by some proponents of protectionism)? How is that not socialistic?

[calcowgirl]

Would you agree that tariffs are one method that the government uses to achieve what it calls an equitable social outcome (as argued by some proponents of protectionism)? How is that not socialistic?

No, I wouldn't. What tariff do we have today that you think fits that category?

How is that not socialistic?

There is no government or collective ownership in your equation, controlling the means of production/distribution -- fundamentals of socialism. (there's not even a 'teeny bit' of ownership... to make it "socialistic"). You're talking about a tariff on imported goods -- not controlling/owning companies within U.S. jurisdiction.