Why Trump is Right About Tariffs

American Greatness ^ | March 6, 2018 | Spencer P Morrison

[Thalean]

President Trump is right. Our trading partners—particularly China, Japan, and Mexico—are taking America to the woodshed.

Consider that China steals more than half a trillion dollars in American intellectual property every single year. This is one of the reasons America’s trade deficit with China is so massive. For example, in 2010 Chinese companies stole high-speed rail designs from American firms, thereby depriving them of hundreds of billions in potential revenues. Such theft occurs in nearly every industry, whether it’s software programs or branded consumer goods. And the worst part? We let it happen.

The globalist GOP refuses to punish China for its predatory trade policies. Why? Some congressmen are Chinese pawns, no doubt, but many erroneously believe that asymmetrical free trade works. Some even think large, chronic trade deficits are good. This is wrong—seriously wrong. Economic growth has nothing to do with international free trade. Rather, growth depends upon human creativity, made manifest in better technology. Until our politicians and our people understand this axiomatic fact, America will continue getting ripped off by anyone and everyone.

[Thalean]

Many political considerations in this as well: deindustrialization caused by globalization led to (i) democratic governments in the rustbelt, which further decayed the economy (ii) massive drug problems caused by unemployment & hopelessness, and (iii) national security concerns over the fact that much of our military's hardware contains parts no longer made in America—even elements of our jet fighter designs have been offshored to Russia (of all places).

[babble-on]

China is the problem. That’s why the steel tariffs were so off base. Should have waited til the 301 investigations are done and gone with these.

[gr8eman]

I disagree...greedy american-hating commie libs are the problem, the chinks are just parasites.

[central_va]

Your assessment is dead on.

[central_va]

Every President from Washington to Wilson was right about tariffs.

[trebb]

Nah - our politicians have been the problem - Trump is adaptable and will take actions to straighten out any unintended consequences as they arise.....loved hearing him broaching the topic of “Tax Cuts - Phase Two”....he keeps his finger on the pulse like we could only wish ICU staff does....

[DannyTN]

"The globalist GOP refuses to punish China for its predatory trade policies. Why? "

Look at how much chinese stock they own. It should be illegal for a congressman to own foreign stocks.

Then look at how they got that stock. How much was given to them in the form of options? who gave it to them?

[chuckee]

I fully agree with this article. The American companies most benefitting by China trade and who lobby hardest for it are the multinationals and large agricultural combines. They are a very small part of our overall economy. The sooner we get rid of the entire toxic trade relationship that has been detrimental to our economy since we allowed our largest geopolitical enemy into the WTO the better. Trump needs to stay the course. Getting rid of free traders Cohn and Tillotson who oppose Trump’s approach shows he is.

[jdsteel]

China is the problem. That’s why the steel tariffs were so off base.

I dunno. Maybe, just maybe Trump learned something from the “Muslim ban” debacle. Tariff them all and then carve out exceptions!

[alloysteel]

The Sixteenth Amendment was very short and to the point, but it overcame the prohibition imposed on the Federal government, that it could not tax the US residents directly. Always before, the levy of the Federal government had to be proportioned in direct ratio to the number of citizens each state represented.

The application of the Internal Revenue Service to the collection of income taxes was the first major effort to reduce the dependence of the Federal Government on tariffs as a source of revenue. As the individual and corporate income taxes came to provide a greater and greater revenue to the Federal government, the value of tariffs diminished sharply, and in some instances were not there to raise revenue, but to control commerce with wanted trading powers, and to punish miscreants on the international scene.

[central_va]

I noticed you guys missed this one.

[arrogantsob]

No one denies that tariffs are effective POLITICAL methods.

I told you I am tired of your insults and accusations for daring to hold a different opinion.

[central_va]

No one denies that tariffs are effective POLITICAL methods.

Tariffs are superior way to collect taxes. The Republican Party was ALL about the tariff and rightly so, that is until gloBULLists took over the party.