Posted on 05/09/2009 12:47:21 PM PDT by Cringing Negativism Network
Yesterday I happened upon a post by a fellow FReeper. In retrospect, I am sorry for responding rudely to their post - and I hope they happen upon this apology.
The post was presenting their heartfelt opinion that American industry and our system itself must be allowed to come apart so that something better can replace it.
It was a Rand-ian position. The system is becoming oppressive, therefore we must weaken it.
From my comment #45, on this very thread: “All presidents impose tariffs on one product or another, at one time or another.” Just wanted to remind you.
Yet somehow oh so accurate! Thank you for moving the target in front of my launched arrow, I could not have been accurate without your assistance!
Please restate your question.
Do you support free trade as defined by the Columbia Encyclopedia?
So was President Ronald Reagan, as a member of that set, a "protectionist"?
More importantly do you think that, because you've "proved" (didn't see anyone arguing that point, really) the above, we should "manage" trade even more, as you suggest?
Nope. Bizarre and irrational.
Do you support free trade as defined by the Columbia Encyclopedia?
Per the rapidly evolving positions of the thread's "free trade" apologists.
Of course. Same goes for you, what do you think you've accomplished?
No. Per the rapidly evolving strawmen that the protectionists must rely upon.
Dude, you have to come back for the lulz. The protectionists have “proven” that free trade is managed trade. LOLOL
No improvement. Are you asking whether I believe that the Columbia Encyclopedia definition should be preferred to the "free dictionary" definition? Or are you asking me if I would support "free trade" if it conformed to the Columbia Encyclopedia definition?
There are two definition from your link to free dictionary:
free trade
n.
Trade between nations without protective customs tariffs.free trade
Noun
international trade that is free of such government interference as protective tariffs and import quotas
My "position" is that those are pretty simplistic definitions given what we see characterized today as "free trade." I largely believe in the theory of free trade for non-essential items or non-critical industries (which would exclude basic food items, items/material required for national defense, etc.). But I don't believe that what we see today in FTAs represents "free trade" in the slightest.
Your statements have been vague and argumentative. You give an answer that is ambiguous, and when asked for clarification you feign indignation.
You didn't ask for clarification. You wanted me to agree with your statements. Next time, instead of posting "You therefore agree XYZ, correct?" try asking a question like "I don't understand what you mean by ABC." You'll get a much more welcome response.
If you take this as an attack on your intellect, you would be in error; if you take this as a statement about your inability to form a cogent position in this thread, you would be unequivocally correct.
You're an insulting little cuss, you know that? Was that "cogent" enough for you?
PugetSoundSoldier is a protectionist?
NO!
I think FTAs have done more than enough to screw up the markets.
Of course.
RINOs just can't help themselves.
He’s still a relative n00b, you know. No need to get personal when he thinks he’s found an error in your reasoning.
So, are you willing to recognize that Reagan is responsible for the WTO? If not, why not? (While we are giving credit where credit is due, of course).
If this thread was left to you, you would prove that water is wet. Or not wet, depending.
When one is rude, they get rudeness in response.
You missed that part though, didn’t you?
The Reagan administration operated under GATT, not the WTO. Check your dates.
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