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.
I know what they were, answers to a question I didn't ask.
You certainly have never been able to work up any kind of response.
Response?
Also, what were the average tariffs when Reagan entered office and when he left office?
I remember that, that was my question that you didn't answer.
You've repeatedly tried to insinuate
I did? Where, specifically?
that those numbers support you
Support me what? Where?
Points you can't address. I'll give ya another chance:
“Of the $387 billion in goods the U.S. imported in 1986, more than 20% was protected by special tariffs, quotas, or other types of restraints, according to Gary C. Hufbauer, a Georgetown University professor. When Reagan took office, the figure was 12%.”So how do you explain that?
[crickets]
What were the average tariffs when Reagan entered office and when he left office?
If you don't know, just say so.
[crickets]
You're confused. I did respond.
So how do you explain that?
How do I explain facts? Probably the same way you do. So what do these facts prove to you?
Inside your own head doesn't count.
How do I explain facts?
You don't.
BTW, what were the average tariffs when Reagan entered office and when he left office?
If you don't know, just say so.
Inside your own head doesn't count.
I realize reading may not be your best area, but I responded on this very thread.
Did you ever figure out what those facts prove to you?
Uh huh. What did you say?
Did you ever figure out what those facts prove to you?
That the percentage of import products protected by special tariffs, quotas, or other types of restraints increased sharply during the Reagan administration.
Oh, and that you won't admit it.
BTW, what were the average tariffs when Reagan entered office and when he left office?
If you don't know, just say so. Don't be afraid.
You should go back and read the thread.
That the percentage of import products protected by special tariffs, quotas, or other types of restraints increased sharply during the Reagan administration.
And what does that prove about Reagan?
Oh, and that you won't admit it.
I won't admit what? That you posted facts? Why would you imagine that?
BTW, what were the average tariffs when Reagan entered office and when he left office?
You mean the question I asked you?
Quit running.
What were the average tariffs when Reagan entered office and when he left office?
If you don’t know the answer, just admit it.
Did you ever figure out what you were trying to prove about Reagan?
Bzzzt. False. I said up front I didn't have those numbers.
Do you have them?
[Cowardly silence ensues]
[Cowardly silence ensues]
I'm loving the rat like terror you're exuding.
Do you have those numbers or not?
If you can't figure out what you were trying to accomplish, then you weren't trying to accomplish much in the first place. Frankly, whining that someone is unwilling to play your gotcha' game is fruitless. You blow off questions you find inconvenient, why can't others?
I'm thinking that he thinks there's some sort of a dispute about that "average tariffs" number. Problem is, I don't see anyone disputing it. He just doesn't realize that it fails to prove what he thinks it does.
I could argue that the merchandise goods trade deficit was higher when Reagan left office than when he entered, also. No one is stupid enough to argue that Reagan was a failure for that reason (though you'd think a protectionist might try).
I think you got things backwards; please see this post in which Toddsterpatriot asked:
You never answered that question, but answered about the NUMBER of tariffs in place (which is irrelevant as I have subsequently shown).
Now you are demanding that Toddsterpatriot answer his own question because you answered one he did not ask.
I'd be interested to see your answer to the original question which you claim you weren't asked...
Only protectionists think merchandise goods trade deficits matter! None of them stop and think that they PERSONALLY run such deficits with dozens of people - the grocer, the gas supplier, the butcher, the shoe salesman, etcc.
Merchandise goods trade deficits are irrelevant; budget deficits are the ones that matter! If only we could keep that basic fact front and center with the protectionist crowd...
He doesn't. But you know that.
I said I didn't have the numbers. Repeatedly.
But thanks for the dishonest post.
Then why answer with a nonsensical reply, and stake your hat on the “fact” that Reagan increased tariffs? By your own admission you do not have the data to support the claims you have been making.
I didn't. But thanks for another dishonest post.
He won't even say whether he has such figures. How about you?
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