Is globalism and "free trade" what's destroying the GOP? (America-first vanity)

[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.

[Mojave]

Only if a protectionist chanced along and try to add some fine print such as, "American autos excluded."

So requiring drivers to fairly share the roads and to brake at stop signs doesn't involve "some form of government control of the economy"?

Your reasoning seems to be very flexible.

[Toddsterpatriot]

Where do you imagine I made a claim about Reagan?

[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]

No — I don’t see the same similarities there.

[1rudeboy]

Your reasoning seems to be very flexible.

Why don't you try to make your agrument, for a change, intead of asking some bullshit hypothetical and using it to construct a strawman?

[Mojave]

LOL! Brave Sir Robin.

[calcowgirl]

How would you describe Sweden, out of curiousity? Socialistic, or not?

I'm not familiar with Sweden's politics. I can't describe it.

[Mojave]

Why don't you try to make your agrument

You're strained rationalizations to try to paint Ronald Reagan as a socialist are absurd. Reductio ad absurdum.

[1rudeboy]

In Mojave’s ideal world, the stop sign would have another sign underneath that reads, “Foreign Makes Only.” Domestic autos could simply roll through. It would be “fair” because he thinks he’s protecting American jobs.

[Mojave]

How about Papua New Guinea? Or Bora Bora?

[1rudeboy]

For God’s sake, just take a stab at it . . . what are you, Mojave’s alternate now?

[Mojave]

In Mojave’s ideal world, the stop sign would have another sign underneath that reads, “Foreign Makes Only.” Domestic autos could simply roll through.

In 1rudeboy's ideal world, vehicles with "Honk if You Hate Reagan" bumper stickers could simply roll through.

[Toddsterpatriot]

You’re projecting again.

[1rudeboy]

LOL—even for you was a stretch. I’m about to post something from the “Reagan hating” Heritage Foundation. You should take a look at it also.

[Mojave]

Let me know if you ever come up with those numbers.

[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.

[1rudeboy]

Here is a good source:

2009 Index of Economic Freedom.

[Mojave]

even for you was a stretch.

No more than yours. Don't like the taste of your own medicine, eh?

You're not running out of Reagan smears already, are ya?

[calcowgirl]

For God’s sake, just take a stab at it . . . what are you, Mojave’s alternate now?

I said I'm not familiar with their politics. I'm not going to "take a stab" at something I know nothing about. That may be your modus operandi -- I prefer to be informed before I post something.

[calcowgirl]

Bora Bora — they have some nice resorts there. ;-)