[Paul Ross]

Actually the laws of nationhood are set up for that very purpose which you are deriding as anti-economic. You would be, but for the grace of being born into an America that was protectionist, by statistical odds either an Indian or Chinese drudge earning 23 cents an hour. Gee, the protectionists here must have been doing something right.

[Taliesan]

Gee, the protectionists here must have been doing something right.

You're assuming that the difference between us and the other countries you mention is due to protectionist measures of the past.