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To: tpaine
In fact, isn't it true that tariffs need to be administered by such bureaucracies?

Nope. In fact, bureaucracies only distort such tariffs.
As James Madison asserted (and I'm paraphrasing): a simple, uniform, flat-rate tariff applied to ALL imported goods, regardless of what they are or where they're from, is consistant with the principles of true free trade.

A bloated bureacracy becomes "necessary" only when this principle is violated by the demands of special interests for specific higher/lower rates and myriad loopholes and exemptions. Micromanagement and manipulation at its worst, with similarly disdainful "unintended" consequences.

One rate that applies to EVERYTHING is easiest, fairest, and works best.
Pick a rate, any rate: 10%? 15%?
Doesn't much matter if the sole purpose is to raise revenue.
It's essentially self-capping. If you raise the rate too high, then trade decreases TOO MUCH and revenues begin to decline.
Pick the rate that maximizes revenue and you can further reduce other forms of domestic taxation without bankrupting the Treasury. And the citizenry becomes more free to enjoy the fruits of their own labor when they utilize their own natural resources.

313 posted on 12/21/2003 2:58:31 PM PST by Willie Green (Go Pat Go!!!)
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To: Willie Green
One rate that applies to EVERYTHING is easiest, fairest, and works best.
Pick a rate, any rate: 10%? 15%?
Doesn't much matter if the sole purpose is to raise revenue.
-willie-





I thought the purpose was to protect american jobs?

Say we have a flat 10% tariff.. How would that protect a US clothing manufacturer? 10 dollar mexican made blue jeans at $11 are still gonna undercut US made at $15. - [If the US can be made/sold at that price, big IF.]



317 posted on 12/21/2003 3:32:08 PM PST by tpaine (I'm trying to be 'Mr Nice Guy', but FRs flying monkey squad brings out the Rickenbacker in me.)
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