[1rudeboy]

By any standard except your own, my reply #399 is an adequate summary of the costs of imposing a tariff. Nonetheless, I enjoy exposing your sophistry.

So let's review the question you pose for the edification of the others on this thread: "What is the direct restriction on American business?" [your #156]

The impact of the safeguard measures [steel tariffs] depends on how increased duties affect the price and availability of each of the types of steel purchased and on the supply and demand conditions in each of the steel-consuming industries. Depending on these conditions, the effects of the safeguard measures on firms in different steel-consuming industries will vary. For example, while increases in steel prices have a direct effect on the costs of steel consuming firms, the impact of these increases on a firm depends on its ability to pass the price increase on to its customers. [S]ome steel-consuming firms were able to pass on the increased cost of steel to their customers. However, a majority of firms responding to the Commission’s questionnaire reported that they were unable to pass on the increased cost of steel and that their firm absorbed the increased cost.* [emphasis added]

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* Steel distributors accounted for the majority of firms that reported that they were able to pass on changes in the cost of steel due to the safeguard measures to their customers.

Source: United States International Trade Commission

See that? A "direct effect." Read it over. Roll those two words around on your tongue. Hang your head in shame.

[Beck_isright]

So far all you have proved is that the tariff has a "direct effect" on the steel industry. What you don't realize is that the regardless of the price of foreign steel, some smaller domestic steelmakers made hay and stole business from the importers and the big manufacturers. Once again, you would rather protect foreign interests over our own. Give your buddy Kofi a hug next time you have lunch with him.

[Beck_isright]

Speaking of direct answers, we're all waiting for your answer to #419:

" Have you ever created, purchased or owned a business of your own or in partnership with someone else? This is a yes or no question.

419 posted on 01/04/2004 1:12:53 PM EST by Beck_isright"

We all can not wait to hear about your experience and knowledge about owning and creating a business from scratch.