[Cicero]

I'm inclined to agree with this. But the problem is now very difficult, because it has been building up for at least 60 years. We are hooked on the results, like a drug addict. Moreover, if we put tarriffs on foreign goods, foreign countries will put tarriffs on our goods. Bush has already taken flak for trying to protect the steel industry for a couple of years.

Something certainly has to be done, but it's a real question whether it can be done with the country divided in two by our political parties. At this point it can't be fixed without major pain, and which party will take responsibility for that?

[sfwarrior]

Nothing wrong with protectionism. Let the rest of the natio,s put tariffs on us. We have the natural resources, the know how, and one of the world's largest markets. So?

[eskimo]

Something certainly has to be done, but it's a real question whether it can be done with the country divided in two by our political parties.

The Dem/GOP political opportunists seem united in one respect. They seem determined to maintain their unthinking minions at equal proportions and stalemated. It is becoming so obvious that every act of the federal soap opera is scripted to this end.

[B4Ranch]

"the country divided in two by our political parties."

Which are becoming more similar everyday.

[Dr Warmoose]

if we put tarriffs on foreign goods, foreign countries will put tarriffs on our goods.

Hello? The rest of the world already puts high tariffs on our goods. In fact, our great Asian trading partners have practically banned US products through obscene tariffs. But the Free Traitors in the US are only concerned that if we slap a modest tariff on foreign goods, that they will have to pay $10 extra dollars for the next electronic trinket stamped with "NOT MADE IN THE USA" on it.

Compassionate Conservatism defined today is Steal a Fish from an American and give it to another American. Don't teach him or let him fish on his own.

[iconoclast]

if we put tarriffs on foreign goods, foreign countries will put tarriffs on our goods.

1) Foreign countries already HAVE tariffs on our goods.

2) Don't you know what the balance of trade numbers are and have been for years?

[Orbiting_Rosie's_Head]

if we put tarriffs on foreign goods, foreign countries will put tarriffs on our goods

Our goods? What do you mean "our goods"? There isn't much left, and the list gets smaller daily. Besides, we already have a $500B trade deficit, and China already imposes a wide variety of tariffs on US and other countries' goods.

Why do you fear a scenario that has already arrived? Rather than worry yourself over the prospect of tariffs on US goods, perhaps you might consider the ramifications of China or other hostile nations unloading their piles of dollars all at once.