[GOP_1900AD]

But wasn't a factor in movement from our trade deficit position of most of the 19th century, to our trade surplus position of the early 20th, a direct result of the GOP policies during that same time? Particular policies of note were limited focussed use of tarrifs against countries who do not engage in good faith currency and trade practices, the reduction / elimination of domestic corporate taxes, backing our currency explicitly with precious metals held in reserve, an anti globalist - pro bilateralist foreign policy and trade negotiation paradigm, a national defense build up and strong focus on the defense industry without fear of any sort of military-industrial complex faux bogeyman, and a generally energetic nationalism. Why don't modernists, progressives, 3rd way idiots and other libertines want to openly discuss these truths?

[Libertarianize the GOP]

bump

[Paul Ross]

Why don't modernists, progressives, 3rd way idiots and other libertines want to openly discuss these truths?

Because they are either in denial or knowing frauds.

[GOPcapitalist]

Particular policies of note were limited focussed use of tarrifs against countries who do not engage in good faith currency and trade practices

You must be talking of a different GOP than the one in the history books. The GOP of the 19th century's second half was highly mercantilist and imposed high tariffs across the board throughout the 1860's-80's. Nor were these tariffs limited devices against so-called "bad faith" countries (as the Jeffersonian view of tariffs held) - they were overtly instituted for one purpose alone: government price management to benefit politically connected and protectionist industries.