Hamilton is generally not the Founding Father associated with small government Republican principles.
Others here have talked about the essential issue I raise - funding government. Minimalist government's funding mechanisms have ranges from the "flat tax" to the "head tax" to a voluntary tax system. To argue which one is most correct and consistent with the original American founding ideals is an argument I welcome.
BUT, it not what we argue about. We argue about Patrick Buchannen-style protectionism. You guys claim it's a national security issue and claim those who don't buy American are "traitors".
If you seek to make China the same as Al Qaida, then make that case convincingly and you'll have people on your side. Telling others that they're traitors because they don't save American jobs from foreign competition isn't the same thing.
Most of us can see that welfare wrapped in the American flag is a pretty disgusting site.
All of which is completely orthogonal to your original objection to tariffs.
As for China - if you don't perceive the Dragon flexing his muscles and licking his chops, you have not been reading the news.