Actually, demonizing Free Trade is a great example of leftist anti-merit thought that is similar to these anyone else.
God did not give us some Right to be more prosperous than others automatically. If they can outcompete us, then so be it.
And before you say that is anti-American, I would say that trying to complain about it is like getting mad at gravity. No matter how much protectionism you try, why should our customers around the world buy from us rather than a better deal elsewhere? If we're a better deal, then benefits would come to us. If we're not, how can you complain that nobody wants to do business with us?
Global markets are a fact of reality. Closing our eyes to that fact doesn't make it go away.
No seriously, you can say that again...particularly this part:
Actually, demonizing Free Trade is a great example of leftist anti-merit thought...Strong medicine but absolutely right!God did not give us some Right to be more prosperous than others automatically. If they can outcompete us, then so be it.
There has never been free trade as long as a monarchy or government existed. Free trade is the free exchange of goods. Due to taxes, regulations, tariffs, etc. there has never been free trade since the caveman traded a sharp rock for a piece of meat.
All the 'free trade' agreements that have been negotiated are a farce and designed to give the govt. of both sides a cut of any deal.
That is the reason many of us call out "Liar" when a govt. official, or even an economist, calls any agreement "free trade".