[donmeaker]

The word “minimal” refers to the taxes gathered as a ratio of the GDP.

When the tax rate overall is less than 2% that seems pretty honestly described as minimal. The radical growth in GDP seems to indicate the phenomenal success of the “American System”.

[PeaRidge]

Again, your use of the word “minimal” has no economic basis in fact, and is irrelevant except to attempt to underpin your bias.

Second, comparing a GDP figure to tariff income is like comparing a basketball score to a ticket price. But, if in your mind, it seems reasonable, then have at it. But do not try to convince me that you really know what you think you know.

Next, as was pointed out in some of the earlier posts regarding Calhoun, Clay, and others, some of the authors LS quoted have essentially labeled the “American System” as an oligarchy feeding from the Treasury.