>I have a problem with government that refuses to live within its means and will not do so no matter how much money of ours it confiscates. I also prefer less government influence over the economy, not more.
Protectionism is one of the few state planning functions that actually work. And it works because it creates incentives for more free market innovation.
Instead of arguing for bigger government and higher taxes through protectionist policies, you should be demanding lower corporate taxes, the slashing of regulation especially from the EPA and OSHA, and the reigning in of plaintiff's attorneys. Then industry would flourish here and insourcing would become the trend.
Or, you could go on preaching that when it comes to trade, government instantly becomes responsible, capable and reliable, and that government bureaucrats will be able to determine which businesses deserve protection and the proper amount and type of protection to be offered. Increasing the power of the state won't result in greater cronyism like it does for everything else because, as you claim, government behaves differently when it comes to trade. Statism is good for trade. Higher prices are good for middle class families when it comes to protecting unions and politically connected industries. It's better that the middle class pay higher prices to protect the cronies than it is for them to get more bang for their dollar at the grocery store, or save for their kid's education, or plan for their retirement. Government has only our best interests in mind.