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"I guess it's wrong that the tariff gave HD enough breathing room to reorganize and become the industry leader and economic powerhouse in the motorcycling industry that it is today. - Pretzel logic."

Yes it was wrong. I think you'd have to agree that the Japanese bikes were superior on cost, quality, and performance. (If you don't want to agree, then why were consumers running to buy them?)

Why should the government raise prices on a superior product and force consumers to pay more for less? Is this an example of who one segment of the population (HD workers) using the power of government to extort money from another? Why should a conservative support such activities? How is it different from a democrat using the power of government to affect wealth transfer from the wealthy to the poor?

BTW, HD is still overpriced IMHO and their success has more to do with Baby Boomer nostalgia than tarriffs. I also note that Indian is coming back into the market.

I've been in the MC business since 1988.

Yes, I'd agree that at the time Jap bikes were superior in cost, quality and performance.

"Why should the government raise prices on a superior product and force consumers to pay more for less"?

Answer: To save an American icon.

No one forced any consumers to do anything.

"Is this an example of one segment of the population using the power of government to extort money from another"?

Yes. Look at the recent "no-bid" contract Haliburten and Dynacorp were awarded. Wake up. This is common business practice 24/7.

"Why would a conservative support such a decision"?

To protect American jobs.

"How is it different than a Dumacrat using the power of government to affect wealth transfer from the wealthy to the poor"?

As a consumer, you still have a choice. As a tax payer, you don't.

"BTW, HD is still overpriced IMHO and their sucess has more to do with Baby Boomer nostalgia than tariffs."

Nothing could be further from the truth. I don't ride a HD, I'm partial to Italian twins. Hd sucess came directly from the breathing space that the tariffs allowed. They realized at that time their product was inferior. They changed their business plan 180 degrees. They capitalized on their "image" and made it work to their advantage. They stopped selling motorcycles on their merit, or lack of, and started selling the image. This is pure genious and should be used in every business school as an example. All the while they were doing this they updated their motorcycle, engine and production facilities. Had tariffs not been employed, this company would have ceased to exist. Did anyone force you to buy a HD?

Overpriced?

My local HD dealer is selling the V-rod for $7000.00 OVER list price. My local dealer is imposing a tariff. How has this affected your purchase of a HD? Someone out there is willing to pay these prices, not you, but they are selling them as fast as they can make the.