[hedgetrimmer]

So just because all the other countries in the world are doing economic harm to us, we shouldn't defend ourselves?

[staytrue]

The trade issue is complicated.

China is responsible for 1/5 of the deficit so you can blame 1/5 of the problem on cheap chinese labor and/or undervalued currency. Revaluing the Chinese currency might help here.

Another 1/5 is energy imports. More drilling in alaska and the gulf with relaxed enviromental regulation for natural gas is the solution there.

Another 1/5 is with Canada and Mexico (nafta). I don't have any solution.

Another 1/5 is with the EU. Again, no solution.

Another 1/5 is with everyone else. Again, no solution.

The US trade deficit is so enormous, there is not a single scapegoat you can pick and no single solution. A general solution where we control our own destiny is to decrease regulation and taxes on business so they are more competitive. More drilling for gas and oil would help. Perhaps a small 1-2% tariff would help.

Bottom line is, US consumers spend 500 billion more than they earn. We must work more or spend less. The American consumer will not be happy to work more and get to spend less.