>> i'm strictly a free enterpriser and a free trader. and i get appalled when people rely on their governments to put in arbitrary tariffs and restrictions, to protect them when they are fundamentally uncompetitive
Free trader? That is code words for socialist -- a socialist with the ultimate goal of everyone being economically equal (everyone but the elites, of course). The simple-minded cannot see that what you really support is a destruction of America's way of life to enrich a few. It is similar to the doctrine of providing all children "equal" education by dumbing-down the smart children (again, the only ones enriched are the elites). Free trade is Marxist doctrine, supported by the early 19th century "progressives" (liberals), opposed by early 19th century republicans (conservatives), and opposed by true conservatives today.
Under your definition, someone who believes in a minimalist government, free trade, and actively is trying to get ahead of you economically is a socialist (and heavens alive a Marxist). I support free trade because it makes everyone better off and I would put it that the simple-minded cannot get their minds around this.
Then you must think that Central Planning is a capitalist doctrine. Also that Adam Smith was a socialist. And Ronald Reagan.
What think you of the concept of a free market?