But, in general, the protective system of our day is conservative, while the free trade system is destructive. It breaks up old nationalities and pushes the antagonism of the proletariat and the bourgeoisie to the extreme point. In a word, the free trade system hastens the social revolution. It is in this revolutionary sense alone, gentlemen, that I vote in favor of free trade.
-- K. Marx.
“Marx also loved Free Trade:”
I have been assured by some on this site that I have an inferior understanding of everything because I don’t agree with free trade. I love trade, everybody loves trade, we all need trade, trade makes life much better, trade makes us all more prosperous. But, many people have been hoodwinked into believing that the trade I just mentioned means free trade. Japan reached economic heights in the 60s and 70s using trade restrictions to protect their manufacturing. China still uses trade restrictions. Only in America...