How was Ronald Reagan’s trade policies “protectionist”?
How was Ronald Reagan’s trade policies “protectionist”?
“During his 1980 campaign he spoke about the problems of the American auto industry, saying, Japan is part of the problem. This is where government can be legitimately involved. That is, to convince the Japanese in one way or another that, in their own interests, that deluge of cars must be slowed while our industry gets back on its feet. . . If Japan keeps ‘s going to be what you call protectionism.”
This is a pull quote from a lengthy article complaining about Reagan’s protectionism -
The Reagan Record on Trade: Rhetoric Vs. Reality,
by: Sheldon L Richman, Cato Policy Analysis
His main complaint was that Reagan was all over the spectrum with rhetoric, but when it came down to action, he was protectionist. That is one of Reagan’s secret to his success of getting the economy roaring.
I am always amazed that Conservatives have been duped into thinking protectionism is a bad thing. The lack of protectionism is the reason there is so much unemployment in this country and the reason it is hard to find consumer items manufactured in this country.
Our competitors practice protectionism every chance they get.