[central_va]

The debate that we should be having, but seem incapable of having, is whether the temporary inflation caused by protectionist tariffs are worth the added economic activity, decreased or no trade deficits, balanced Federal budgets, much lower unemployment, less social stress and increased national security they begat. It is a debate only adults can have but not doctrinaire Free Traitors™ who all seem like childish incompetents incapable of anything that goes against their false religion of free trade. Other countries have this debate all the time but not in the USA.

[InterceptPoint]

The debate that we should be having, but seem incapable of having, is whether the temporary inflation caused by protectionist tariffs ...

Tariffs don't, AFAIK, create inflation. Tariffs simply raise the price you and I pay for iPads and iPhones and such. Our standard of living goes down immediately when tariffs are imposed.

So who benefits from tariffs?

The U.S. Federal Government - Increased tax revenue.
Any U.S. company that gets to raise it's prices due to the reduced competition.

Who loses from tariffs?
You and me an every American consumer.

So what is the argument in favor of tariffs?
Long term growth in employment in the U.S.
More happy Freepers.

My problem is that I just don't buy the employment growth argument and the short term and (I believe) the long term loss of buying power for Americans will be the reality.

But I'm open to some proof that I'm wrong. Freepers who agree with Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump on trade and tariffs should present their PROOF that these guys are right. I haven't seen it. But I'm very, very patient.