Free Republic

The United States has a history of putting rivals on the world stage in a corner economically, obligating them to make the first moves to war.One of the most famous examples of this strategy came on July 26, 1941.On that date, President Franklin Roosevelt introduced sweeping economic sanctions and asset seizures against Japan.Advertisement - story continues belowAs a result of those sanctions, “Japan lost access to three-fourths of its overseas trade and 88 percent of its imported oil,” according to History.Needing oil to maintain its military might, Japan had little choice but to declare war on the West and mobilize...

President Donald Trump praised Chinese business leaders during his state visit to China, pointing out frankly that he didn’t blame them for the massive trade deficit with the United States. “I don’t blame China,” Trump said, pointing to estimations that the trade deficit with the United States was as high as $500 billion. “After all, who can blame a country for being able to take advantage of another country for the benefit of its citizens? I give China great credit.” His remarks drew applause from the business leaders in the room. Trump blamed previous presidents of the United States for...