Michael Ramirez for May 19, 2024

Protectionism is a realistic tactic to protect local businesses when a foreign GOVERNMENT is involved in artificially lowering prices for apparently comparable import (to us) goods. Not ideal, but realistic.

The tariffs Biden put on mean nothing; they are on products the U.S. does not import from China. It was a ploy to get the votes of U.S. automakers, union members who feel they have been betrayed. The Chinese cars in question can still get here through Mexico.

“Yankees will sell you the rope with which you hang them.” I guess we really are that dumb given how many people are willing to metaphorically sell them that rope. I think Ramirez blew it this time. He wants is to buy the rope the Chinese will use to hang us saving them the money and hassle.

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There are many types of war and China is engaged in all of them. Why Biden coddles them is beyond me. But I suspect the reason can be found if you follow the money flowing into his family.

The consumer always get sit in the end. Indiscriminate protectionism protects the business, but not necessarily the consumer. The problem is competing with other markets where THEIR protectionism gives THEIR businesses an unfair advantage. Free trade is the best market in most situations, however pure free markets across the globe is not a current reality.

The one exception where pure free trade does not work is agriculture and basic food production. The government needs to have a place in making sure that fire trade policies don’t end up destroying unprofitable, but necessary food production capabilities.

As Special Envoy to China, appointed by Richard Nixon, George H.W. Bush hammered out some sort of agreement with Mao’s China. Followed soon by Nixon’s historic visit and reconciliation. Although this move was primarily intended to take advantage of China’s differences with the USSR, what other agreements were made? Later, when NAFTA and GATT were shoved down our throats, a great exodus of American jobs headed toward China (and other foreign lands). Even then, I wondered why we were sacrificing so much to make China economically stronger. But the answer is, of course, PROFITS!Now, certain realities must be faced.

Oh, is that so? I see we’ve been importing a little over a billion a year of Chinese steel.

The Soros trolls never rest. Mr. Ramirez hits a raw nerve again.

“Trade wars are easy to win!” — Stable Genius

Back to trench warfare? I think the consumer is losing this one.

Non-issue.