Since the time of Washington, Jefferson and the Founding Fathers, tariffs have been a big issue. Remember, the Boston Tea Party was because Britain put tax stamps on tea.
In the 1930’, a tariff bill, Smoot-Hawley, was claimed to be the cause of the Depression.
Today the issue is back.
“If, in 2024, Trump or Biden is re-elected, higher prices, because of tariffs, will result.
And that’s not all. Foreign nations which trade with the United States, are very likely to retaliate by imposing tariffs on American exports.
The results of restrictions on free trade will produce higher prices. America imports coffee beans, cheeses, cars, and wines from foreign nations. Americans, through inflation, are paying enough for all things. Do Americans want to pay even more?
On the other hand, are we willing to put high tariffs on goods from Iran, China or other totalitarian/slave nations? And, if we do, what do they do to us? This is an important issue for the 0224 election.
THE PROTECTION RACKET
By Richard Colman, Exclusive to the California Political News and Views, 11/15/23 www.capoliticlnewsandviews.com
America deserves better.
The two leading candidates for president, Donald Trump and Joe Biden, are protectionists, meaning that they want barriers to free trade.
Barriers to free trade should only be used if free trade jeopardizes national security.
The 50 states of the United States (and its territories) have free trade. For example, if someone ships a box of books from Arizona to Ohio, there are no tariffs.
The Mississippi River traverses 10 states from Minnesota to Louisiana. If an item cost $100 when leaving Minnesota and if each state along the Mississippi River route charged a 10 percent tariff, the item, upon arrival in Louisiana, would cost $214.36. Thus, a 10 percent tariff alone would more than double the original $100 price.
The $214.36 just involves tariffs. Shipping and handling costs would raise the price above $214.36.
Free trade within America has brought prosperity to the nation.
In running for re-election in 2024, Trump wants to put a 10 percent tariff on all items imported into the United States. President Biden wants similar restrictions on free trade.
If, in 2024, Trump or Biden is re-elected, higher prices, because of tariffs, will result.
And that’s not all. Foreign nations which trade with the United States, are very likely to retaliate by imposing tariffs on American exports.
The results of restrictions on free trade will produce higher prices. America imports coffee beans, cheeses, cars, and wines from foreign nations. Americans, through inflation, are paying enough for all things. Do Americans want to pay even more?
Trump and Biden are not good for American prosperity. Americans should reject both candidates’ policies on tariffs and free trade.
