Trump’s plan is simple. Tariffs are imposed to make America great.
First, we need some definitions. Tariffs are fees charged to foreign countries for the privilege of selling product to consumers in the home country. Such as: Japanese made cars sold here in the United States. Great means of a high quality that is highly regarded, or respected.
Let’s talk about that.
Trump’s Plan
is simple. Let’s take the Toyota 4Runner, a popular SUV here in Colorado. Its MSRP is around $42,000. If the tariff on Japan is 24% ($10,080) and that is passed on to the buyer – the cost becomes $52,0800. A Ford Bronco is $40,ooo.
Trump’s plan is meant to encourage American consumers’ to buy that which is made in the USA. His rationale is that that will ultimately make America, and its people, more secure and prosperous. Trump thinks this is in tune with the American ethos of individual freedom and gusto.
How it works
is also simple. Cost conscious American consumers can save around 10,000 dollars, or 25%, if they buy locally. This also benefits their neighbors, i.e. other Americans (aka The People.). Because the demand for the Bronco will increase. Consequently, Ford Motor Company will have to make more. Moreover, this will have a cascading (Not a trickle down.) effect all down the economic stream–from auto workers to parts manufacturing. Additionally, all local businesses. Subsequently, leading to more local employment. Which means more money in circulation. Furthermore, that will lead to all other manner of economic activity and business.
The Model
is in concert with the American ethos and spirit. Indeed, The American Dream–that of hard work leading to a life in pursuit of happiness.
Alright. Now we need agreement on what constitutes happiness. I submit happiness is made up of six components:
- Good health
- A strong sense of self (Ego Identity)
- Congenial friends and affiliations
- Sufficient resources
- A pleasant environment
- Comfort and luxury
The question then becomes who is responsible for those six interconnected parts? The State? i.e. the government, or the individual? i.e. The Self. In other words, are you the primary agent of your own life? Or a victim of powerful others? Alternatively, is it simply a matter of chance and luck?
Barriers
to happiness are, of course, powerful others and bad luck. Which can lead to bitterness, anger, hopelessness, depression, and despair. Those emotions can have a myriad of outcomes. From revolution to war to victory; or defeat and death.
The Fortunate Few
who have benefitted from good luck and power sit atop the hierarchy that is the power structure in America. Its driver is money and wealth – earned via hard work, or inherited. Does it matter?
What matters is what one does with power. Another definition. Power is the ability to compel an other, or thing, to obedience. In other words, bend It to your will. In America, we grant power to the government. The government is elected via a vote by The People. Those elected representatives are supposed to be a check on the fortunate few.
History tells us that instead, the fortunate few reign over those elected. The government becomes just another tool of the powerful.
However, the fortunate few are now squirming in their fancy seats because The People elected a man, Donald Trump, who isn’t afraid of them. Moreover their power. He is disobedient.
Trump’s Plan
is simple. Empower The People to take control over their own lives. A tool he has as POTUS is executive power. He’s using that to impose tariffs on foreign countries to encourage The People to look to their neighbors for the products they need and want. It’s simple.
Get to work. Build it here and buy it here. Take pride in your agency and ability, whatever it might be. The fortunate few will be just fine. If they want Italian suits, German cars, Swiss watches, French wine, Chinese art, etc.? They’ll just have to pay a tad more. They can afford it.
I like Trump’s plan.
My Life
was also one of disobedience and defiance. I took to heart the Chinese poem (Irony) “Chop Wood and Carry Water” from an early age.
I was happy, if not wealthy and powerful. Building my own home, growing food, and composting and recycling waste was rewarding. Back in the day.
Is such a life even possible now? Maybe, if we use our own power, our wit and brawn to chop wood and carry water.
Good luck.
