Originally Posted by
nsacpi
I'm not arguing against the fact that many people in those states have a similar view to yours. I'm actually arguing two different matters:
1) The wisdom of those views. There is an issue about the lack of upward mobility of certain demographic groups. It is an important issue. And I would like to see it properly diagnosed. The patient is not always the best person to look to for a diagnosis.
2) I also think that the "protectionism" that you are longing for is not in fact what the Chosen One is pursuing. He is replacing one trade deal with Canada and Mexico with another. When you compare the two deals there are some things better in one and some things better in the other. But the new deal (assuming it passes Congress) does not represent any sort of break with existing trade policy. It tinkers at the edges. Similarly, what is going to come out of this tariff war with China will very much resemble the current arrangement, at least in terms of its impact on ordinary American consumers and workers. So we will have gone through a tax increase for consumers (tariffs), disruptions to supply chains, an economic slowdown, pain and anxiety to our farmers for very little. What's the point.
As for subsidies, I say bring em on. If someone offers to subsidize anything I'm buying, I'm quite happy to accept.