I think its the best of bad options - Just the mess we are in.
I also think its stupid for Trump to focus on Massie.
Second ('Third') Trump Presidency Thread
- Thread starter thethe
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I think its the best of bad options - Just the mess we are in.
I also think its stupid for Trump to focus on Massie.
There will be a long draw down period where at the end of it the DOE will operate at a tiny fraction of what they were before. But I think education is meaningful enough to have some sort of federal body to help sharing of information.
sturg33
I
Status quo is best of bad options. Great
nsacpi
Expects Yuge Games
As probably the only REAL fiscal conservative here, I would like to see:
1) The GOP be brave, responsible and rational in how they cut spending. This ideally should include some entitlement reforms cuz that's where the money is spent. And better procurement practices for the Pentagon.
2) The Dems when they have their turn in control also be brave, responsible and rational by raising taxes and not just on the rich. Furthermore, they should restore funding that the IRS needs to effectively collect the taxes that are due.
If we can execute that two-step we can find ourselves on a much better and sustainable fiscal path.
Unlike the fake fiscal conservatives, I believe this better fiscal path can only be achieved through a combination of spending cuts, tax increases AND enforcement of our tax laws. The honor system works pretty well but needs to be buttressed by effective enforcement.
I might add as a corollary that continued population growth (and let's face it that will only happen with immigration) is very helpful in terms putting us on a better fiscal path. Without it we will have a much heavier lift in terms of spending cuts and tax increases. One of the many benefits of a strong rate of immigration.
1) The GOP be brave, responsible and rational in how they cut spending. This ideally should include some entitlement reforms cuz that's where the money is spent. And better procurement practices for the Pentagon.
2) The Dems when they have their turn in control also be brave, responsible and rational by raising taxes and not just on the rich. Furthermore, they should restore funding that the IRS needs to effectively collect the taxes that are due.
If we can execute that two-step we can find ourselves on a much better and sustainable fiscal path.
Unlike the fake fiscal conservatives, I believe this better fiscal path can only be achieved through a combination of spending cuts, tax increases AND enforcement of our tax laws. The honor system works pretty well but needs to be buttressed by effective enforcement.
I might add as a corollary that continued population growth (and let's face it that will only happen with immigration) is very helpful in terms putting us on a better fiscal path. Without it we will have a much heavier lift in terms of spending cuts and tax increases. One of the many benefits of a strong rate of immigration.
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nsacpi
Expects Yuge Games
The gap between what is owed and what is paid is estimated to be $600 billion per year (estimated four years ago) and growing. Not small potatoes.
https://nationalpress.org/topic/tackling-the-tax-gap/
nsacpi
Expects Yuge Games
And then there is the scandal of how wealthy people LEGALLY avoid paying taxes.
https://www.propublica.org/article/...ds-reveal-how-the-wealthiest-avoid-income-tax
https://www.propublica.org/article/...ds-reveal-how-the-wealthiest-avoid-income-tax
chop2chip
Well-known member
I’ll note that your forecast of when I should expect to be happy has shifted from end of the 2025 to mid 2026.
If he can make other countries lower their tariffs as a result Trump could turn turn this into a success.
If it doesn't work we can always change course.
chop2chip
Well-known member
Assume other countries don’t change policy, would you want us to change course and remove tariffs?
nsacpi
Expects Yuge Games
don't worry be happy
nsacpi
Expects Yuge Games
what if Canada put 1,000 mounties on the border to interdict the fentanyl...wouldn't that make it a price worth paying
It would be a good idea to return to normal. Almost all countries have tariffs (only 3 exceptions) so it's not the boogeyman the libertarians believe they are.
It's the rate that's too high.
I'm not worried about Canada and Mexico. They will have to break or their economies will.
The EU and China are the ones we might not be able to break.
Trump is also trying to get their tariffs lowered as well.
chop2chip
Well-known member
While we libertarians can be curmudgeons about our principles (Massie and Roy can attest to that), I will note that we have a small business owner post in this thread how tariffs may destroy his business, so I think boogeyman could be an appropriate label.
Also, other countries’ economies suck compared to the US. Why would I want us to emulate a clearly less successful model?
nsacpi
Expects Yuge Games
They should lower their tariffs. Bad for their consumers. Bad for their economy. But I don't think we should hurt our economy and our consumers just because other countries are shooting themselves in the foot.
chop2chip
Well-known member
An unfortunate unintended side effect of a trade war with Canada.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd7eyz3yn5do.amp
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd7eyz3yn5do.amp
sturg33
I
Agreed. Why should we aim to emulate these dumb country trade policies?
nsacpi
Expects Yuge Games
Indeed. Openness to trade and ideas is part of the not-so-secret sauce of American success.
We have had tariffs in this country for over 200 years. We still have the greatest economy ever.
I think you misunderstood my point. Tariffs are normal. Tariffs at 25% is damaging for both sides.