I forgot I had posted about the trade deficit earlier and just went back to see how this discussion started...Trump is negotiating by threatening trade tariffs, the key word is threatening. I do not believe he has yet to sign a tariff and as I stated weeks ago, I believe this to be nothing more than a negotiating ploy to improve upon existing agreements. He wants countries to reduce restrictions that reduce fair trade. They previously have been unwilling to do so without a tougher negotiating stance. The requirement to purchase US made products on infrastructure projects for example will increase costs to the taxpayers. Our companies need assistance in opening markets that are prohibitive today.
The midwest has lost many manufacturing jobs as companies moved abroad. That is a fact. They have not been replaced with comparable jobs in our area, and those that stay have been trained for other employment or have accepted reduced wages and have a lower standard of living. We on a macro basis have reduced our purchasing costs and have gained on that end. That is a fact. As a whole, this is a winner but on a micro basis people have also have been hurt. Having served for many years on boards regarding the JTPA and PIC,as well as two Job Centers, I have an opportunity to see actual successes as well as individual failures during these times.
I fully support free trade and hope that we see it one day.
I have attended Mises Institute seminars in the past and receive their mailings and support the Institute.
Nothing is absolute and if you have attended the seminars you know that they draw interesting characters there who read more into some things than they should...
I often post part of an article with no comments...in this case, I should have commented.
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