Trump is trying to fundamentally restructure not only the US economy, but the global one.
In a matter of months.
It literally took centuries to get here, and all of the post-WWII global economy was focused on it. To transition from mercantilism, the industrialized West fought numerous wars starting in the mid-1800s, finally culminating in two global wars. The US missed out on some of that, being the China of its day, it was in the harness through much of the 1800s trying to catch up with Europe. It actually was a pretty grueling process, the US during much of the 1800s suffered greatly during the time. If it hadn't of been for massive immigration, the population would have shrunk considerably. The majority of the population was dirt poor. Either subsistence farmers or maybe a step above slavery. At least according to Lincoln, who viewed working for wages as basically that. There were reasons for the various populist movements during the latter part of that century.
Trump wants to return to mercantilism and an economy where a handful of families, around a half a dozen or so, controlled 90% of the wealth. It isn't impossible, but it takes times, involves massive dislocations, wealth destruction and social upheaval. Thinking it would be quick and painless except for those who "deserve" it is not well-grounded. |
