re: Protectionism is not the answer

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Given the current trade deficit, by putting the tax on imports and not taxing exports, we raise revenue. The revenue off the border adjustment will be like $100 billion a year.

Issues?

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This is deceptively simplistic and IMO outdated. Trade isn't necessarily zero sum. We can all win. Hell, we all did after 1945.

This is a fascinating time in terms of the history of trade. I'm sort of on the fence, I see both sides, Mercantilist and anti-tariff as well as acknowledging that truly free trade can lead to one economy effectively over-awing another - I think this, not socialism, is to blame for what is happening in Venezuela. Almost all their exports, and all their revenue, is one product. I do think the WTO should consider some sort of mechanism by which countries are encouraged, but not forced, to work a range of exports. But then I'm one of them crazy globalists, I would say that.