Leroy wrote on Dec 5^th, 2024 at 2:02pm:


So he's lying about the Tariffs?

Quote:


Neo-Liberalism, your problem is with Neo-Liberalism.

The shift to neoliberalism under Reagan, with its emphasis on free markets, deregulation, privatisation, and reduced government intervention, fundamentally reshaped the U.S. economy. Manufacturing declined as industries went global, jobs moved offshore, and economic power shifted to banking and services.

Tariffs won’t reverse this trajectory.

If tariffs are being used as bargaining chips, what is the goal? Trump claims it’s to bring back manufacturing, but where’s the strategy? Tariffs are the only tool he has articulated. How does he intend to challenge neoliberalism, the ideological foundation of the Republican Party itself?

In reality, the tariffs will likely deepen the neoliberal playbook. Deregulation will be repackaged as the "solution" to any economic fallout, with both "red tape" (labour protections) and "green tape" (environmental safeguards) on the chopping block. Rather than restoring industry, this approach entrenches the very system that hollowed out manufacturing in the first place.

Meanwhile, China will call Trump’s bluff because, frankly, he lacks alternatives. He’s betting everything, going nuclear, before he even has a viable hand to play. His approach is reckless brinkmanship, and sadly, China’s leadership appears more strategic and disciplined.

Making matters worse, Trump has systematically purged advisors who might challenge him or offer sound counsel, replacing them with sycophants. This leaves him isolated, incapable of crafting a coherent response to the high-stakes game he’s started.

I don’t think you fully grasp how precarious this situation is. Trump’s rhetoric is hollow, his strategy ill-conceived, and the stakes are enormous. If this is truly a bluff, as you suggest, then it’s a dangerous one. He’s unlikely to see it through, folding seems inevitable, unless, of course, he’s willing to gamble the financial stability of the entire economy just to “prove” something to China.

And of course, it's the people, including his base, that will have to bail him out, paying more for practically everything, while he sits back lying, saying "China" has paid billions in tariffs.

I really hope I'm wrong, because we'll suffer in that trade too, not just his supporters and the rest of the people in the US.

Leroy wrote on Dec 5^th, 2024 at 2:02pm:


So he's lying about the Tariffs?

Quote:


Neo-Liberalism, your problem is with Neo-Liberalism.

The shift to neoliberalism under Reagan, with its emphasis on free markets, deregulation, privatisation, and reduced government intervention, fundamentally reshaped the U.S. economy. Manufacturing declined as industries went global, jobs moved offshore, and economic power shifted to banking and services.

Tariffs won’t reverse this trajectory.

If tariffs are being used as bargaining chips, what is the goal? Trump claims it’s to bring back manufacturing, but where’s the strategy? Tariffs are the only tool he has articulated. How does he intend to challenge neoliberalism, the ideological foundation of the Republican Party itself?

In reality, the tariffs will likely deepen the neoliberal playbook. Deregulation will be repackaged as the "solution" to any economic fallout, with both "red tape" (labour protections) and "green tape" (environmental safeguards) on the chopping block. Rather than restoring industry, this approach entrenches the very system that hollowed out manufacturing in the first place.

Meanwhile, China will call Trump’s bluff because, frankly, he lacks alternatives. He’s betting everything, going nuclear, before he even has a viable hand to play. His approach is reckless brinkmanship, and sadly, China’s leadership appears more strategic and disciplined.

Making matters worse, Trump has systematically purged advisors who might challenge him or offer sound counsel, replacing them with sycophants. This leaves him isolated, incapable of crafting a coherent response to the high-stakes game he’s started.

I don’t think you fully grasp how precarious this situation is. Trump’s rhetoric is hollow, his strategy ill-conceived, and the stakes are enormous. If this is truly a bluff, as you suggest, then it’s a dangerous one. He’s unlikely to see it through, folding seems inevitable, unless, of course, he’s willing to gamble the financial stability of the entire economy just to “prove” something to China.

And of course, it's the people, including his base, that will have to bail him out, paying more for practically everything, while he sits back lying, saying "China" has paid billions in tariffs.

I really hope I'm wrong, because we'll suffer in that trade too, not just his supporters and the rest of the people in the US.

Inexplicably, you didn't make any of these charges against ChiComm Xi when he imposed tariffs on Australia (with whom China has a FTAl)  and on the countries. None of you pwogwessives worried about the negative impact on the Chinese voters and workers who elected Xi to be prez for life.
Or when Biden put tariffs on China for its unfair trade practices.  Doesn't that hurt Americans?


Please explain.

During his first term, Trump (the rapist) imposed tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum, solar panels and washing machines, to name a few. Several countries responded with retaliatory tariffs, including China.

The effect was a fall in the long run GDP by 0.2% and a loss in employment of 142,000 full-time jobs.

A loss in employment of 142,000 full-time jobs - all thanks to Trump.

greggerypeccary wrote on Dec 6^th, 2024 at 7:05pm:


I considered it, but as with many discussions here, he has already resolved to believe what aligns with his preconceived notions and biases.

Any opinion that diverges from his worldview, no matter how well-supported or logically sound, is summarily dismissed without consideration.

Such perspectives are neither analysed nor critically engaged with; they are simply disregarded.

After all, to entertain dissenting ideas would threaten the fragile narrative in which he, or those who share his outlook, occupy the role of the hero.

SadKangaroo wrote on Dec 7^th, 2024 at 6:22am:


Yeah, that sums it up nicely.

He just doesn't want to listen.

Sad.