Always grateful for Roger's good sense and ability to illuminate financial issues.
I sent this column to a couple conservative friends, both who came out of the traditional Republican mode but have voted for Trump and will again. I was curious how they'd react on a topic I felt they'd be sympathetic to.
Their responses were very similar. Here's one: "In a nutshell, definitely gets to the heart of my issue. I do have trouble reading any of these articles on either side that go to such great lengths to inject just political oration. I would love a good article on the topic that is just based on the facts and well informed opinions without the political hyperbole."
I didn't feel Roger used any "political hyperbole." But this is how it landed on them. So, I wonder how this same column might be turned a little to be more persuasive with Republicans such as they.
In the UK, David Willets, a Conservative MP famed for his brainpower, complained that "We're in danger of turning into the Economics Party," when policies were put forward which were economically sensible but unpopular with the voters.
Clearly, we're better off with free trade, in aggregate, but some groups lose out relative to others. It's perfectly possible to redistribute the gains so that everyone is better off (or, at least, nobody is worse off), but in practice this final step is never taken, sympathy for those who lose out gets traction, and we end up with Tariff Man as the president.
(To be clear, I've never seen any evidence that David Willets is actually a deep thinker, but it not for nothing that the Conservatives are known as the Stupid Party.)
We want “fair trade”. Reciprocal tariffs until removed, then “free” trade until “the cows come home”.
Always grateful for Roger's good sense and ability to illuminate financial issues.
I sent this column to a couple conservative friends, both who came out of the traditional Republican mode but have voted for Trump and will again. I was curious how they'd react on a topic I felt they'd be sympathetic to.
Their responses were very similar. Here's one: "In a nutshell, definitely gets to the heart of my issue. I do have trouble reading any of these articles on either side that go to such great lengths to inject just political oration. I would love a good article on the topic that is just based on the facts and well informed opinions without the political hyperbole."
I didn't feel Roger used any "political hyperbole." But this is how it landed on them. So, I wonder how this same column might be turned a little to be more persuasive with Republicans such as they.
In the UK, David Willets, a Conservative MP famed for his brainpower, complained that "We're in danger of turning into the Economics Party," when policies were put forward which were economically sensible but unpopular with the voters.
Clearly, we're better off with free trade, in aggregate, but some groups lose out relative to others. It's perfectly possible to redistribute the gains so that everyone is better off (or, at least, nobody is worse off), but in practice this final step is never taken, sympathy for those who lose out gets traction, and we end up with Tariff Man as the president.
(To be clear, I've never seen any evidence that David Willets is actually a deep thinker, but it not for nothing that the Conservatives are known as the Stupid Party.)
At Bernie Sanders request, the 2020 Dem platform is also protectionist.
As usual, great piece, Roger! Now if only the geniuses over at Project 2025 would read it. And understand it.....a big ask, I know.