Donald Trump - MAGAtwat news and discussion

[emanymton]

If I’m really honest with myself, I’m not even sure that I’m politically anti-tariff on principle. The biggest argument against them is surely that they risk raising prices for the ordinary citizen. But the thing in their favour is that they localise production. Since the increase in cost of purchase essentially comes from the higher wage cost of manufacture, it’s not obvious that the net effect is detrimental to the average worker (albeit that there are winners and losers in the distribution of the consequences). Of course, it fucks up conditions elsewhere, but that’s a completely different issue anyway.

Could even be considered a green policy as well, as it cuts down I transportation. But that assumes there is the manufacturing base and infrastructure in place to handle the shift in production.

I'm sure there is a sensible reasoned approach to increasing tariffs over time that could bring benefits.

But that's not on the cards with Trump.

 

[a_chap]

Yes getting rid of Obamacare for example is very popular with republicans, even poor ones. The Affordable Care Act gives them all the safety net they need and the wasteful Obamacare just goes too far

I assume (hope!) you're being ironic.

I mean you know that Obamacare is the Affordable Care Act, don't you...

 

[two sheds]

 

[Jeff Robinson]

I think there is too much focus being put on tariffs. I don't see them happening to anything like the scale claimed. They will announce some big numbers with lots of bluster, but in the detail they will be limited with lots of exceptions and loop holes.

Part of me wants them to totally tank their own economy so I can at least point and laugh while the word burns, but I don't see them doing a Truss.

Of course I could be completely wrong, they are fucking stupid after all.

Yes, Trump voters deserve to suffer the consequences of their diabolical conduct, it’s a shame that innocent people who didn’t support rape, pedophilia and fascism will be adversely affected though.

 

[emanymton]

Yes, Trump voters deserve to suffer the consequences of their diabolical conduct, it’s a shame that innocent people who didn’t support rape, pedophilia and fascism will be adversely affected though.

Yeah, I have zero sympathy for anyone who voted Trump suffering the consequences. But it will mostly fall on others. Still we can get some small joy when their vote smacks them in the face.

 

[NoXion]

If I’m really honest with myself, I’m not even sure that I’m politically anti-tariff on principle. The biggest argument against them is surely that they risk raising prices for the ordinary citizen. But the thing in their favour is that they localise production. Since the increase in cost of purchase essentially comes from the higher wage cost of manufacture, it’s not obvious that the net effect is detrimental to the average worker (albeit that there are winners and losers in the distribution of the consequences). Of course, it fucks up conditions elsewhere, but that’s a completely different issue anyway.

Anyway, the point being that I agree it is not necessarily good strategy to put your eggs in the basket of crowing about how bad Trump will be for “the economy”. People don’t ultimately care about some abstract “the economy”. They care about their economic circumstances. Two different things.

I'm not against tariffs as a matter of principle either. They can be an entirely valid part of a policy toolbox if implemented right. But I don't trust the Republicans to do that.

I think it's reasonable to predict that blanket tariffs will negatively impact the economic circumstances of many Americans. Can't speak for anyone else, but I'm not crowing about it. It's going to suck if it happens, and not just for the Yanks. The ripple effects are also not going to be great news for people elsewhere.

 

[a_chap]

Deleted - posted in entirely the wrong topic!!



(it was this post, in case you're interested)