New tariffs nothing to cheer about

Some American workers are cheering President Trump’s new tariffs. They know not what they cheer.

Tariffs are as bad for you and me — economically — as taxing corporations. It’s a great plan — if your goal is to economically cripple America.

No one who truly understands economics would ever try to make the case otherwise.

When you tax a corporation, it never pays a cent of the tax, but passes the expense along to the final consumers — you and me.

A tariff is a hidden tax, which makes everything you want to buy cost more. Yes, even the things made in America.

When foreign goods are artificially inflated in price by tariffs the American producers have less incentive to keep their prices down.

I can’t afford higher prices, can you? If you can, why not volunteer to pay more on every purchase without raising prices for everyone else?

I realize the American workers may believe their jobs are being protected by tariffs, but if everything they try to buy with their subsidized paychecks costs more, and less of the things they produce are being bought by consumers who can’t afford higher prices, how have they gained anything?

It’s a comforting suicide pact between the workers and the government. But the government won’t keep its end of the bargain.

There is a way to help American jobs — kill the taxes. All the taxes, by whatever name.

Some people would worry that this starves government of funds it needs to carry out its programs and its mission. I call this a feature, not a bug.

This one act would boost the economy to levels never before imagined. How much more money would you have if there were no taxes on your income, on your purchases, nor on the production of anything you buy? You can’t even begin to imagine.

Yes, you would still end up paying for some services you are currently taxed for. So? You’re already paying, and paying the most wasteful, unaccountable organization ever created.

Wouldn’t you prefer to choose between offers, pay someone who provides the service you want, at the price you find comfortable, without being forced to pay for things you wouldn’t pay for if someone weren’t forcing you?

I’ll take competition and free choice over a coercive monopoly I’m not allowed to opt out of any day.

Taxes, even when you call them a tariff, always cost the little guy. Support them if you feel you must, but don’t expect my help.

Farwell’s Kent McManigal champions liberty. Contact him at:

[email protected]