Too bad Mr. Trump doesn't read The NYT.
5
Trump will never agree to anything without later changing his mind. Best to stand firm and let him know you will not be bullied.
8
out of his league in every imaginable way...
19
In a phone conversation with Pence, the Australian Foreign Affairs Minister,Julie Bishop .it was revealed that the US will also include countries like Australia in the 20% import tax......it is inevitable that prices of goods in this country will rise significantly for all of us & the long standing relationships with US allies will be seriously eroded. We are infor a rough ride.
9
"... and American consumers will pay for it!"
6
Skyrocketing prices for avocados, tequila & Corona? Now this man has gone too far.
9
Here's what I don't get: If Americans are complaining about illegal immigrants taking their jobs, what has stopped Americans from picking vegetables and being migrant farmers, for little pay and no benefits? I doubt the farm owners and businessmen care less whether those who do the labor are Mexican, American, of Martian.
So, you Trumpers out of a job because of Mexicans, get your wide brimmed hats on, your overalls, and good shoes, and get picking those fruits and vegetables before some Mexican takes that job you want so badly from you.
So, you Trumpers out of a job because of Mexicans, get your wide brimmed hats on, your overalls, and good shoes, and get picking those fruits and vegetables before some Mexican takes that job you want so badly from you.
28
"Tantrum"? The NYT Editorial Board since the vote came in against their candidate with her "Gold Standard" trade policy.
8
He must be impeached ASAP for the sake of all the children!
8
Better late than never, NY Times.
Too bad no one - not the Democrats who nominally opposed Trump, not the press, not the Obama administration - bothered to cogently explain this to Americans before the election.
Too bad no one - not the Democrats who nominally opposed Trump, not the press, not the Obama administration - bothered to cogently explain this to Americans before the election.
17
trump's actions clearly show a lack of long term and strategic thinking. he will flit from one sophomoric idea to another, consequences be damned.
16
The empire is collapsing. Putin is a genius.
16
This very, very unstable man is totally ignorant of how the world works - all that matters is bowing down to his bloated and grossly insecure ego ... we will be in WWIII while he is still whining about the size of the crowd at his Inauguration.
16
Trump was too busy listening to his own bombast to hear what Chinese President Xi Jinping said in Davos, but some of those around him would do well to pay attention. While our Dear Leader was talking trade wars and tariffs, Xi promised to keep China's "door wide open and not closed." While Trump was backing out of the Paris climate accord, Xi said protecting the environment "is a responsibility we must assume for future generations." What a contrast in statesmanship.
13
A typical bully. Find a weak opponent and attack in force.
9
Mr. Donald Trump is the impulsive President Of USA. He believes in his instincts , he believes in his common sense. He believes them more as he has been voted to power. When he has been voted to power by a commoner, what is the use of cribbing he is narcissistic, liar, indiscreet with women etc. A Commoner who voted him to power just thinks he is just being nationalistic,who wants to raise his/her living standards.
1
American CEOs, stand firm against this mad man throwing an extended hissy fit in the Oval office. He needs a quick lesson in Econ. 101. Your backing elected this know-nothing to the most influential position in the world. Koch Bros., how do you like the first week under Trump now? Oh yes, there's Mexico's oil! Maybe he will decide to invade our southern neighbor and "take their oil". Don't depend on CA to replace all those avocados and other crops soon to be lost to the 20% import tax. Our prices will go up immdiately since all our farm labor will disappear once he starts deporting them and their children. Be careful what you ask for, CEOs. Look at what you got for all that money!
3
This is how Trump operates. Come up with some half-baked idea or charge, throw it out to the world without any actual thought or analysis, and then walk it back or deny he ever said it.
6
The Chinese Empire had their turn inward with a "Cina first" policy and built the Great Wall. Their isolationism was their downfall.
5
We all know the cost savings from moving manufacturing to Mexico were never about reducing the price, but simply to enrich the corporation -
C-level, directors and shareholders...
An increase in taxes on Mexican goods may result in higher prices, or reduced C-level pay (not likely), or the resumption of that work in the US.
Who knows? I might resume buying Oreo's if they were made in the US.
And on that note, I would like country of origin labelling requirements RESTORED on food.
C-level, directors and shareholders...
An increase in taxes on Mexican goods may result in higher prices, or reduced C-level pay (not likely), or the resumption of that work in the US.
Who knows? I might resume buying Oreo's if they were made in the US.
And on that note, I would like country of origin labelling requirements RESTORED on food.
7
I would like to see a comparison between various "criminal" immigrant groups. How does the cartel system compare to the Russian mafia?
2
So now the NYT is the champion of corporations using low-wage workers to keep consumer prices down. This after telling us that everything in America is great and that there is no need for change.
The Board is driven by partisanship, not principle. Thy just reflexively oppose whatever a Republican proposes.
The Board is driven by partisanship, not principle. Thy just reflexively oppose whatever a Republican proposes.
5
Here we go again; important fact driven news otherwise know as information placed in opinion while the front page leads with a speculative abortion piece and the very redundant voter fraud issue the Times should have addressed years ago.
So Times true believers are continuously left out in the cold as we watch the paper destroyed by marketing.
But then we have readers complimenting the Times for the opinion piece as if it were presented as news. I'v never noticed Times Editorial Board work being syndicated.
So Times true believers are continuously left out in the cold as we watch the paper destroyed by marketing.
But then we have readers complimenting the Times for the opinion piece as if it were presented as news. I'v never noticed Times Editorial Board work being syndicated.
5
This, like all Valdemort moves, is about providing cover for something else. In this instance, for this Congress to dramatically lower Corporate taxes and in a further "back to greatness" impose tariffs as the counterpoint. The US a LONG time ago relied nearly exclusively on this funding model. Since the Republican Congress (and many of Valdemort's key nominees) expressly LOVE the idea of "starving the beast" to further force the reduction of services, this is all fitting well into their plan. And, they get to blame Voldemort when it goes badly!
6
Why would anybody expect Mexico to pay for a border wall. That would be like paying for your neighbors fence. If my neighbor feels the need to build a fence hey knock yourself out but I'm not paying for it. And it's been my experience that a lot of fences have either been totally unnecessary or haven't had the intended effect.
2
I fear that every day for the next four years there will be some country, company, media outlet or person that Mr. Trump will be trying to bully to distract the American people instead of trying to learn how to be a President, Role Model and World Leader.
2
Is it possible for Congress to suspend Presidential edicts for the next 4 years or at the very least after every pronouncement call an emergency session to pass sane legislation to counteract the poison?
1
"Beggar Your Neighbors" as an economic foreign policy is playing pool one shot at a time. What happens after they are beggars?
And to avoid being beggars they will find allies elsewhere. Trump will resurrect the dormant Cold War. Mexico and all Latin America will ally with Russia, just as Cuba allied with USSR. Unless Trump will just cave into Putin.
Canada is already allying with Europe and Asia--a form of networking begun by Trudeau Sr.--adopting of the metric system--partly in response to the US Vietnam debacle--along with welcoming draft dodgers.
Besides--Beggaring Your Neighbors will really beggar the USA--who will bear the brunt of 20% import taxes. And later--US wages will reach third world levels--just to compete.
Soon after that, the transition to "third world" country will be complete--except there may well be no first or second worlds. It will just be haves and havenots--minus civilization.
And to avoid being beggars they will find allies elsewhere. Trump will resurrect the dormant Cold War. Mexico and all Latin America will ally with Russia, just as Cuba allied with USSR. Unless Trump will just cave into Putin.
Canada is already allying with Europe and Asia--a form of networking begun by Trudeau Sr.--adopting of the metric system--partly in response to the US Vietnam debacle--along with welcoming draft dodgers.
Besides--Beggaring Your Neighbors will really beggar the USA--who will bear the brunt of 20% import taxes. And later--US wages will reach third world levels--just to compete.
Soon after that, the transition to "third world" country will be complete--except there may well be no first or second worlds. It will just be haves and havenots--minus civilization.
3
Dear Uncle's followers have as much understanding of economics as he does. The joy of being under-educated, they speak the same language
3
Most of Trump's threats are hollow. After some dozen women accused him of groping them (sexual assault), he threatened to sue them the following week.
Not one suit was ever brought.
Sometimes his threats are preceded by lies. After the President of Mexico cancelled his meeting, Trump announced the cancellation was his idea.
And, uh, Hillary was never "locked up".
Not one suit was ever brought.
Sometimes his threats are preceded by lies. After the President of Mexico cancelled his meeting, Trump announced the cancellation was his idea.
And, uh, Hillary was never "locked up".
1
With Mexico's largest ethnic group mixed Spanish and Native American and the largest minority group 100% native, we have the tragic comedy of an old white dude from Queens yelling at a bunch of native Americans to stay off his land. That dude.
2
Someone needs to explain to Trump that raising taxes on imports from Mexico is going to raise the price of a Taco Bowl at Trump Tower--then he may understand why this is a bad idea.
6
President Nut-Case is certainly exceeding anyone's wildest imagination as to how unqualified he is to be in charge. Unfortunately, he is surrounded by sycophants and toadies who can't and won't rein him in because they are also incompetent half-wits.
6
Trump appears to be intent on charging the American consumer billions of dollars to build a wall that experts agree is not needed in the form that his mind sees. The GOP leadership, smiling and grinning behind the crazy man, are preparing to spend our tax money on this plan.
It would cause far less turmoil if they were honest with us and protective of the economy if they said "We're going to spend billions to build it, billions to maintain it over the years, and just add that spending to the deficit. Trade is too important to jeopardize for the whim of the guy some of us voted for."
It would cause far less turmoil if they were honest with us and protective of the economy if they said "We're going to spend billions to build it, billions to maintain it over the years, and just add that spending to the deficit. Trade is too important to jeopardize for the whim of the guy some of us voted for."
2
The second to the last paragraph says all you to need know about President Trump. "Possibly about 700,00 jobs in the first 16 years". A lot of Americans, particularly Trump supporters would gladly give up some "avocados and mangos" for those jobs whether you agree with them or not. Mr. Trump is doubling down on his campaign promises made to his supporters and nothing more. I'm surprised the Editorial Board is playing this game with the new administration. Your opinion piece makes statements like "could have disastrous consequences" and "appear unwilling". Some very serious questions need to be asked and answered regardless of the "fake news" speculation attacks that Trump will surely make if he doesn't get his way. The facts are clear that business traveled to where the wages and regulations are lower and less. The Congress and previous Presidents approved it. Democrats need to take a hard look at themselves. We dropped the ball Electorally. I haven't seen any leadership other than Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders speak out about what the current administration is doing. The DNC has shown that they don't support them on the national level. So I'm wondering who's going to emerge to do that.
1
The way to "win" in this scenario is buy less. Boycott Target and Walmart. Become minimalists. Big corporations need us to buy more stuff to turn a profit, which all end up in landfills and pollute our oceans. We can control our wallets. Buy food and nothing else.
5
The whole idea of the wall is absurd to begin with.
A waste of time, money, destructive to the environment, it sends a terrible message around the world.
Even worse? Starting a trade war, destroying the US economy and starting a real war - all of which looks quite possible.
And it's only been a week.
A waste of time, money, destructive to the environment, it sends a terrible message around the world.
Even worse? Starting a trade war, destroying the US economy and starting a real war - all of which looks quite possible.
And it's only been a week.
3
The proposed 20 % tariff on goods from Mexico means that the American people will in effect pay for the wall twice. First by fronting the money through the federal government (our income taxes) for the initial cost of construction and then by essentially paying the 20% on goods coming in from Mexico. (food, consumer goods, etc.) Man, that President Trump is a shrewd negotiator, isn't he?
Yes, I agree that a tariff would ultimately be paid for by American consumers in term of much higher prices for fruits and vegetables. Non-starcy friuts and vgetables are already so high-priced, that often, facing produce aisle I feel like I must make a choice between health and my budget. Will I be healthy this week? No, maybe next week.
So, the American consumers would end up the real ones suffering to pay for this idiotic wall. The people who voted for it and Trump are in ffor a rude awakening. It's just one more of Trump's ies.
So, the American consumers would end up the real ones suffering to pay for this idiotic wall. The people who voted for it and Trump are in ffor a rude awakening. It's just one more of Trump's ies.
This is more a general response to everything in today's paper but especially not to the David Brooks column but to the response from us liberals. Don't quarrel now with someone like Mr. Brooks about his recollection of Ronald Reagan and yours. Focus on now and on the fact that this past incomprehensible week is but a forerunner of what is to come and focus very clearly on the fact that it is not the liberal/progressive/democratic/Democratic side of the equation that can or will end it. It is the conservative/Republican side that at some moment will have to put a stop to this by constitutional means. Therefore it behooves those of us on the progressive side of the equation to support and give courage to those on the right as they move toward their inevitable obligation to the nation, to the Republic.
All that is clear now is that this will all end about as badly as anything has in the 241 years we have been a nation, in the 230 years we have been governed under the Constitution -- governed, not rule. We fought a Revolution so that we would be governed, not rule.
It is simply not possible to comment on every mad and ignorant thing he and his creatures are doing, will do. But understand that the end of it has to come from their side of the equation and so let Brooks and others like him say it and keep saying it.
All that is clear now is that this will all end about as badly as anything has in the 241 years we have been a nation, in the 230 years we have been governed under the Constitution -- governed, not rule. We fought a Revolution so that we would be governed, not rule.
It is simply not possible to comment on every mad and ignorant thing he and his creatures are doing, will do. But understand that the end of it has to come from their side of the equation and so let Brooks and others like him say it and keep saying it.
4
The hatred of all things Trump makes a policy that makes sense to keep American jobs in America just another way to attack Trump and keep your readers. I have long wondered about politicians who advocate tax policy that benefit our American corporations that move jobs outside our country and are not taxed on earnings that are made in other countries unless they repatriate the profits. Then other taxpayers still employed here have to pay to support the unemployed worker with benefits, healthcare, food stamps, etc. All the while we have to borrow from foreign countries to meet our deficits.
2
There is too much nonsense over who is going to pay for the "great wall". The real issue is that should not be a wall . It is a colossal waste of $15 billion dollars. The money ought to be spent on our deteriorated infrastructure. Also, the wall and all the bad will behind its symbolism roils what has been a mutually beneficial relationship with Mexico and so harms both countries. Do we have that many friends that we can afford to go about making an enemy of a friendly neighbor?
1
1. I would appreciate having someone correct how I see conservatives. My view shows them as untruthful and deceitful. Doctored photography, removal from context, falsifying data, equivocation, spin, etc....are common practices.
2. Of the 54 republican senators, surely there must be some six or seven who are true Americans, and who will not support the nomination of a modern day Roy Bean to the US supreme court. We want a jurist, not a political hack.
2. Of the 54 republican senators, surely there must be some six or seven who are true Americans, and who will not support the nomination of a modern day Roy Bean to the US supreme court. We want a jurist, not a political hack.
1
Mexico could engage China and/or the Russian Federation for exports.
Additionally, Mexico imported agricultural products could be sourced from South American countries.
Additionally, Mexico imported agricultural products could be sourced from South American countries.
Trump's fundamental assumptions are flawed. His proposal for tariffs on imports from Mexico assumes no collateral damage, which would be vast, particularly in Texas. The income from increased tariffs will chill commerce along the NAFTA corridor, and trade dollars will decline. Jobs "brought back" to the U. S. will be mechanized.
The actual cost of the wall will dwarf projections. A mile of urban highway in the U.S. costs five to ten million dollars, depending on rural or urban and the number of lanes. (Think of the wall as a vertical highway.). Materials and labor will rise dramatically, both of which are currently cheap along the southern border. The wall construction will suck resources away from attending to our declining infrastructure in the U.S.
This folly just push Texas to blue.
The actual cost of the wall will dwarf projections. A mile of urban highway in the U.S. costs five to ten million dollars, depending on rural or urban and the number of lanes. (Think of the wall as a vertical highway.). Materials and labor will rise dramatically, both of which are currently cheap along the southern border. The wall construction will suck resources away from attending to our declining infrastructure in the U.S.
This folly just push Texas to blue.
3
I'm starting to see the futility of this comment section in the NYT. It all seems like just a relief valve for pent-up angst.
Trump and his administration would be the last people on earth to read these comments. Even if they did, they would not be swayed from their intended path. Why would an administration, who won so narrowly, but who still claims the election was a landslide and therefore a mandate for their policies, consider for a moment the opinions and desires of those who voted for someone else?
No, it's useless, except as I said, as a relief valve. Guess I still use it that way as I too have a great deal of "steam" to release myself.
Trump and his administration would be the last people on earth to read these comments. Even if they did, they would not be swayed from their intended path. Why would an administration, who won so narrowly, but who still claims the election was a landslide and therefore a mandate for their policies, consider for a moment the opinions and desires of those who voted for someone else?
No, it's useless, except as I said, as a relief valve. Guess I still use it that way as I too have a great deal of "steam" to release myself.
2
Yes another tantrum. It is evident to any thinking person he is a clueless child with a black hole for an ego in need of constant and endless adulation, totally unfit and unqualified to lead this country.
Most of us are also well aware that those who voted for him will never be convinced of this, they'll forever believe he's their savior, and if he fails it will not be his fault but an illegal Kenyan's or the dems or Hillary or someone else.
Countless studies have shown tariffs benefit a few specific industries and workers at least for a period of time, but overall they harm the broader economy and consumers in general.
And of course Mexico will retaliate with tariffs of their own. It's not a solution it is a giant step backwards. Impeachment at some point will be crucial if we are to save our country.
Most of us are also well aware that those who voted for him will never be convinced of this, they'll forever believe he's their savior, and if he fails it will not be his fault but an illegal Kenyan's or the dems or Hillary or someone else.
Countless studies have shown tariffs benefit a few specific industries and workers at least for a period of time, but overall they harm the broader economy and consumers in general.
And of course Mexico will retaliate with tariffs of their own. It's not a solution it is a giant step backwards. Impeachment at some point will be crucial if we are to save our country.
4
Each year Mexican nationals unlawfully residing and working in the United States wire about $25 billion in tax-free remittances home to Mexico. The fairest way to pay for the border was would be to tax the remittances. Mexicans would pay for the wall, but only Mexicans who make the wall necessary by violating U.S. immigration laws.
4
When he floated the idea that a 20% tax on all imports from Mexico would be paid by Mexico; he either did not realize that it is the American public that would get stuck with the cost, or he thought that the American public would not realize it. Either way it is a massive indictment of the man we now are stuck with as president.
10
Trump and his spokespeople make this international economist gape in astonishment. I worked on trade policy leading a World Bank team which negotiated reduction of Mexico's import quotas in 1986-87. It was a tremendous moment after the exhaustion of the inward-looking growth model which Mexico had followed since 1945. The government had decided, advised by a competent central bank governor, to open up to greater competitive efficiency. Despite all the various political and social shocks Mexico has suffered in the following thirty years, it has maintained a commitment to integration in the world economy through NAFTA and as a member of OECD. This has contributed to a more dynamic economy, a growing middle class, and a stronger manufacturing industry. It is in America's interest to have a healthy neighbor on its southern border. Mr. Trump is totally wrong in his lies that Mexico has taken advantage of the U.S. On the contrary, Americans have benefited from cheaper cars, vegetables, fruits, chemicals, and other manufactures, from the profits of American investments and sales in Mexico. The populist hostility that Mr. Trump, as a bully, is whipping up to Mexico, is harmful in the longer-term to America. Tearing up America's commitment to an open world trading system risks the worst dangers of trade wars, shrinking job possibilities, and lower welfare for Americans. Manufacturing jobs like in the 1950s will not return to the U.S..
8
For decades Mexico has deliberately encouraged and facilitated the flow of migrants north into the US. Trump's rhetoric is designed to "persuade" Mexico to swallow a bitter pill, that is, adopt unpopular measures that would make a wall at the US southern border unnecessary. He is going to succeed.
I lived for 3 years in northern Mexico and know exactly what I am talking about.
I lived for 3 years in northern Mexico and know exactly what I am talking about.
3
It is in our interests to have a stable, prosperous Mexico. There is a reason that net migration from Mexico is negative in recent years. If Mexican economy unravels then we will go back to the 90s leading to mass illegal immigration into the US. Secondly, hostile US policies could push Mexico into the arms of China. Do we want Chinese destroyers & subs docking into Mexican ports? Trump has to choose what he wants.
By the way, I do not agree with the NYT premise that since Americans will pay higher prices we shouldn't do something about trade imbalance. Job losses hurt our economy far more than lower prices help us.
By the way, I do not agree with the NYT premise that since Americans will pay higher prices we shouldn't do something about trade imbalance. Job losses hurt our economy far more than lower prices help us.
3
I know you censor comments here only publishing a few dissenting ones, but I will try again:
The cost of a wall will be a pittance compared to the following data from Homeland Security:
1) Since 1990 deportations average 1.2 million per year.
2) Cost of each deportation is $10,070.
3) 1.2 million x $10,070 = $12.1 billion per year.
4) Cost per U.S. household per year is $1,117
5) Those not deported receive $103+ billion welfare benefits per year.
6) Costs do not include lost jobs and U.S. citizen unemployment.
7) Costs do not include cost of crime, injury and death of U.S. citizens.
8) Costs do not include border patrol, incarceration and court
8) Deported and not deported siphon $115+ billion per year from American economy.
9) 2/3 of $115+ billion cost is born by state and local governments.
If NYT was fair and interested in giving the people all the facts, it would report these statistics.
The cost of a wall will be a pittance compared to the following data from Homeland Security:
1) Since 1990 deportations average 1.2 million per year.
2) Cost of each deportation is $10,070.
3) 1.2 million x $10,070 = $12.1 billion per year.
4) Cost per U.S. household per year is $1,117
5) Those not deported receive $103+ billion welfare benefits per year.
6) Costs do not include lost jobs and U.S. citizen unemployment.
7) Costs do not include cost of crime, injury and death of U.S. citizens.
8) Costs do not include border patrol, incarceration and court
8) Deported and not deported siphon $115+ billion per year from American economy.
9) 2/3 of $115+ billion cost is born by state and local governments.
If NYT was fair and interested in giving the people all the facts, it would report these statistics.
3
The problem with this story, like everything else this week, is that rational facts mean nothing to this man unless they confirm his "instincts" about something. How else is it possible to dispute hard and fast evidence?An anecdote about a person being told he couldn't vote (because he is not an American citizan) confirms his instinct that he actually won the popular vote , so that outweighs the universal consensus about voter fraud not being a big problem. Now he'll waste taxpayer dollars to indulge his baseless suspicion. A "feeling" that a million people attended his inauguration outweighed photographic evidence to the contrary. He even tried to create photographic evidence which supported his belief. It "seems" like torture "works" , and he doubles down on that in his first televised interview as president, even though his most trusted advisor (not to mention countless others) have told him not to go that route. "Many people" told him it does (who?), so it must he "true." And the Mexico story is the same. Our national security is at risk because our president only wants to hear from people who agree with him.
4
It's so simple: If Ford (for example) is forced to pay an extra 20 percent to import cars made in Mexico, Ford will just bump up the price 20 percent.
Manufacturers NEVER pay taxes. They just pass the tax on to their customers.
Simple. Even a Trump supporter should be able to figure out this one.
Manufacturers NEVER pay taxes. They just pass the tax on to their customers.
Simple. Even a Trump supporter should be able to figure out this one.
72
Wrong, Ford will stop buying parts from Mexico due to the 20% surcharge. Hey, they might even make then here for an 8% increase.
Wouldn't hold my breath over that happening.
1
Not really when you consider they could not figure out that Trump is an idiot---and dangerous at that!
I want to know how much money Trump, his businesses, advisors and colleagues stand to gain from the construction of the wall. Who will be the contractor and suppliers; who will reap the $5-10 billion benefits of this silly, useless, contentious wall? It's not going to be Americans or Mexicans.
48
whooo -- a conspiracy -- I've got it. I'm on the watch now.
1
Were i the Wharton School, I'd withdraw his degree. Clearly, Mr. Trump never grasped Econ. 101.
55
Why bother? Trump's low-information acolytes will say, "Great! Make the Mexicans pay for the wall." Slurp that brewski, while you BBQ on the Weber that you just paid an extra 20%.
35
If this president, who is compromised and some of his sycophants could well be Russian Agents, last his term - we will end up as being called a tinpot dictatorship.
His first achievement -major trade war. More is coming ! He and his sycophants will drain this nation's treasury and wealth and walk away enriching themselves. It is average Jo Shmoes will left holding the bag without health care for all as promised and destroy our social safety net - Social Security and Medicare etc.
This delusional president and sycophants are already muzzling our press freedom. So long First Amendment!
Wake up people before it goes too far !
His first achievement -major trade war. More is coming ! He and his sycophants will drain this nation's treasury and wealth and walk away enriching themselves. It is average Jo Shmoes will left holding the bag without health care for all as promised and destroy our social safety net - Social Security and Medicare etc.
This delusional president and sycophants are already muzzling our press freedom. So long First Amendment!
Wake up people before it goes too far !
37
Indie, can't you just make your point without throwing ill informed, low information, fake news (they could be Russian agents). As long as the progressives can't elevate their thought level above whining and pouting, they'll never win anything significant again.
1
And what about all those North Americans who have moved their retirement to Mexico, what will Mexico do when our relationship falls into the tank? I think we can expect a wave of returning and very angry citizens. This just cannot end well.
18
Mexicans are North Americans. Mexico is part of North America, long with Canada and the United States. Mexico already deports U.S. citizens residing illegally in Mexico. Why would it deport Americans who have legal residence status. We don't deport Mexican who have legal residence status in the United States.
2
Mr. Trump should resign as President.
45
Of all of the wise reader comments to this post, I like this one the best. Have we not seen enough already? What are we waiting for? Is there anyway he could be impeached? Just saying...
The New York Times recently had an article that admits they are losing readers. Wonder why? Could it be because they are so one sided in constantly attacking Donald Trump for any and every thing he says and does. I have tried repeatedly to post a comment regarding Donald's quite reasoned and balanced attempt to hold Mexico liable for her many crimes against the United States: dumping her surplus population here, including common criminals, into our nation, aiding and abetting drug and gun smuggling coming across the border, and dumping pollution in the air, land and water of our border states. So far the editors refuse to print any remarks favorable to Trump's policies. Mexico is a terrible neighbor. They are ruled by a White Supremacist Spanish kleptocracy which has oppressed, plundered, and exploited the country since their colonial conquest. I disagree with the 20% tariff as this will just not be workable for many reasons. Also a wall is not really necessary. What needs to be done is El Presidente of Mexico needs to be told in no uncertain terms if Mexico does not put their military and police along their border with the U.S. and stop cold the flow of illegal aliens, drugs, and guns northwards that the U.S. will unilaterally close the border---no aid, no trade, no tourists. Since the 1% thieving oligarchs who rule Mexico live in constant fear of armed revolution you can be assured the Mexican military would be quickly deployed and these issues resolved in America's favor.
12
"So far the editors refuse to print any remarks favorable to Trump's policies."
People who write such ridiculous drivel obviously rarely read the Times, or are not capable of understanding what they do read. The editors/comment coordinators put through lots of remarks favorable to all sorts of things, such as Diogenes' comment above. But I guess it feeds people's sense of moral martyrdom to aver that the evil liberals will never print their comment.
People who write such ridiculous drivel obviously rarely read the Times, or are not capable of understanding what they do read. The editors/comment coordinators put through lots of remarks favorable to all sorts of things, such as Diogenes' comment above. But I guess it feeds people's sense of moral martyrdom to aver that the evil liberals will never print their comment.
2
FYI: Immigration is at a low from Mexico for several years now.
State where your information is from. It sounds like the daily hogwash from Breitbart.
And what of the "1% thieving oligarchs" now running things in the US? Including Trump- who is cashing in by doubling his Mar-A-Lago richie rich fees from 100K to 200K.
State where your information is from. It sounds like the daily hogwash from Breitbart.
And what of the "1% thieving oligarchs" now running things in the US? Including Trump- who is cashing in by doubling his Mar-A-Lago richie rich fees from 100K to 200K.
2
Thank you, NYT editorial board, for these words:
"The tariff tantrum was the latest in a head-spinning torrent of lies, dangerous policy ideas and threats from the White House since Mr. Trump was sworn in last Friday. They have underscored just how impulsive and apparently ignorant the new occupant of the Oval Office is of international economic and security relationships that serve American interests. His advisers appear unwilling to rein in his impulses or, as in the case of the tariff, hapless as they struggle to tamp them down."
The NYT is the only media source, to my knowledge, that has used the term "lies" to describe Trump's many false statements. Please keep up the good fight. As Rachel Maddow stated last night, citizens are basically on our own now - we cannot trust any information stemming from this administration. I never thought something like this would happen, in the United States. But at this point more than ever, the future of the nation, and the world, depends on the continued vigilance of the free press.
"The tariff tantrum was the latest in a head-spinning torrent of lies, dangerous policy ideas and threats from the White House since Mr. Trump was sworn in last Friday. They have underscored just how impulsive and apparently ignorant the new occupant of the Oval Office is of international economic and security relationships that serve American interests. His advisers appear unwilling to rein in his impulses or, as in the case of the tariff, hapless as they struggle to tamp them down."
The NYT is the only media source, to my knowledge, that has used the term "lies" to describe Trump's many false statements. Please keep up the good fight. As Rachel Maddow stated last night, citizens are basically on our own now - we cannot trust any information stemming from this administration. I never thought something like this would happen, in the United States. But at this point more than ever, the future of the nation, and the world, depends on the continued vigilance of the free press.
44
In the 1980s, in an effort to save American auto manufacturing jobs, US and Japanese trade negotiators agreed that Japan would institute Voluntary Export Restraints on the export of small cars to the US. This step was seen as a way of forestalling pressure to slap tariffs on Japanese autos. The result: prices of American small cars increased slightly but their poor quality did not improve, while profits of American auto manufacturers increased significantly. For those who don't remember, small American cars in the 1980s were terrible; and yet they were the only cars that many Americans could afford. It is only in the last 15 years that American small cars have recovered to match the quality and price points of those manufactured overseas. The auto companies became dependent on the VER, lobbying for extensions each year.
"The big losers were American car buyers, particularly those who (like me) opted to purchase Japanese vehicles even in the face of their higher prices. Overall, American consumers suffered a loss of some $13 billion, measured in 1983 dollars. After accounting for the higher profits of American automakers, the U.S. economy as a whole thus suffered welfare losses totaling some $3 billion due to the restraints on Japanese car exports."
http://www.perc.org/articles/voluntary-export-restraints-automobiles
The lesson here is clear: tariffs may help some workers, but there is an overall not insignificant cost to consumers.
"The big losers were American car buyers, particularly those who (like me) opted to purchase Japanese vehicles even in the face of their higher prices. Overall, American consumers suffered a loss of some $13 billion, measured in 1983 dollars. After accounting for the higher profits of American automakers, the U.S. economy as a whole thus suffered welfare losses totaling some $3 billion due to the restraints on Japanese car exports."
http://www.perc.org/articles/voluntary-export-restraints-automobiles
The lesson here is clear: tariffs may help some workers, but there is an overall not insignificant cost to consumers.
15
I don't have a degree in economics, but it was pretty clear to me that the tariff won't mean that Mexico is paying for it. His "plan" is going to stick it to the American consumer. It was obvious fairly early on that Trump rarely had any idea about what he was talking about. We can all act outraged and disgusted, but no one is allowed to pretend that they are surprised.
25
My wife is an ABD (all but dissertation) economist. She explains to me that the tariff on Mexican goods proposed by the administration means that the price of Mexican good goes up for people in the US buying those goods. It amounts to a "sales tax" on the middle class. Meaning, it's not Mexico that's paying for the wall, it's the American middle class. Moreover, like all sales taxes it's regressive. The lower class is hurt more than the upper class. It's, once again, a redistribution of money to the rich. This is how the administration is going to loot America. It's a lie to say a tariff means Mexico is paying for the wall.
The problem is these are technical arguments that have to be explained. Who's going to explain this?
The problem is these are technical arguments that have to be explained. Who's going to explain this?
20
More to the point, if and when it is explained that a 20 percent tariff on Mexican imports is a regressive sales tax that will hurt American consumers, and when critics point out that Mexico actually won't be paying a dime of the cost of the construction of The Wall, will Trump's reality-resistant base be capable of listening and understanding the message?
No. It's far more likely that Trump's populist and nationalist rabble will divert the blame to Obama, Hillary, the "corrupt" liberal media, and the bicoastal liberal elite.
No. It's far more likely that Trump's populist and nationalist rabble will divert the blame to Obama, Hillary, the "corrupt" liberal media, and the bicoastal liberal elite.
Can these dots be connected: tariffs on Mexican goods that raise prices for Americans = Mexico paying for the wall? Sounds more like we are paying for the wall by paying higher prices!
21
Trump is a fool and a buffoon but he is not stupid. He just thinks we are stupid. On the other hand maybe because he thinks we are stupid then he is stupid after all.
14
I don't think Trump thinks that much. He just acts on impulse whenever narcissistically injured.
1
Well, to be honest, we ARE kinda stoopid, aren't we? We elected him, after all.
So, if government passes a tax on goods, it is paid for by the purchaser of the goods? Who knew? Is that what happens when government raises taxes on cigarettes, soda (thanks Mayor Bloomberg), cars and televisions? If government taxes oil and gas, the taxes are paid by the consumers? Is that true with drugs also? All these years I thought taxes on goods were paid by the companies being taxed. I always thought that by taxing the evil corporations we were getting back at them. Now it appears, people that wanted to raise the taxes on corporations' products were really going after the American consumer. Thanks for letting us know. We might have to cut back on government employment if employees are being paid by taxes on citizens that make less money.
5
Could Fox TV sponsor a special on trade with Bill O'Reilly so Trump could begin learning about economics, trade and how bankruptcy works for him in business--but not for our country? That we have much more invested than just the name USA on the marquee?
16
It's not as if this hasn't been tried before. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, full name "An Act To provide revenue, to regulate commerce with foreign countries, to encourage the industries of the United States, to protect American labor, and for other purposes", had exactly the opposite effect, cutting both exports and imports in half, and helping push us into the Great Depression in the 30's. So we've seen how this movie plays out.
15
20% tax on incoming goods? What a joke! This will not help Mexico or the US. If we want to help Mexican citizens succeed in Mexico, we cannot tax their goods at such a rate. There needs to be a win-win. How is it someone who purports to be a 'great' negotiator doesn't know this?
None of this would be happening if our previous President upheld the law. The fact that he did not helped to create a Trump president. Most Americans want the immigration laws upheld, and many want to cut immigration numbers overall. Even Clinton saw the massive immigration numbers to be a bad idea back in the mid-90s. But, political backlash caused him to back up on that revision. And now we are overpopulated, with a large number of citizens and illegal immigrants in the growing number of poor.
Is there no middle ground?
None of this would be happening if our previous President upheld the law. The fact that he did not helped to create a Trump president. Most Americans want the immigration laws upheld, and many want to cut immigration numbers overall. Even Clinton saw the massive immigration numbers to be a bad idea back in the mid-90s. But, political backlash caused him to back up on that revision. And now we are overpopulated, with a large number of citizens and illegal immigrants in the growing number of poor.
Is there no middle ground?
3
Where is Grover Norquist and his pay as you go zero deficit mantra? Deficits only matter when a democrat is in power. The people voted, they will regret it. But somehow most will still blame the wrong ideology. So hug your guns and hold your bibles, the end times are near. Hallelujah!
25
I have long thought that American manufacturers who take their operations out of the country have turned their backs on American workers and should have been penalized via a tariff when they turned around and tried to sell their foreign-made goods to us. The poor quality of most of their goods is evidence that their greed knows no bounds: cheap labor is not enough for them - they also want to spend as little as possible on materials. I am glad that President Trump is keenly aware of and concerned about this, but having gone down this road of play-without-paying for so long, it seems to me it would be more complicated now to turn things around. Being less of an optimist than President Trump, I wonder if we are trying to lock the barn door after the horse has been stolen.
7
If Trump is able to keep jobs here in this country or if Trump manages to have American companies move back to the U.S. to avoid paying tariffs/import taxes, I am all for it.
1
It's not just that Mr. Trump is so uninformed and petulant, but the ridiculous unchecked power that he has. He has demonstrated that he intends to govern by use of executive order, abandoning all pretense of democratic processes. The evidence of less than a week in office clearly illustrates why he was such a failure in business; proceeding without a plan and appropriate research is a recipe for disaster...in business and in all else.
17
Donald Trump was on an appropriate track in connection with Mexico as it pertained to Mexico's drug cartels. The United States needs to launch an investigation regarding the relationship between Mexico's cartels and the various Mexican governments over the decades as well as an examination of the US market for dangerous drugs and their purveyors, The Academy award nominated documentary "Cartel Land" is a good place to start.
Alas, Trump being Trump, instead of approaching the drug trade prudently and with discretion, tact and an understanding of the cartels and their relationship to the current and past governments, he links it to immigration and says he will build a wall that Mexico will pay for ( a decent bargaining chip to open a negotiation) and then threatens a preposterous import tax as the editorial pointed out.
Donald Trump is just not a leader. So who is going to rescue the United States and the world from this tenth rate fake President?
Alas, Trump being Trump, instead of approaching the drug trade prudently and with discretion, tact and an understanding of the cartels and their relationship to the current and past governments, he links it to immigration and says he will build a wall that Mexico will pay for ( a decent bargaining chip to open a negotiation) and then threatens a preposterous import tax as the editorial pointed out.
Donald Trump is just not a leader. So who is going to rescue the United States and the world from this tenth rate fake President?
7
If Donald Trump is going to investigate Mexican drug cartels, then he will also need to look closely at the likely corruption on the American side of the border. It beggars belief that the Mexicans could be sending such large quantities of drugs into the US without the assistance of corrupt Americans.
This editorial finally makes an important point that Secretary Clinton failed to make during her campaign, and almost none of the commentators I listened to made either. NAFTA has benefited Mexico, and their economy has improved, providing jobs for Mexicans and a reason for them to both stay home and to repatriate. Net migration from Mexico has been negative for years, resulting in a net flow of some 140,000 people from the US to Mexico from 2009 to 2014 (http://www.pewhispanic.org/2015/11/19/more-mexicans-leaving-than-coming-.... Not surprisingly, many Mexicans prefer Mexico, where their extended families live, to the US, provided they can find a job there. A trade war that hurts the Mexican economy will reverse this, as people will always seek economic opportunity to support themselves and their families. Increased trade with Mexico will help the illegal immigration problem, and we should learn from this, and seek increased trade throughout the hemisphere to try to rebuild other economies that are so broken at the moment, and are beginning to hemorrhage economic migrants (think much of Central America and Venezuela). The Wall, the Tax; President T has shot himself in both feet.
14
So the future prediction will be that unemployed Americans will someday be heading to Mexico to get jobs since our manufacturers are in operation there and no well paying jobs are here for many.
1
So this is the great negotiator at work? Driving the other side from the table before the negotiation began? Kind of hard to cut a deal without a counterparty isn't it? When will real Republicans figure out that they've been bamboozled?
21
More fake news from the alt left. Trump isn't going to decimate Mexico's economy, nor ours. You're forgetting Mexico needs us a lot more than we need them. NAFTA benefits Mexico a lot more than it does the US, Trump is merely leveling the playing field. The alt left still hasn't figured out how Trump negotiates deals, your hatred and infantile reactions aren't allowing logical thinking on anything Trump does.
You are only perpetuating your demise, so please carry on.
Keep it up please as it only perpetuates the lefts demise.
You are only perpetuating your demise, so please carry on.
Keep it up please as it only perpetuates the lefts demise.
7
"Work that requires cheaper labor typically occurs in Mexico, where earnings are lower, while design, engineering and advanced manufacturing tends to take place in Canada and the United States.”
I’ve read that more of the design, engineering, and advanced engineering was starting to be done in Mexico. Just as it is cheaper to hire Mexican laborers, it is also cheaper to hire Mexican designers and engineers.
I’ve read that more of the design, engineering, and advanced engineering was starting to be done in Mexico. Just as it is cheaper to hire Mexican laborers, it is also cheaper to hire Mexican designers and engineers.
4
Trump opened his campaign by claiming, "...Mexico does not send us their best, they´re sending (you know the rest, all sorts of bad things including criminals)." Of course this statement was not true. But what if, in reaction to these bullying lies, the Mexican government actually did start sending these types to the US? In other words, what if Mexico actually started doing what he accused them of doing?
2
Well, Mexico did just send us El Chapo, the kingpin of the Sinaloa Cartel.
The fact is that Mexico is unlikely to send us any serious criminals because the Mexican political, judicial and law enforcement systems are hopelessly corrupt and compromised. Impunity for crimes is rampant. At most, the Mexicans would send us petty criminals, but no big fish.
The fact is that Mexico is unlikely to send us any serious criminals because the Mexican political, judicial and law enforcement systems are hopelessly corrupt and compromised. Impunity for crimes is rampant. At most, the Mexicans would send us petty criminals, but no big fish.
1
Trump's obsession with Mexico and the wall goes beyond wanting to bring jobs back to the US and do away with the commercial deficit. The intention that underlies it all is to humiliate. Why? God only knows, but journalists should investigate failed Trump real estate dealings in Tijuana. Many Mexicans believe that's where everything started. Seems like Trump was unable to get his business in Mexico going the way he wanted, and now wants to take his revenge.
4
Trump is one dense dumb cluck. He fooled millions into voting for him. Now only a week in and Trumpets are trying their best to defend their Fuhrer. He can do no wrong. He showed Mexico, he's building that wall, whatever it takes. Reimbursement? Google that Trumpets. Trump on Day One was on the horn to the Parks Commission demanding a detailed analysis of air photo comparisons of his inauguration with President Obama's.
Trump then took on the Womens March the day after, when news services reported their march also surpassed Trump's. Boy, was that spoiled brat Trump upset.
He wonders why so many despise, make fun of him. This only makes Trump angrier, his childish behavior more obvious. Trump can't win, won't win, and for good reason. Trump is mentally deranged, obsessed with himself. He's an egotistical know-nothing, consumed with himself and no one else.
This narcissism will be his undoing. Once his great deals fall apart just as they did when he was a businessman in NYC.
Trump is a clown, folks. Soon the nation and the world will see just what a airhead he is and how foolish his supporters were to think otherwise.
DD
Manhattan
Trump then took on the Womens March the day after, when news services reported their march also surpassed Trump's. Boy, was that spoiled brat Trump upset.
He wonders why so many despise, make fun of him. This only makes Trump angrier, his childish behavior more obvious. Trump can't win, won't win, and for good reason. Trump is mentally deranged, obsessed with himself. He's an egotistical know-nothing, consumed with himself and no one else.
This narcissism will be his undoing. Once his great deals fall apart just as they did when he was a businessman in NYC.
Trump is a clown, folks. Soon the nation and the world will see just what a airhead he is and how foolish his supporters were to think otherwise.
DD
Manhattan
13
fine, I'll pay more if it secures our borders and stops the drain on govt services
8
Again, ten hours later–(backstage censors not like the allusion or the thesis?):
How is it "relentless scapegoating of Mexicans during his presidential campaign" when it is a fact, not fake news, that Mexico has been exporting drugs and facilitating with government-induced blindness/corruption the transport of "illegals" to the U.S. for more than three decades?
The Editorial Board and fellows--e.g., Bruni, Blow, and Friedman--can vent their visceral hatred of Trump at will, their propaganda rag, after all, but at some point, the Sovietized media out of New York City--to include SNL with velvet-gloved hands off of Obama and family--that the NYT relentlessly represents need to look into the mirror.
It is no myth that New York City's broadcast media made a huge miscalculation--mostly arrogance--yet still pounds out its message of Liberal Imperialism with the likes of Madonna and fellows and the evening "news". The election is over, their DNC Politburo candidate lost.
Time to recognize the fact that Mexico is as much a "key ally" for the U.S. as Palestinians are to Israel. It is not in their interests to stop the drugs, the "illegals", or the jobs coming south and products going north. And there in lies the rub.
How is it "relentless scapegoating of Mexicans during his presidential campaign" when it is a fact, not fake news, that Mexico has been exporting drugs and facilitating with government-induced blindness/corruption the transport of "illegals" to the U.S. for more than three decades?
The Editorial Board and fellows--e.g., Bruni, Blow, and Friedman--can vent their visceral hatred of Trump at will, their propaganda rag, after all, but at some point, the Sovietized media out of New York City--to include SNL with velvet-gloved hands off of Obama and family--that the NYT relentlessly represents need to look into the mirror.
It is no myth that New York City's broadcast media made a huge miscalculation--mostly arrogance--yet still pounds out its message of Liberal Imperialism with the likes of Madonna and fellows and the evening "news". The election is over, their DNC Politburo candidate lost.
Time to recognize the fact that Mexico is as much a "key ally" for the U.S. as Palestinians are to Israel. It is not in their interests to stop the drugs, the "illegals", or the jobs coming south and products going north. And there in lies the rub.
7
It's simple he is a BULLY and now America will be a BULLY.
7
If nothing else, the Trump administration will teach Americans a little Economics 101--tariffs hurt the buying citizens of the country imposing them to the extent that the goods still come in. In addition, US tariffs will hurt the Mexicans if their goods become so expensive that Americans won't buy them any more. Either way, there is no real winner--certainly not the US if we impose tariffs on Mexican goods generally.
The internet is awash with people worried about the price of their tequila and avocados, but this article makes it clear that automobiles and other important goods will be even more affected. And where did Mr. Trump come up with 20%? Does it reflect the drop in purchases because of the rising price, or is it pulled out of thin air the way so much of his noise is? Really--it's about time someone said that politics is a profession like all the others--that experience does matter, and that being a spoiled "mean girl" is not the model for great leadership. Maybe we should eliminate the age limit of 35 and just let a real teenager be president next.
The internet is awash with people worried about the price of their tequila and avocados, but this article makes it clear that automobiles and other important goods will be even more affected. And where did Mr. Trump come up with 20%? Does it reflect the drop in purchases because of the rising price, or is it pulled out of thin air the way so much of his noise is? Really--it's about time someone said that politics is a profession like all the others--that experience does matter, and that being a spoiled "mean girl" is not the model for great leadership. Maybe we should eliminate the age limit of 35 and just let a real teenager be president next.
5
I have been a student of Middle Eastern and Islamic studies and history. When Europe was in the Dark Ages, the Islamic world was enjoying incredible prosperity based on the revival of Greek philosophy and science, religious tolerance and trade. They lost it all, and have never recovered, when they let the mullahs get the upper hand: lack of religious tolerance, denigration of the sciences, rampant corruption, and looking inward instead of out. Doesn't it sound like that is just what is happening in America today?
8
How stupid is this guy? We can't afford to wait and find out. The 20% tax on goods imported from Mexico would be added to the sales price and paid for by us. We've put a nut case in the Oval Office. If Congress (or a psychiatrist) doesn't step up and get him and his simple mind and reckless mouth under control he'll destroy our country.
8
Why do I get the impression I'm watching a movie on the mob whenever I listen to Trump? First he insults and bullies then turns around complaining that he doesn't get respect. Appropriate his first name is Don.
11
Obama made Canada pay $2 billion for a bridge, so why is the fence such a bad idea?
5
A bridge connects people and is good for trade, a wall (or fence if you'd rather use alternative facts) divides people and is bad for trade. And Canada really wanted that bridge. I know reality is tough for Trump people to grasp, but please make an effort.
3
Since when it is it our job to make sure Mexico thrives? Stop this nonsense and build the wall. At least then if Mexico sinks further they won't be coming here. If no wall can stop them then maybe tanks would.
6
It has been clear to many of us from the very beginning that Trump is ignorant and has no knowledge of the difference between running a business (poorly) and global economic policy. There are no surprises for me here.
What is most disturbing is that our only hope, other Republicans opposing Trump's idiotic and short-sighted policies, seems to be disappearing as well.
What is most disturbing is that our only hope, other Republicans opposing Trump's idiotic and short-sighted policies, seems to be disappearing as well.
7
Sure - because that is how macroeconomics works - you need to bring Prof Krugman to chat with the editorial board about Currency Fluctuations, Price Reductions and Substitute Goods.
1
"...a head-spinning torrent of lies, dangerous policy ideas and threats from the White House since Mr. Trump was sworn in..."
This is a kind description of the lunacy we have witnessed in only one week. It is time for people to start seriously considering this man's mental health, fitness to serve and the 25th amendment. Really. Before things are so far gone that there is no structural safeguard left standing.
This is a kind description of the lunacy we have witnessed in only one week. It is time for people to start seriously considering this man's mental health, fitness to serve and the 25th amendment. Really. Before things are so far gone that there is no structural safeguard left standing.
6
I'm confused---wasn't the wall previously authorized by Congress, just not funded? Also isn't there wall barriers now, close to 600 miles, with an additional 350 requested. I believe this was authorized by past congresses.
5
The "Wall" is folly. This is a waste of money on a grand scale with estimates running to more than double Trump's $10B notion. How many Americans would benefit if this money was directed at health care, education, job training, or legitimate infrastructure projects? The US economy, by any measure, is performing well enough and shows little strain from any imagined burden of immigrants.
2
Will someone please explain to me how a trade deficit is a swindle ? Despite the President's assessment of the state of the union, the United States and its inhabitants are the wealthiest, most privileged people in the history of the world. Their standard of living and disposable income vastly outmatches most countries that they trade with, especially Mexico. Given the FACT that Americans consume many times more of the world's resources than anyone else, how can the country not have significant and perpetual trade deficits ?
5
A tariff also would not constitute "Mexico paying for the wall." The cost of tariffs are imposed on the consumers, i.e. people in the U.S. who buy things from Mexico. The point is to alter consumer choices by altering the price, thereby favoring products from the home country or a preferred trading partner. Tariffs do raise money (though the economic damage downstream could reduce revenues from other taxes), but it is not a tax or toll imposed on the importer. The damage to the importer is that demand for the product drops, resulting in less revenue.
2
Again:
How is it "relentless scapegoating of Mexicans during his presidential campaign" when it is a fact, not fake news, that Mexico has been exporting drugs and facilitating with government-induced blindness/corruption the transport of "illegals" to the U.S. for more than three decades?
The Editorial Board and fellows--e.g., Bruni, Blow, and Friedman--can vent their visceral hatred of Trump at will, their propaganda rag, after all, but at some point, the Sovietized media out of New York City--to include SNL with velvet-gloved hands off of Obama and family--that the NYT relentlessly represents need to look into the mirror.
It is no myth that New York City's broadcast media made a huge miscalculation--mostly arrogance--yet still pounds out its message of Liberal Imperialism with the likes of Madonna and fellows and the evening "news". The election is over, their DNC Politburo candidate lost.
Time to recognize the fact that Mexico is as much a "key ally" for the U.S. as Palestinians are to Israel. It is not in their interests to stop the drugs, the "illegals", or the jobs coming south and products going north. And there in lies the rub.
How is it "relentless scapegoating of Mexicans during his presidential campaign" when it is a fact, not fake news, that Mexico has been exporting drugs and facilitating with government-induced blindness/corruption the transport of "illegals" to the U.S. for more than three decades?
The Editorial Board and fellows--e.g., Bruni, Blow, and Friedman--can vent their visceral hatred of Trump at will, their propaganda rag, after all, but at some point, the Sovietized media out of New York City--to include SNL with velvet-gloved hands off of Obama and family--that the NYT relentlessly represents need to look into the mirror.
It is no myth that New York City's broadcast media made a huge miscalculation--mostly arrogance--yet still pounds out its message of Liberal Imperialism with the likes of Madonna and fellows and the evening "news". The election is over, their DNC Politburo candidate lost.
Time to recognize the fact that Mexico is as much a "key ally" for the U.S. as Palestinians are to Israel. It is not in their interests to stop the drugs, the "illegals", or the jobs coming south and products going north. And there in lies the rub.
8
Every morning I awake to a new episode of "Disgrace the Nation." Will this era of national humiliation never end?
8
I would not expect that a man who doesn't pay taxes to understand how they work.
17
"A tax on Mexican imports would be paid by Americans who buy those goods."
Yes, yes it would. Among many other terrible consequences. Thank you, NYT, for putting this on the homepage. Thank you for calling "alternative facts" the lies that they are. I don't say it enough, but I love you, NYT, and thanks.
Yes, yes it would. Among many other terrible consequences. Thank you, NYT, for putting this on the homepage. Thank you for calling "alternative facts" the lies that they are. I don't say it enough, but I love you, NYT, and thanks.
6
You write: "It’s hard to tell whether the animus Mr. Trump has conveyed toward immigrants, particularly Mexicans, is deeply felt, or if he simply came to recognize how powerfully it would appeal to voters..."
Actually, enforcing the law does not reflect "animus" towards anyone, with the possible exception of those who intentionally violate such laws. It is Mr. Trump's sworn duty to uphold the law. Better to suggest that animus was what was expressed towards our Constitution by the past president when violated his oath of office.
Actually, enforcing the law does not reflect "animus" towards anyone, with the possible exception of those who intentionally violate such laws. It is Mr. Trump's sworn duty to uphold the law. Better to suggest that animus was what was expressed towards our Constitution by the past president when violated his oath of office.
6
If what you say is true, we need an even more secure wall at our northern border. The white (mostly) illegal immigrants who cross there are better educated (usually) and therefore better at getting across without getting caught. So are the terrorists. Trump is a fool if he does not declare, TODAY, that a higher, deeper, longer wall, will be constructed on our northern border immediately. Hiring a million more border guards to stand shoulder to shoulder to make sure no one gets across. Boom. Boom. Boom.
1
It would be far more effective to spend the money required for a wall and the ongoing upkeep on helping Mexico become an economic powerhouse in the Americas. If Canada were on our southern border we would not need a wall.
This of course assumes that we can all get over the fear of a different culture and language. Maybe I should amend the prior thought to "If Quebec were on our southern border we would not need a wall."
This of course assumes that we can all get over the fear of a different culture and language. Maybe I should amend the prior thought to "If Quebec were on our southern border we would not need a wall."
To the Chumps we would need a wall on the southern border if the country down there was Quebec. As any right thinking Chump knows, "those" people, besides speaking French, are mongrels. Must not be allowed in this country at all. And while keeping them out, we should deport all the Cajuns on the gulf coast. They are of the "same race". According to Chumps.
People immediately think of manufacturing jobs that have moved to Mexico. But Trump's proposed 20% tariff on Mexican goods would include an awful lot of groceries, especially fruits and vegetables, that cannot be grown in winter in a cold climate.
1. Most Americans do not hanker for jobs growing and picking vegetables. These are not the well-paid jobs blue collar Americans are looking for.
2. Because price rises get passed along to consumers, Trump's wall will be paid for out of every American's grocery bill. We can selectively buy or do without many American-made goods, but everyone has to eat. This is a regressive tax not on Mexicans, but on Americans.
Meanwhile, I don't understand why any thinking person would begrudge the pittance the US spends on Planned Parenthood.
1. Most Americans do not hanker for jobs growing and picking vegetables. These are not the well-paid jobs blue collar Americans are looking for.
2. Because price rises get passed along to consumers, Trump's wall will be paid for out of every American's grocery bill. We can selectively buy or do without many American-made goods, but everyone has to eat. This is a regressive tax not on Mexicans, but on Americans.
Meanwhile, I don't understand why any thinking person would begrudge the pittance the US spends on Planned Parenthood.
6
Trump doesnt eat veggies, so he doesnt care if we can afford them or not. Back to the days of eating canned veggies. Dont worry, you will get used to the mushy texture of some (like peas). Frozen veggies while mostly grown in the US in the summer, are using Mexican veggies grown in winter for 2 reasons, to keep the factories working year round, and because they have become popular. Almost as good as fresh, and a bit cheaper. Which will no longer be once that tariff goes into place. There will be shortages in frozen veggies, no fresh "summer" veggies in winter at all, including all salad makings, and what there are will be massively more expensive.
I grew up on canned veggies, no salads in winter, no already processed "salad mixes", at all. Apples and pears, potatoes, canned veggies, all there will be to go on your plate. It will hit the restaurant business hardest. Their prices will skyrocket. Including fast food. Think Big Mack, no lettuce, no pickles (people will eat all the cucumbers we can grow in the salads they will have craved all winter). No salads or very small for $10. You may have noticed that salads in most restaurants no longer come as part of the meal. You can get one, but, must pay extra. Are you sure you want to go back to the 50s when eating out was a luxury that you might do for a birthday (of an adult), but, not regularly? That included fast food, which was a luxury for the middle class. I never ate at a McDonalds until I was in college.
I grew up on canned veggies, no salads in winter, no already processed "salad mixes", at all. Apples and pears, potatoes, canned veggies, all there will be to go on your plate. It will hit the restaurant business hardest. Their prices will skyrocket. Including fast food. Think Big Mack, no lettuce, no pickles (people will eat all the cucumbers we can grow in the salads they will have craved all winter). No salads or very small for $10. You may have noticed that salads in most restaurants no longer come as part of the meal. You can get one, but, must pay extra. Are you sure you want to go back to the 50s when eating out was a luxury that you might do for a birthday (of an adult), but, not regularly? That included fast food, which was a luxury for the middle class. I never ate at a McDonalds until I was in college.
Mexico is unable to handle the illegals swarming into it from Central America. It's much easier for Mexico's government pass that problem onto to us, but tightening our southern border would make it far more difficult to do so. At least, that's apparently what the Mexican government seems to think, according to the article headlined "As Migrants Strain Border Towns, Pressure Builds on Mexico to Act" appearing elsewhere in today's times:
"As more migrants are blocked at the American border and more undocumented immigrants are deported from the United States, border communities in Mexico could be overwhelmed, migrant shelters could overflow, the ranks of the unemployed could swell, and Mexico will bear the strain, officials and advocates say.
'It’s worrying us,” said Christopher Gascon, chief of the Mexico office for the International Organization for Migration. “How Mexico can handle that is going to be a whole new area of concern. I don’t think the absorptive capacity is there.'”
Trump is smart enough to understand this. Why does the NYT Editorial Board have such a problem with the truth?
"As more migrants are blocked at the American border and more undocumented immigrants are deported from the United States, border communities in Mexico could be overwhelmed, migrant shelters could overflow, the ranks of the unemployed could swell, and Mexico will bear the strain, officials and advocates say.
'It’s worrying us,” said Christopher Gascon, chief of the Mexico office for the International Organization for Migration. “How Mexico can handle that is going to be a whole new area of concern. I don’t think the absorptive capacity is there.'”
Trump is smart enough to understand this. Why does the NYT Editorial Board have such a problem with the truth?
4
Truth is sellers of explosives will proliferate along the border. Every night the sound of explosions will be heard all along the border. Its cheap to blow up a section, just to get a few immigrants across. Its expensive to fix all those places. You want to pay two or three times the taxes you do now to keep rebuilding the wall? What about the two or four times in taxes you will pay for a million new border guards to try to keep this from happening? The only way to be sure is to put guards shoulder to shoulder at the wall. Many will die in the explosions, but, I doubt the immigrants (or their fellow citizens here in America) will care.
yes, if you personally buy specialty chemicals, heavy machinery, and auto parts your costs will go up. that represents 90% of mexican imports
Dont forget every one of the salads you eat from late fall to mid summer. It is where most our out of season veggies come from. Do you like Mexican food? Those restaurants wille either have to boost their prices astronomically fall, winter, spring or close. Can you afford $25 dollars just for the makings for 2 home made salads for you and you alone a week? Or maybe you are a Chump who feels fresh veggies are dangerous and should never be eaten? You do know that stuffed green peppers (rice, little bit of cheap ground meat, and for chumps ketsup inside) will become too costly to make. Along with stuffed cabbage (it is a summer veggie too). The cheap eats low income chumps make to hide the fact they cant afford high quality (or any) protein for their families. Even ketchup supplies will often go scarce. Many of you use it on everything, but, it is made out of one of the most expensive summer veggies. Tomatoes. Most citizens live in cities and good sized towns without room to grow veggies of their own. Vitamin deficiencies will run even more rampant than now and the prices of vitamin supplements will rise with the demand. Some will die.
It's "The Art of the Deal." First you antagonize and humiliate your opponent, then you extract the best deal you can from him/her. It may work in business, but in international diplomacy it's a disaster. Add a strong dose of white supremacy to it and you have President Donald Trump's vision of the United States of America.
5
In 1848, The Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago gave the United States the Rio Grande as a boundary for Texas, and gave the U.S. ownership of California and a large area comprising roughly half of New Mexico, most of Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, and parts of Wyoming and Colorado. Would that the line was drawn just south of Oaxaca so Trump could build a shorter wall and 3/4's of what is today Mexico would have been annexed into the U.S. by the treaty. No Problemo, Donoldo.
1
I live in the San Joaquin Valley, the fruit and nut capital of the world. It will be so much fun watching the actual farmer pick grapes next August when it is 110f in the shade.
2
In the Old South, they justified slavery by saying free Americans wouldn't work for slave wages. Guess the plantation mentality of the slavers is alive in California.
Read the paper. Those jobs aren't coming back. Robots will be doing the picking.
We're getting lost in details. trump will pit country against country, state against state, religion against religion, neighbor against neighbor.
And only he will be the arbiter of who is right and who is wrong such that he is the center of power. Every act, every deed comes back to the center of his universe, him.
It's a 'management by conflict' scenario taken to a very dangerous degree.
The onus here does not fall on the naive mobs who have fallen for his authoritarian dribble, rather the leaders and members of the republican party who have abdicated their responsibility to protect this county from an individual whose mental state is clearly questionable.
And only he will be the arbiter of who is right and who is wrong such that he is the center of power. Every act, every deed comes back to the center of his universe, him.
It's a 'management by conflict' scenario taken to a very dangerous degree.
The onus here does not fall on the naive mobs who have fallen for his authoritarian dribble, rather the leaders and members of the republican party who have abdicated their responsibility to protect this county from an individual whose mental state is clearly questionable.
5
When the jobs are exported, so is all the production machinery. Trump is just guarding an empty barn
5
The American people should echo the words of former Mexican president Fox...
"We will not be paying for any wall, PERIOD."
"We will not be paying for any wall, PERIOD."
5
From Bretton Woods to Dogpatch USA: In a not so distant future, you'll realize this infantile demagogue has destroyed everything very talented and skilled US diplomats worked so hard to build since WWII to make a freer world in America's interests. Then you'll rue the day. I hope it won't be too late then.
4
What fools you are. You chase every word Trump utters and process it through your spin machine to your base. Ok, I get it, judging by the comments here this click bait is working very well for the NYT. The problem is that while you are at it, Trump is moving forward with his plans. To use a local example; every 12 months or so NYC politicians come out with a plan to place tolls on the East River Bridges. It never happens because these politicians save us from tolls by making the “hard choices” to raise other taxes and cutting elsewhere.
Trump is going to tax the two billion dollars in monthly remittances sent to Mexico to pay for his wall, Dodd Frank and OFAC regulations makes identifying these funds very easy. This will also serve another purpose of making migrating to the USA less attractive.
Trump is going to tax the two billion dollars in monthly remittances sent to Mexico to pay for his wall, Dodd Frank and OFAC regulations makes identifying these funds very easy. This will also serve another purpose of making migrating to the USA less attractive.
4
Have to agree with the NYT the American consumer will pay the freight on the tax imposed. Conservatives have forgotten this fact of life, if you tax a business the tax is passed onto the customer, this will never change. However we need to control our southern border.
Americans cannot pay a tax if they don't have a job. Pay attention to what is happening. And the Democrats just watched it happening on their watch & Bush's watch.
Its not too late to impeach Trump for incompetence. There is still time. 4 more years of this? You all still really want this?
15
The sooner the NY Times heeds Steve Bannon's advice seen elswhere in this edition, the better.
“The media should be embarrassed and humiliated and keep its mouth shut and just listen for a while,” Mr. Bannon said in an interview on Wednesday.
“I want you to quote this,” Mr. Bannon added. “The media here is the opposition party. They don’t understand this country. They still do not understand why Donald Trump is the president of the United States.”
“The media should be embarrassed and humiliated and keep its mouth shut and just listen for a while,” Mr. Bannon said in an interview on Wednesday.
“I want you to quote this,” Mr. Bannon added. “The media here is the opposition party. They don’t understand this country. They still do not understand why Donald Trump is the president of the United States.”
1
“Richard: Now, by my sceptre's awe, I make a vow
Such neighbour nearness to our sacred blood
Should nothing privilege him nor partialize
The unstooping firmness of my upright soul.” Richard II (1.1.7).
Trump reminds me of Shakespeare's Richard II, complete with Bushys, Bagots and Greens surrounding him.
Such neighbour nearness to our sacred blood
Should nothing privilege him nor partialize
The unstooping firmness of my upright soul.” Richard II (1.1.7).
Trump reminds me of Shakespeare's Richard II, complete with Bushys, Bagots and Greens surrounding him.
2
This man-child pseudo president is destroying our country. He's destroying the lives of most individuals (exclude the wealthy) in this wonderful land and creating a global nightmare. His outrageous juvenile behavior belongs in only one place............reform school. They can start by showing him how to stop uttering lies at warp speed.
7
This obsession by The Times and like minded liberals with depicting Mexico as a victim of Trump is plain stupidity. If your neighbor dumps its surplus population on your doorstep, sells illegal drugs to your kids, and convinces your employer to fire you so that they can take your job at cheaper wages, would you stand back and do nothing? Trump is trying to stop Mexico of doing exactly that. What have Democrats and liberals done to solve these problems? And what do they propose to alleviate them in the future. There's a simple answer. Nothing.
3
In the first week of his presidency Donald Trump has proven that he is completely unfit for the office of the president. He is ignorant and dangerous. His campaign was one of racism and belligerence. How long are the Republicans going to back up this madman? He has to be stopped now before it is too late. He needs to be impeached and he and his family and advisors need to be shown the door. Before it is too late for all of us.
10
Perhaps the only way to convince Americans is through a live demonstration. They may need to see first hand what happens if we impose the tariff on with Mexico. Maybe some food shortages would get the message across?
4
Trump's approach seems appropriate. Years of finger-wagging at Mexico, while that country institutionalized the practice of illegally crossing our borders, has earned us nothing from Mexico but a sense of entitlement and contempt for our laws.
1
Wrong.
The Great Wall of China was built to keep t the Mongols out. The Berlin Wall was built to keep the East Berliners in. A "Trump Wall" might keep Mexicans and Central Americans out initially. Once Trump has wrecked our country, maybe it would serve to inhibit an exodus from America.
Might set a precedent, some Canadian politician promises to build a wall to keep US citizens out, and the US will pay for it.
5
This ridiculous editorial does nothing but try to cut the legs out of any negotiating strategy contemplated by the Trump team before they even start. You people are smarter (not) than anyone.Why don't you pencil pushers run for election rather than firing pot shots from your fur lined foxholes.
2
Even with Trump my house is your house gringos. There is no a President who last forever. You're all welcome in México whenever you want. Cheers! (with Jack Daniels, I do not like Tequila).
2
Trump seems to be applying his background in adversarial negotiation, in which there is a fixed pie and he wants to get as much of it as possible. That's what a "winner" does, in his perspective: the more I get, the more it proves I'm best.
(Never mind that that strategy doesn't work when you continue to work with the same people. It breeds resentment, backlash, and war.)
But this isn't a negotiation about how to subdivide a one-acre plot. In trade the idea is to grow the pie. That's the very definition of trade: trade doesn't exist unless you have a willing buyer and a willing seller. That means both parties consider themselves better off.
An unwilling buyer or an unwilling seller is both wrong and a recipe for conflict.
(Never mind that that strategy doesn't work when you continue to work with the same people. It breeds resentment, backlash, and war.)
But this isn't a negotiation about how to subdivide a one-acre plot. In trade the idea is to grow the pie. That's the very definition of trade: trade doesn't exist unless you have a willing buyer and a willing seller. That means both parties consider themselves better off.
An unwilling buyer or an unwilling seller is both wrong and a recipe for conflict.
9
how about removing the "unfit" ingredient?
What no avocados? What will happened to the "best taco bowl" at the Trump Grille? Like he's done before, he'll find a way of getting those "illegals" working for him, no doubt.
3
The "Times" is having its own temper tantrum with this piece. And also being a bit disingenuous by downplaying the loss of "just 700,000" jobs because of Nafta. But hey, we get cheaper mangoes and avocados in winter The factory worker who now is unemployed can console himself or herself with some guacamole. The wall is, of course, an absurd idea. But the hysteria being stirred up by it is masking a very real problem--the plight of the American working class.
1
Don't confuse President Big Mouth with the facts! Kelly Conway is preparing the alternative ones. There should be a constitutional amendment that the president has got to shut up for one week out of every month to give the country a chance to recuperate.
5
"The tariff tantrum was the latest in a head-spinning torrent of lies, dangerous policy ideas and threats from the White House since Mr. Trump was sworn in last Friday."
And we haven't even made it through the first week ....
I do not want to see one more article about how Democrats have to work to "understand" the Trump voters. Every single paper in the country, with maybe one exception, said in simple terms that he is unfit for office. There is no excuse for anyone voting for him. None.
And we haven't even made it through the first week ....
I do not want to see one more article about how Democrats have to work to "understand" the Trump voters. Every single paper in the country, with maybe one exception, said in simple terms that he is unfit for office. There is no excuse for anyone voting for him. None.
5
Work that requires cheaper labor typically occurs in Mexico, where earnings are lower, while design, engineering and advanced manufacturing tends to take place in Canada and the United States.
In other words . . . America's sweatshop . . . or just another kind of plantation. You figure out what to call it, but don't make it sound as if it's us being good neighbors when it's not. Trump may be doing Mexico a favor by forcing them to pull themselves up by their bootstraps rather than having to be forced to live in our slaves' quarters.
In other words . . . America's sweatshop . . . or just another kind of plantation. You figure out what to call it, but don't make it sound as if it's us being good neighbors when it's not. Trump may be doing Mexico a favor by forcing them to pull themselves up by their bootstraps rather than having to be forced to live in our slaves' quarters.
1
WHAT tRUMP doesn't seem to understand is that Mexico is largely a 3rd world country that we need way more than they need us in the grand scheme of things. Do they greatly benefit from the relationship? No doubt, but just as in China, it will be far easier for the average middle class Mexican to go back to a 3rd world lifestyle than it will be for the average middle class American to start paying higher prices for the myriad of goods and services that we import from Mexico.
1
This is just part of Trump's usefulness to the "Wall Street’s Think Tank: the Council on Foreign Relations and the Empire of Neoliberal Geopolitics" 2011 plan of the "Renewing America Initiative" (aka "Make America Great Again" political campaign), based on the fact that after the mega-looting of 2008/9, there is not enough wealth in the world to continue paying the UHNWIs abroad as subordinate proconsuls to the Empire.
If you want to know where things are going, watch the wealth of Carlos Slim, Saudi princes, and other non-Anglophile billionaires --- or read "The Quiet American" Empire Strikes Back, in a plan above Trump's paygrade.
"The year 2011 also saw a major new CFR program, the Renewing America Initiative, a prime example of “mission creep,” that is, the recent tendency for the Council to expand its focus of activity beyond foreign policy to the domestic realm. The CFR leadership believes that this new initiative is needed because the underpinnings of U.S. global power are weakening as unsolved problems grow within the country."
Shoup, Laurence H. (2015-08-22). Wall Street's Think Tank: The Council on Foreign Relations and the Empire of Neoliberal Geopolitics, 1976-2014 (Kindle Locations 1586-1589). Monthly Review Press. Kindle Edition.
If you want to know where things are going, watch the wealth of Carlos Slim, Saudi princes, and other non-Anglophile billionaires --- or read "The Quiet American" Empire Strikes Back, in a plan above Trump's paygrade.
"The year 2011 also saw a major new CFR program, the Renewing America Initiative, a prime example of “mission creep,” that is, the recent tendency for the Council to expand its focus of activity beyond foreign policy to the domestic realm. The CFR leadership believes that this new initiative is needed because the underpinnings of U.S. global power are weakening as unsolved problems grow within the country."
Shoup, Laurence H. (2015-08-22). Wall Street's Think Tank: The Council on Foreign Relations and the Empire of Neoliberal Geopolitics, 1976-2014 (Kindle Locations 1586-1589). Monthly Review Press. Kindle Edition.
1
The proposal also illustrated how stupid Donald Trump actually is. A tariff on Mexican imports the US would translate into Americans paying higher prices and therefore for his silly wall. Trump is going to be a disaster.
1
As a bankruptcy lawyer, the tanking of the US economy will be great for business. We will certainly have to hire.
3
We know how outrageous Mr. Trump's antics are and what the consequences might be. Yet, he is allowed to get away with it. Where are the adults in the room? Republicans, the love of power is to strong that you are willing to sacrifice American democracy and prosperity for it? History will not be kind to the Republican party.
5
When US crops are lying rotting in the fields and US consumers suddenly have to pay produce prices we never before have faced, then the farmers and consumers who voted for Trump will begin to understand their first lesson in globalization. There will be more to come.
3
Trump's golf courses are going to look pretty shabby when all the Mexican groundskeepers are deported. Ay, caramba!
2
Let me help you out...they're not UNAUTHORIZED, they're CRIMINALS that have broken U.S. immigration law. Fixed it for 'ya - no charge.
2
A Wall? Sheer waste of money. It's not the the wall, it's the tunnels. Duh-huh! It's the tunnels!
Bully in the White House. I never thought I would be cheering on another country against my own.
3
Dark times. The man is a fool and so are the right wing nuts in congress. Meanwhile where are the democrats-cowering in the corner.
To be clear, whatever tariff/tax imposed on Mexican imports will just be added to the cost of the goods we pay. Thus American taxpayers will actually pay for the wall twice - from our taxes for the wall and from our wallets for the imports. Wonderful
4
When are responsible adults going to step in and stop this 8yr old brat from destroying everything? Not protests, protesting him just emboldens him...makes him even nastier. His attitude becomes "well, if you don't love me, then I hate you and I will destroy you". Please...before it's too late.
4
Well, one week in and POTUS Trump appears to be much better at demolition than construction. The only thing our business man builder President has built so far has been a yuuuge mountain of ill-will both foreign and domestic. Can't wait for the week 2 ratings on this show.
3
We will get to pay twice for the wall. Initially to finance its design and building. Then thru the increased cost of produce and goods from Mexico.
1
Of course, it's absurd to say then that Mexico is paying for the (idiotic) wall.
No one who knows anything thinks a wall is the way to stop this economic immigration. If the GOP wants to stop it, stop it by enforcement at job sites. The cost of such enforcement goes way down once companies believe the government is going to enforce. The wall is a boondoggle. PAID BY OUR TAX DOLLARS. Just like the ridiculous study to prove that Trump won the popular vote. I have a feeling Trump is going to do a lot of stupid things with the Federal Purse.
No one who knows anything thinks a wall is the way to stop this economic immigration. If the GOP wants to stop it, stop it by enforcement at job sites. The cost of such enforcement goes way down once companies believe the government is going to enforce. The wall is a boondoggle. PAID BY OUR TAX DOLLARS. Just like the ridiculous study to prove that Trump won the popular vote. I have a feeling Trump is going to do a lot of stupid things with the Federal Purse.
2
Not to worry. If Mexico's economy tanks, Comrade Putin can come to the rescue, just as Khrushchev did with Castro, in exchange for Russian "advisors" and bases, not just 90 miles away, but right on our borders. That worked out well for our security.
3
Mexico buys more from the USA every year than China, Germany, and Japan, COMBINED. The trade deficit between the USA and Mexico is tiny. It is 10% of the deficit of that with China, Germany and Japan combined.
1
What else do we expect by electing President a man who has the attention span of a gnat? Trump clearly has a grade-school view of economics and isn't interested in improving it. Not good to have such an ignorant man at the head of the most powerful nation on earth..
2
There may be less madness than method in what you label a "Tantrum" The crux being, if we export $258 Billion to Mexico, and fall short of cancelling any red by $60 Billion (deficit),then there is a 20 something per cent gap. Trump is moving to eliminate that, in something similar to a scene from Godfather, where Coleone starts off "ehhh, Don Carlos, got some bad news. We looked at your piece of the action. It's too much. We gotta change that. You can force us to go to the matrasses. But at the end you will be gone. Be a reasonable man, this is just business, not personal."
As you point out, closing the border (and cutting remittances, which do not appear in trade balances) would devastate Mexico. When their Oligarchs feel the pain they will change their proxy holder Prez and deal. They do not hold the hammer. And avacatos and Tequila will not move the scales much.
Trump knows this. Mexic'o s pretty much in the same boat a Venezuela, for the same reasons. But they still have maize and toilet paper.
Once Mexico gives in his next target will be China's $300 billion trade advantage, and he can use sanctions for its "aggression" in that case. As has been done against Russia...
As you point out, closing the border (and cutting remittances, which do not appear in trade balances) would devastate Mexico. When their Oligarchs feel the pain they will change their proxy holder Prez and deal. They do not hold the hammer. And avacatos and Tequila will not move the scales much.
Trump knows this. Mexic'o s pretty much in the same boat a Venezuela, for the same reasons. But they still have maize and toilet paper.
Once Mexico gives in his next target will be China's $300 billion trade advantage, and he can use sanctions for its "aggression" in that case. As has been done against Russia...
1
A ridiculous proposal by a very ignorant and foolish man.
Remember " He who knows not and knows not that he knows not, he is a fool>"
Remember " He who knows not and knows not that he knows not, he is a fool>"
2
How can Trump's voters be made to understand the cost of his ridiculous ideas? When they have to pay $4.00 for a head of lettuce from Mexico will that finally wake them up? Make America Pay Again, and Again and Again...How about sending Trump's voters the bill for the wall?
3
"Americans wouldpay for the wall, not Mexicans".
Why on earth isn't that the FIRST sentence in this piece rather than the LAST? How many Trump supporters do you think realize this? Are you guys blowing it again by not knowing how to report even the simplest headline?! You all should go back to journalism school. I'm so tired of the media getting it so wrong, wrong, wrong...
Why on earth isn't that the FIRST sentence in this piece rather than the LAST? How many Trump supporters do you think realize this? Are you guys blowing it again by not knowing how to report even the simplest headline?! You all should go back to journalism school. I'm so tired of the media getting it so wrong, wrong, wrong...
View from the borderlands - mountains and valleys and desert flora; mixed cultural foods, traditions, arts; people enjoying their differences and respecting one another, helping one another, reaching across the border to help those with less; crazy rainbows and technicolor sunset I used to think were photo-shopped on calendars until I had the fortune to live here. I look forward to the day that I can stand where the former fences were torn down, one foot in each country, laughing with my neighbors, similar to what I did in Berlin a few years back.
3
We need to build a Wall; around the White House. One that has an electronic barrier to block Tweets!
3
I never thought I would say this, but I miss old-school Republican trickle down economics. By comparison, Trumponomics is lunacy. Under this doctrine, shooting yourself in both feet is viewed as a diplomatic coup. What do they teach at Wharton business school?
2
Isn't anybody in Congress going to step up and stop him. He obviously needs some sense knocked into his empty head. Senators McCain and Graham - WHERE ARE YOU! Please save our country from this lunatic.
5
good luck with that wish....
silence is cowardly approval.
silence is cowardly approval.
It is now very apparent that Trump's plan is to alienate our closest allies and trading partners and then embrace Russia.
This is evidenced by his appointments, comments and attempting to lift currently imposed sanctions on Russia.
His ignorance on international trade, policies and who our real allies are is very frightening.
This is evidenced by his appointments, comments and attempting to lift currently imposed sanctions on Russia.
His ignorance on international trade, policies and who our real allies are is very frightening.
3
We literally don't have time to read all the destructive things Trump is doing. Every day the list gets longer and more severe. My question to everyone including the NYT is: why couldn't this guy have been stopped before taking office?
His resume and behavior make him unsuitable for any job yet he is the President of the U.S.? We put people in jail for less than he has done and way less than the damage he is in the process of doing.
His resume and behavior make him unsuitable for any job yet he is the President of the U.S.? We put people in jail for less than he has done and way less than the damage he is in the process of doing.
3
I am reminder, dear Editorial Board, of a presidential candidate suggesting that NAFTA would create a large sucking sound as jobs were bled from the US economy to fuel a manufacturing boom in Mexico.
Ross Perot was absolutely correct in his assessment.
What do YOU suggest we do to start repatriating at least some of those jobs to the United States and to fill them with US Citizens, not immigrants here with no legal authority?
Perhaps a good, old-fashioned trade war might balance the level a little.
Ross Perot was absolutely correct in his assessment.
What do YOU suggest we do to start repatriating at least some of those jobs to the United States and to fill them with US Citizens, not immigrants here with no legal authority?
Perhaps a good, old-fashioned trade war might balance the level a little.
3
Why so much hostility and bravado against Me'jico, a country the U.S. is in deep debt ever since it appropriated itself with extensive Mexican land (remember 1848, during Polk's presidency?), Texas first (in spite of Houston's promise to enter Texas to help colonize, respect Mejico's sovereignty, learn its language and abstain from bringing slaves); and then, for 50 million dollars, taken New Mejico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Colorado and half of Utah? Why, oh why do we have to be so petty, and belittle our neighbors as second class folks, in spite of the mutual benefits we derive from NAFTA? Trump is an angry, hateful and despicable bully (a coward in disguise) trying to destroy law and order, and subverting justice, just to satisfy his abundant spiteful rage and racist attitude? I suspect the founding fathers never thought we would ever vote for such an irresponsible thug, by allowing so much latitude in power, to be abused now so indiscriminately.
3
Donald Trump's schoolyard bullying will cause electorates around the world to elect their own bullies to push back against the American aggressor. Does Lord of the Flies come to mind?
4
So, is Trump the Antichrist, or just one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse?
Let's vote!
Let's vote!
3
Well realistically, I don't think the traditional four horsemen of the apocalypse included one called Idiocy.
And they continue to pile it on. Here's what Kellyanne Conway had to say this morning as reported by Politico:
“Well they don't want it, Gayle, because they want to continue to allow people and I assume drugs, since they’re not doing much to stop that, pouring over our borders,” Conway told “CBS This Morning” anchor Gayle King,.."
"it" being the wall.
Accusing the Government of Mexico of being complicit with drugs "pouring over our border..." should have gotten her fired on the spot and prompted an immediate and heartfelt apology.
But.
Don't hold your breath.
“Well they don't want it, Gayle, because they want to continue to allow people and I assume drugs, since they’re not doing much to stop that, pouring over our borders,” Conway told “CBS This Morning” anchor Gayle King,.."
"it" being the wall.
Accusing the Government of Mexico of being complicit with drugs "pouring over our border..." should have gotten her fired on the spot and prompted an immediate and heartfelt apology.
But.
Don't hold your breath.
4
He just doesnt care or understand. Anything.
3
Nothing will doom the success of Trump's wall faster than destroying Mexico's economy unless Trump wants to make his wall the Berlin Wall with sharpshooters all along it. And what a testament to democracy that will show the world.
3
so, Trump wants to impose an import tariff on Mexico so that he can finance the wall on the border.
Imposing tariffs on imports from Mexico will lead to an economic hardship on that country leading to more people wanting to cross the border and enter US.
Is this some sort of a perverse way to justify the border wall?
Imposing tariffs on imports from Mexico will lead to an economic hardship on that country leading to more people wanting to cross the border and enter US.
Is this some sort of a perverse way to justify the border wall?
2
Thank you ,President Nieto,for standing up to the clown who is now POTUS in the USA. I hope the democrats in congress will have the courage and stamina to do the same.
3
So, the Mexicans would NEVER think of imposing a 20% tax on parts imported from US, BEFORE using them to assemble cars and re-export them, right? A lot of these plants are owned by American corporations in Mexico.
And how long before they import those same parts from China without a Tariff, while US cuts prices/wages to remain competitive to make them and use them to assemble cars in US? Some of these plants are owned by foreign companies in the US too.
And how long before they import those same parts from China without a Tariff, while US cuts prices/wages to remain competitive to make them and use them to assemble cars in US? Some of these plants are owned by foreign companies in the US too.
2
Former Florida Congressman and current MSNBC talking head Joe Scarborough is fond of saying that "Republicans were out on earth to cut taxes." Of course I haven't heard him say it lately. I guess that, along with other members of the GOP, the presence of someone wearing the label in the Oval Office creates the illusion that Republicans are in power simply because they have the jobs.
I await the day that the GOP crashes and burns as they cling to that illusion.
I await the day that the GOP crashes and burns as they cling to that illusion.
2
His Madman negotiating strategies show the 'President' is a one trick pony. May have worked for him in business ( note the long line of unpaid creditors), but will not work in a three branch government with checks and balances.
2
Regarding the "gag rule" which I cannot place comment on the article written today but even if the NYT does not print this, here is my question: Where does this put Israel in trump's eyes and all the eyes of our congress that support Israel funding without calling them on their cruel behavior... their government allow abortions. I would love to see an article explaining this hypocrisy
2
Chuckee lives in his own virtual reality. It is time to introduce him to the real world and impeach him.
5
Humpty tumpty sat on the wall, unaware he would have a great fall. Mexico said no to his bullying ways, humpty decided taxpayers would pay. As Mexico and US united against the egg, the wall and humpty came tumbling down, leaving humpty broken on the ground.
2
Everything I've read or heard on this topic has made it much easier to understand how those bankruptcies happened and why Trump doesn't want anyone looking at his tax returns.
4
What a mess. Some folks forget the lessons of the tariff wars of the era leading to the Great Depression worldwide. Perhaps NAFTA was not such a great idea but to unravel it in such a degrading way is tantamount to treachery to our way of life. It would be actually cheaper to pay our unemployed workers a living wage than to expend the billions on a scheme that will prove to be folly.
3
This is what happens when you have a man like Trump that is unfit and unstable elected as President, and surrounded by sycophants.
5
Mexico has run the game ..sending us the illiterate and suppressing its own, allowing the drug lords to run the country ..let them deal with it NOT our problem!
1
The wall will become a symbol of what the U.S. represents. If that is the legacy DT wants to have, then by all means he can proudly claim that in the journey of the human being, he built a wall to keep other human beings out. Nieto did something great for humankind: through his refusal to meet with DT, pressured or not, he said that the dignity of a human being is more important than anything else. When you lose dignity, you lose it all. So for the dignity of humankind I salute Nieto. As for the USA, all I can see now is that wall and remember when Reagan told Mr. Gorbachev "tear down that wall?" I believe that we are in a watershed moment in history where humankind will either rise together or sink together. I will resist all and every action of hatred with one of goodness.
4
There is an excellent article on your site today that chronicles the crowds of Haitians perched in Tijuana trying to cross the border. Along with this editorial, it shows the dilemma we face as a country. Trump's blundering actions are likely to have serious repercussions, but they are also bold and strong, and more Americans will like them than not, largely because of the reality of what your other article points out: something needs to be done. The real pressure behind this and the Brexit crises is the relentless flow of migrants.
1
Senate Republicans, once reliable supporters of free trade, will simply have to rediscover their integrity and refuse to vote for a tariff that would demonstrate the abject failure of the US to stand by treaty commitments within NAFTA and the WTO and could set off a tit for tat trade war along lines of Smoot Hawley.
1
Why is no one calling Trump's proposals what they really are: Draconian REGULATION and TAXATION that will cripple the American and global economy?! That is exactly the approach that the GOP would take if President Obama had made the same proposals.
2
Trump's behavior brings to mind the opening scene of Godfather Part II where Michael Corleone tells the corrupt senator from Nevada that not only will the family not pay the senator's kickback demand for a casino license but that the senator himself would be expected to pay the fees. Interesting role model for "Don" Trump.
1
American consumers will pay for the wall not with their tax dollars but with their after tax dollars. How is that a win?
2
what happens to Canada & the pipeline and all those other goodies he wants to keep if he dissolves NAFTA? He is dissolving half of it now if he gets his way
1
In some cases I guess American companies con compete with China only using cheap labor in Mexico. Confrontation instead of cooperation with Mexico is a loose-loose situation. I hope more leftist opportunists in Latin America do not find fertile grounds of anti-American sentiment thanks to Trump. Do you imagine a Chavez like government in Mexico?
This Mexico deal Trump cooked up really is so embarrassing for our country in so many ways.
Night and day President Twitter Trump tweets insults and lots of crazy bullying and policy nonsense from the White House, or should we now refer to it as The Trump Tower of Babel.
Can no one stop this man before he ruins this country, the lives of the American people, and the planet? So much is at stake here, it is truly awesomely awful.
Night and day President Twitter Trump tweets insults and lots of crazy bullying and policy nonsense from the White House, or should we now refer to it as The Trump Tower of Babel.
Can no one stop this man before he ruins this country, the lives of the American people, and the planet? So much is at stake here, it is truly awesomely awful.
2
Is there no one in the government who knows or understands that crippling mexico's economy will cause more illegals to flow here?
4
It really helps to learn how a big, complex job is done before you try to do it. And that, my friends, is why it really is NOT smart to put a complete political novice into the nation's highest office. Especially not a novice with a string of bankruptcies and broken contracts on his record.
8
Trump is inciting terrorism. The next step will be war.
3
I don't drive Chevy's and Ford's made in Mexico. My Mercedes was made in Germany, and I can more than afford a 35% border tax. I wonder if Trump voters can start paying 35% more for their essentials?
2
The only tantrum I see is pieces like this. Knee-jerk responses and an incessant fixation with proving he lies(!!) is making the media seem unhinged.
There's a method to Trump's madness. There's just madness to the progressive left which is having great difficulty accepting reality.
There's a method to Trump's madness. There's just madness to the progressive left which is having great difficulty accepting reality.
7
Well everyone can agree about "Trump's madness"
The guy is insane.
The guy is insane.
6
Please let me know what the "method" is. I am dying of curiosity.
5
Trump can throw is weight around and bully small and poor country like Mexico. I am waiting to see if he has the balls to take on China with whom the US has the largest trade deficit. The spineless and coward GOP is hiding behind the bush and rubber stamping Trump's executive orders just to get their greedy agenda Ok'd by him. The people who are going to suffer the most as a result of Trump's misguided policy are those who voted him to power.
3
Can't you just see Trump calling his proposed wall "The Trump Walled-Off"?
Trump has boxed the Republican Congress in because he promised to build a wall that Mexico will pay for. Mexico is never going to pay for the wall. The conversation will quickly shift to, do we need a wall, and what is the cost, including the billions every year to maintain and patrol the wall? Where is that money coming from if not from Mexico? Tariffs? I don't think so - never happen because tariffs increase the cost of goods and lead to job losses. So where will it come from?
If the Republicans stay true to course they will develop a set of alternative facts. Their conservative think tanks will come up with preposterous ideas consisting of baseless alternative facts. It will be an easy sell to their base who live in an alternate reality created by the conservative media.
It is not going to happen because even if it looks like the Republicans can sell the idea of building the wall and have the votes to pass legislation to do so, the plutocrats will take the Republicans aside and tell then no, you aren't going to hurt our businesses so that you can save face with your base.
This is a situation where Democrats would be wise to step back and give the Republicans all the rope they need to hang themselves. When the whole thing falls apart, Democrats need only make the point that Republicans are inept and don't know how to lead when given the chance.
If the Republicans stay true to course they will develop a set of alternative facts. Their conservative think tanks will come up with preposterous ideas consisting of baseless alternative facts. It will be an easy sell to their base who live in an alternate reality created by the conservative media.
It is not going to happen because even if it looks like the Republicans can sell the idea of building the wall and have the votes to pass legislation to do so, the plutocrats will take the Republicans aside and tell then no, you aren't going to hurt our businesses so that you can save face with your base.
This is a situation where Democrats would be wise to step back and give the Republicans all the rope they need to hang themselves. When the whole thing falls apart, Democrats need only make the point that Republicans are inept and don't know how to lead when given the chance.
3
I have always been skeptical of the value of "Business" degrees ( as distinct from Economics). Trump (following George W. Bush - also alum of a 'distinguished' business school) makes the case against that degree.
2
As the holder of an MBA from a prestigious school, and a couple of other degrees as well, I am sorry to say, I agree with you.
1
Certainly Trump's treatment of our Mexican ally is despicable. It reminds me of how Obama treated Israel.
2
Obama built a wall around Israel?
5
You cannot possibly be serious. You just can't. Wait, maybe you can. I expect Trump supporters are every bit as insane as he.
5
Ally? Since we do allies allow their surplus population to invade another country? Since when do allies allow their nation's gangsters to produce and transport massive amounts of deadly narcotics to poison the people of the neighboring country? Since when do allies dump massive amounts of pollution in the land, air and water of her next door neighbor? With that kind of ally one does not need enemies. Maybe you are confusing Mexico with Canada which is a good neighbor, friend and ally. Mexico should adopt Canada as their role model and example and work to emulate her.
2
I think he is aiming at returning the good old days of Battista to Cuba. Those run down lovely old buildings and the casinos.
1
The carnage Mr. Trump described in his inaugural address is actually the after effects of him shredding our moral and economic standing in the world. This is only the beginning. It will get much much worse.
5
There is obviously no plan here - hence the backtracking and telling naysayers to shut up. I feel like I'm back in junior high arguing over the colors of costumes for the school play.
We can only hope that Trump goes sooner rather than later. Mike Pence is dumb as a doornail, but at least he has some sense of how government works.
We can only hope that Trump goes sooner rather than later. Mike Pence is dumb as a doornail, but at least he has some sense of how government works.
So the U.S. is going to beat up on Mexico again. Now nice, how thoughtful, how kind. How disgusting. But hey, we'll teach "those people" to come over here and steal our jobs! But the main question is how do we stop Trump and his sycophants from destroying our country and wrecking havoc on the rest of the planet? How do we elect a Congress in two years that will stop the mentally deranged from "leading" the country? And will those Trump voters begin to realize they are being taken for a ride?
4
A stupid idea by a stupid president and his stupid advisers. Yet we hear that they have the highest IQ ever assembled in a US government!
Laugh. Cry. Laugh. Cry...
Laugh. Cry. Laugh. Cry...
3
Trump is the bull in the China shop, with no rational thinking, he is flying by the seat of his pants and breaking everything.
3
Trump is completely unhinged, and this kind of "tough talk" with Mexico is beyond ill-advised.
GOP leaders should be doubling down on getting this raging, ignorant, lying jerk out of the White House. Only one week in, I think we've seen enough.
GOP leaders should be doubling down on getting this raging, ignorant, lying jerk out of the White House. Only one week in, I think we've seen enough.
4
Here in Texas, our lives depend on Mexican labor. Millenials are NOT going to do these jobs hard, ugly and demeaning jobs - they don't even want factory jobs - as they aren't plush enough or paid enough. Picking our food from the fields, laying hot tar on a busy road, construction, and labor jobs etc. - all at minimal wages or less!
In California, it is the same, too. Mexicans also pay taxes, rent houses, pay tolls, buy goods and support our economy.
I can't see an ugly "great" wall cutting through our beautiful Big Bend National Park. Does it go down the middle of the great Rio Grande river where the border actually is? The mountains are steep and rocky.
The border is patrolled very well there with a fleet of vehicles, drones and motion sensors. If you have ever been to the border, you can tell quickly that this is really a non-issue. They drag large tractor-sized tires behind trucks and then watch for footprints in the sand. Low tech and high tech work together at a great expense to us taxpayers.
This wall will also stop animal migrations that have been happening since the beginning of time. WHY???
A pox against Trump and his vision of his "great" wall!
In California, it is the same, too. Mexicans also pay taxes, rent houses, pay tolls, buy goods and support our economy.
I can't see an ugly "great" wall cutting through our beautiful Big Bend National Park. Does it go down the middle of the great Rio Grande river where the border actually is? The mountains are steep and rocky.
The border is patrolled very well there with a fleet of vehicles, drones and motion sensors. If you have ever been to the border, you can tell quickly that this is really a non-issue. They drag large tractor-sized tires behind trucks and then watch for footprints in the sand. Low tech and high tech work together at a great expense to us taxpayers.
This wall will also stop animal migrations that have been happening since the beginning of time. WHY???
A pox against Trump and his vision of his "great" wall!
19
People say Russia influenced the election, but Mexico has sent almost 40 million people into the US over recent decades and they form the largest voting bloc in several states.
2
We have a very ignorant man in the White House. He watches TV at night, mostly FOX news so he can feel adored; and CNN, so he can get furious. He tweets. He doesn't sleep, so, of course his mind is very clear. He eats junk food, so, of course, he isn't interested in vegetables or fruit or health really. He doesn't read and he has no depth. He has no advisers who read or have depth. He has no experts advising him, only oligarchs, conservative zealots, and others who have sold their souls.
Before our nation and the world are ruined by his noxious actions, we had better organize to resist him and impeach him.
Meanwhile, let's hope there's enough autonomy and integrity in our existing systems and personnel to continue to run the ship. I believe there is and will work towards allowing them to thrive until this man is gone.
Before our nation and the world are ruined by his noxious actions, we had better organize to resist him and impeach him.
Meanwhile, let's hope there's enough autonomy and integrity in our existing systems and personnel to continue to run the ship. I believe there is and will work towards allowing them to thrive until this man is gone.
3
The Greatest president ever!
4
Perfectly well put editorial, thank you. Its importance cannot be overstated. If I may weigh in here (not that I can add much either to your editorial or to the thoughtful comments that others have posted about it), the greatest problem with respect to Mr. Trump's wall is that he seems not to have the imagination to consider what "wall" means in today's world. Apart from how deeply flawed the four walls of thought in his imagination seem, he has walled himself off from an open and honest dialogue with a nation that not only is or ought to be among the closest to our hearts but is also historically one with which our mutual and long histories bind us irrevocably. Mr. Trump needs to rethink the notion of "wall." Let's hope that someone gets to him sooner rather than later.
2
Interesting to me is the concern about Canadian imports undocumented workers. None.
NY Times would be well served by another detailed article on this.
The press needs to take a news cycle one of these days.
NY Times would be well served by another detailed article on this.
The press needs to take a news cycle one of these days.
1
Government by tantrum, coercion and intimidation. How soon before we have an executive order exempting Republicans from any rule of law and possible scrutiny? How long before lynchings resume?
4
There is plenty of work and opportunity in the US for Americans who want to work hard. Whining, partying instead of going to schools or acquiring skills, and blaming immigrants is not a recipe for success. And yes I am happy to help those who need help and I am happy to contribute.
As soon as the very people Trump panders to start suffering from higher prices and even more job losses, he will be increasingly besieged and his desire for popularity will pull him back from the edge. I just hope his supporters realize soon enough that their emperor has no clothes. Unfortunately, many of them seem to think only in terms of tweets so he can keep them bamboozled for awhile.
1
How can the president not understand that the US is safer and stronger when the two countries on our border are stable and economically strong? This man is beyond stupid.
5
So, Americans will have to pay 20% more for their year-round food supply. Brilliant strategy for health and prosperity, President Trump.
5
This is nonsense. We can grow much more produce at home in the southwest and whatever other produce is needed can be brought in from the Caribbean and Central America who would love to get a large share of the American market. Ditto for anything else that Mexico currently sends northwards. remember only 15% of American exports got to Mexico. 90% of Mexico's exports go the U.S. Which nation is in a stronger position here?
One week into the Trump presidency, and we are already seeing what a disaster Trump is on the world stage. Who could have guessed that conducting diplomacy via insulting early morning tweets would go badly?
3
Conservatives are angry because Obama didn't send more of our soldiers to die. They are happy that Trump will start wars so that our children will die.
2
I'm wondering if those who voted for Trump wish they could pull a Back-to-the-Future and have a do-over?
1
Let's add another alarming aspect of this new Mexican war. It's a complete non-issue and a distraction from the much greater problems facing this country. As the editorial notes, illegal immigration from Mexico has been declining. It only became a big issue when Trump found that playing on American fears of illegal immigrants was a winning strategy. Now all of us -- Americans and Mexicans alike -- will have to pay the bill.
9
BRAVO again, NYT, and thank you. I will quote a portion of this Editorial in my email to Trump at whitehouse.gov this morning and, of course, I will note that the quote is from the NYT today.
2
Now the locavores in New England will have to eat turnips most of the year.
2
The Mexico impasse is hardly a Trump tantrum. Trump is doing exactly what he said he would do - a refreshing change from previous Presidents who lie there way into office and then do whatever they want. The only tantrum here is on the part of the media which is like watching a two year old who has a piece of candy taking away from them.
4
America elected a businessman, so he could bring that smart business sense to the White House. Turns out, he's not smart, he's not a good businessman, he doesn't know the meaning of the word tariff, and his businesses are mainly propped up by the Russians, whom he now owes -- literally, because they finance his business deals, and figuratively, because they helped finagle the election for him. Good work, Trump voters.
4
Ignorant, liar, etc. Bravo NYT for your clear and just words. Keep on telling America and the world who the Grifter really is.
3
This articles sums it up perfectly. A stronger, not a weaker Mexico is in the US's best interest. A stronger Mexico would solve the root problem of illegal immigration in the first place - if you can find a well-paying job at home, why would you leave? Mexico should be our neighbor and friend, not enemy, and not only because I like the availability of fresh strawberries and avocados in the winter (although that is a plus).
2
So all of this craziness he learned at Wharton??
4
The American workers can't see how global trade has made America the richest nation on earth. Partly because they didn't get a share of those riches.
2
And you can bet we'll be strongly encouraged by Trump et. al. to eat more guacamole.
There's a way to pay for the $10 billion wall. There are 11 million illegals in the U.S. right now. After deporting criminal aliens, we give legal status to non-criminal law abiding illegal aliens for a process fee of $1,000 each. $1,000 x 11 million = $11 billion.
your math is wrong. might explain your other problems.
2
Another exercise by NYT and article commenters to trash President Trump.
I don't know, and neither do any of you know, whether or not Trump will be a good or bad President.
I don't know, and neither do any of you know, whether or not Trump will be a good or bad President.
3
You don't know, but all of the rest of us know Trump will be a bad president, because that's all he's been so far.
2
Just reporting what Trump does trashes him. He has done a 180 on his "wall" payment. So was he lying then or is he lying now?
3
Each day is another opportunity to see how deep the rabbit hole goes with this administration. No bottom is in sight yet, apparently.
2
What happens to our country when this Crazy Man has to decide if we go to war or not? Trade is important but human lives mean more. He is a dangerous person and his Republican friends cannot seem to stop doing what he says even when it goes against their so-called Republican "values." There are a lot of his "people" with guns in our country and this is very scary when considering our personal lives and those of our families. This has quit being funny.
3
Increase deficit by building wall first - figure out how to pay for it later.
Wall doesn't work- sell stock - default - rinse, repeat. Huge success, really huge.
Wall doesn't work- sell stock - default - rinse, repeat. Huge success, really huge.
1
Trump longs for the days when America seemed white, and was run exclusively by white men. His comment about building the pipes for Keystone in the US - punctuated with the word "just like the good old days" - is ample proof, as his obsession with Mexicans, Muslims, women, etc. What an embarrassment and disaster this man is. And when my friends in the rust belt see their consumer goods rise because of tariffs, it will feel hollow to say "I told you so."
1
Yet more proof that Trump's knowledge of basic economic principles likely derives from playing Monopoly as a child and watching 'Let's Make a Deal' as a young adult.
Wharton should revoke his degree. He obviously learned nothing there.
Wharton should revoke his degree. He obviously learned nothing there.
1
So America treats Mexico with disdain thanks to the Grifter and Liar in Chief. China is now knocking hard at Mexico city’s door. Way to go deplorable Commander in Chief!
1
Pete Seeger wrote a song about this
called Waist Deep In The Big Muddy:
It was back in nineteen forty-two,
I was a member of a good platoon.
We were on maneuvers in-a Loozianna,
One night by the light of the moon.
The captain told us to ford a river,
That's how it all begun.
We were -- knee deep in the Big Muddy,
But the big fool said to push on.
The Sergeant said, "Sir, are you sure,
This is the best way back to the base?"
"Sergeant, go on! I forded this river
'Bout a mile above this place.
It'll be a little soggy but just keep slogging.
We'll soon be on dry ground."
We were -- waist deep in the Big Muddy
And the big fool said to push on.
The Sergeant said, "Sir, with all this equipment
No man will be able to swim."
"Sergeant, don't be a Nervous Nellie,"
The Captain said to him.
"All we need is a little determination;
Men, follow me, I'll lead on."
We were -- neck deep in the Big Muddy
And the big fool said to push on.
called Waist Deep In The Big Muddy:
It was back in nineteen forty-two,
I was a member of a good platoon.
We were on maneuvers in-a Loozianna,
One night by the light of the moon.
The captain told us to ford a river,
That's how it all begun.
We were -- knee deep in the Big Muddy,
But the big fool said to push on.
The Sergeant said, "Sir, are you sure,
This is the best way back to the base?"
"Sergeant, go on! I forded this river
'Bout a mile above this place.
It'll be a little soggy but just keep slogging.
We'll soon be on dry ground."
We were -- waist deep in the Big Muddy
And the big fool said to push on.
The Sergeant said, "Sir, with all this equipment
No man will be able to swim."
"Sergeant, don't be a Nervous Nellie,"
The Captain said to him.
"All we need is a little determination;
Men, follow me, I'll lead on."
We were -- neck deep in the Big Muddy
And the big fool said to push on.
4
I've never been prouder of my subscription to your newspaper and I have never had more admiration for your journalists.
2
Trump has been hold up in tower for too long. We now live in a global economy, that has vast and complex trade, communication, and manufacturing networks. In such world you cannot single one or two or three players out without setting off a chain of events that no one can predict and will probably ricochet back on the US. It looks like this administration will be known as the putting humpty dumpty back together again.
It looks like it is time for me to start getting serious about exiting the stock market, since dear leader seems driven to start a trade war which will have devastating consequences for the US economy.
Obama may not have been perfect but from my perspective Trump has done more stupid things in one week than he did in 8 years. Sad.
Obama may not have been perfect but from my perspective Trump has done more stupid things in one week than he did in 8 years. Sad.
2
FYI it seems any voice of reason in this nightmare of a congress has been dampened by threats of retribution .
I have written to my Sen. Murphy 4 times within the past week and I do not see him changing his behavior.
Continues to be milktoast against Bannon and Conways puppet president.
Ryan is dispicable in his glee!
Mexico is an ally. What jerks these new American leaders are!!!
He is using groups as scapegoats!! Immigrants do not deserve this hatred.
I have written to my Sen. Murphy 4 times within the past week and I do not see him changing his behavior.
Continues to be milktoast against Bannon and Conways puppet president.
Ryan is dispicable in his glee!
Mexico is an ally. What jerks these new American leaders are!!!
He is using groups as scapegoats!! Immigrants do not deserve this hatred.
2
The regular Americans who voted for Trump are not going to believe all this theoretical economic stuff until they actually start feeling the hurt. For them to lose faith in Trump, we're going to have to let him have his way on this insanity, and we're going to have to feel the market hurt. Give the man enough rope, and he will hang himself.
We humans have been building walls and borders since the dawn of civilization, and all we do is fight over them, in effect, destroying us and our planet. It is time to tear down our walls and our borders, and learn to get along with each other. Our sole purpose as human beings should be to nurture the very planet that nurtures us.
Wow, what an admission by the EB.
Taxes are paid for by the consumer, not the business.
Taxes are paid for by the consumer, not the business.
About that wall,...
Will we spend enough to pay Americans to build it, of will we save the taxpayers money by hiring illegals? Will these be the same illegals that you-know-who's contractors hired to build his hotels?
Will we spend enough to pay Americans to build it, of will we save the taxpayers money by hiring illegals? Will these be the same illegals that you-know-who's contractors hired to build his hotels?
In light of this and so many other bizarre rants isn't it time to simply state that Donald Trump is of unsteady mind and incapable of fulfilling his responsibilities as president?
1
In addition to the economic consequences so clearly described (thank you!), crime would go up as people lost their gainful employment.
Would somebody please explain to me why someone who the more he has it made ~ money, power ~ the more embattled, hateful, and destructive he becomes.
Would somebody please explain to me why someone who the more he has it made ~ money, power ~ the more embattled, hateful, and destructive he becomes.
1
Keep up your urgently important critiques of this madness. Don't ever let Steve Bannon intimidate this great paper or any other news outlet. The war against the press is on because of your courageous determination to print the truth.
I've been thinking about building a wall around my property and making my neighbors pay for it, but my neighbors are Mexicans who are quick to anger, so I may hold off for a while.
"A tax on Mexican imports would be paid by Americans who buy those goods."
Since when has the NY Times ever been against raising taxes?
And the horror of increased prices on winter avocados and mangoes. Oh, the horror!
Since when has the NY Times ever been against raising taxes?
And the horror of increased prices on winter avocados and mangoes. Oh, the horror!
1
It has taken years to nurture our relationship with Mexico (and many other countries) and there exists a kind of harmony, an equilibrium so to speak in our trade. It has worked for years, and now Mr. Trump is about to destroy this relationship in less than one week into his presidency. Let us remember the last time we did something along this line to one of our other neighbors to the south: Cuba. The results are with us to this day. The old saying, he who does not know history .......comes to mind.
"a tax on Mexican imports would be paid by American consumers and businesses that buy those goods."
Americans keep showing, time after time, that we don't care about money, even as our living standard is eclipsed by other, more forward looking countries. The biggest example is medical care. We have a pretty good model of a medical care system, that cares for our elderly better and cheaper than the one the rest of us are stuck with, but we insist, long and loud, that Medicare is un-American, and we will spend more on inferior care as long as possible. Pay more for food and stuff while plunging the economy? Of course. we're Americans!
Americans keep showing, time after time, that we don't care about money, even as our living standard is eclipsed by other, more forward looking countries. The biggest example is medical care. We have a pretty good model of a medical care system, that cares for our elderly better and cheaper than the one the rest of us are stuck with, but we insist, long and loud, that Medicare is un-American, and we will spend more on inferior care as long as possible. Pay more for food and stuff while plunging the economy? Of course. we're Americans!
Get real! The only 'tantrum' which has been consistently on display since election day has been the whining and infantile behavior of the Liberal media and its fellow travelers throughout the culture. A truly astonishing display for this 76 year old who has been observing the American political and cultural scene for 60 years.
2
IOW this will be a tax on the people who can least afford, the people who buy their clothing at WalMart, while he will but taxes on people who buy their clothing at Barney's or Prada. What a surprise! A guy who always put himself first putting people like himself first.
Great analysis of how bigotry is really bad business. But, why would the Congressional, free-trade Republicans even suggest such an idea in the first place? And all for keeping a truly silly campaign promise to build a $20 billion boondoggle to soothe the ego of an unstable person.
1
There is a saying which seems especially true m in the age of Trump: "Poor Mexico, so far from God and so close to the United States."
Folks, try to remember that trump gets his "ideas" from right-wing talk radio, and apparently Bill O'Reilly, he doesn't understand them. He just knows that is what his people like to hear.
He learned his chops on WWR where the guy with the biggest hair and the biggest mouth gets the biggest applause.
The problem is he now has the wheel and he is going to crash the car.
He learned his chops on WWR where the guy with the biggest hair and the biggest mouth gets the biggest applause.
The problem is he now has the wheel and he is going to crash the car.
I was a shareholder in a company that produced goods made in America. It was the Rolls-Royce of companies run by a private family. When the company's earnings were undercut by copycat goods made by Chinese companies in 2004, this US company, this pride and joy went bankrupt in 2006. Five years later, after multiple lawsuits and a change of ownership, the company resurfaced using the SAME logo as the old company and now making goods in ...you guessed it, Mexico. Hopefully, Trump will bring my company back to the USA. Moral of the story: make your goods in the USA and put America first. Why can't you bohemian bourgeois (bobos) weakling readers and columnists admit you are not business people and do not understand Trump?
Maybe Trump is secretly pro-Mexican cheap labor in the US...
If this goes on just a bit longer, much of that Mexican work force is going to be vying to cross the border, before "the Wall" gets built and through all the holes it'll have.
Master negotiators these GOP leaders...
If this goes on just a bit longer, much of that Mexican work force is going to be vying to cross the border, before "the Wall" gets built and through all the holes it'll have.
Master negotiators these GOP leaders...
No, other countries are already trying to figure out how they can sell into the US Market if Mexico imports are taxed as suggested. The result will be Mexico caving because its economy based on sales into the US will otherwise be crushed. The Mexican President will sober up and realize that time is up on the unfair NAFTA deal, on the tolerance by Mexico of the drug cartels, on the encouragement of its citizens to seek a home in the US and that the, what, 30 or so families that pretty much own all of mexico's industry now need take care of their country rather than just exploit it.
1
Uhm, you do realize that no other country can provide the products we are purchasing from Mexico, which is why other countries are not already building them?
And did you know Trump has a resort in Baha Mexico? And more than a hundred other countries have outsourced the Trump brand? Did you know more American jobs are dependent on trade with Mexico than any American jobs sent to Mexico by a vast margin?
And did you know Trump has a resort in Baha Mexico? And more than a hundred other countries have outsourced the Trump brand? Did you know more American jobs are dependent on trade with Mexico than any American jobs sent to Mexico by a vast margin?
1
The Donald is about to confront the realities of economic globalism. In addition to the the disruptions that this article mentions, there are banks and investors behind these cross boarder manufacturing chains that stand to loose a lot of money.
Trump is right to say that the American worker has suffered under these arrangements. If you're not a designer or engineer you may have lost your job due to Nafta. If you gained one back, it was probably in a warehouse making much less than you did as a factory worker.
By turning the entire world into a neoliberal economic model the captains of capital require the American worker to compete with their counterpart in Brazil, China, Mexico and other countries where ether standard of living is much lower. Trump's economic advisors will pull him back from this cliff.
But that still leave the question, what about the American worker? If you look to our inner cities you have an answer. War on drugs=mass incarceration, which crafty politicians have turned into profit centers through private jails, free prison labor, massive fines on top of jail time, private collection agencies collecting the fines, etc. Dealing with the surplus labor of Black folks has been a marvel of neoliberal economics.
Some of these measures have already happening to white workers. That's why they voted for Trump. So now he has to choose between them and the banks. We shall see how this drama unfolds.
Trump is right to say that the American worker has suffered under these arrangements. If you're not a designer or engineer you may have lost your job due to Nafta. If you gained one back, it was probably in a warehouse making much less than you did as a factory worker.
By turning the entire world into a neoliberal economic model the captains of capital require the American worker to compete with their counterpart in Brazil, China, Mexico and other countries where ether standard of living is much lower. Trump's economic advisors will pull him back from this cliff.
But that still leave the question, what about the American worker? If you look to our inner cities you have an answer. War on drugs=mass incarceration, which crafty politicians have turned into profit centers through private jails, free prison labor, massive fines on top of jail time, private collection agencies collecting the fines, etc. Dealing with the surplus labor of Black folks has been a marvel of neoliberal economics.
Some of these measures have already happening to white workers. That's why they voted for Trump. So now he has to choose between them and the banks. We shall see how this drama unfolds.
2
Now that he has the reins, he will find out that in addition to talking the talk and walking the walk,he has to face the consequences.
1
Trump Nation will soon learn what they refused to grasp before depositing their ballots. Trump ain't good for YOUR personal economy. Take a look at almost any item purchased tells a story: Made In America with imported materials. The can containing the contents; The label on the can- containing the contents; the plastic wrap enveloping the label on the can containing the contents- all part of a global Sharing. I traveled to The South last year. In grocery stores- produce came from Canada, while out West- they come from Mexico. Bits and pieces of every product is firmly ensconced in NAFTA. Who knows; the machinery and ink used to print the money we spend may also be made with NAFTA products.
The wall is a stupid and expensive idea. If it had a prayer of working, I would be all for it because I agree that we need to stop the flow of migrants. The money would be better invested in hiring and training more immigration officers, which would in turn create jobs.
1
If a huge Gulf is created in the economy of Mexico and some other international players step in... Do we want China or Russia in our back yard?
Did he think about that possibility?
Or maybe that is what he really wants! -?
Did he think about that possibility?
Or maybe that is what he really wants! -?
Of course Americans always were going to pay for Donnie's wall, but some will feel the pain more than others. The GOP loves import taxes because it is a form of regressive taxation. Make the people at the bottom of the economic ladder bear the brunt of the burden, and let the 1%ers off lightly. Welfare to the wealthy is one of their favorite games.
Trump is the loud-mouth, but Congress holds the purse-strings! We must direct our outrage also to Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan!
1
The New York Times, and every other "legitimate" news outlet needs to stop using prejudicial and loaded words like "tantrum". All you are doing is feeding Trump's mantra that the media is biased against him. Give us the facts, we are smart enough to draw our own conclusions. Leave out the bias, and maybe some Trump supporters will start reading what you have to say.
3
The President of Mexico, learned to his dismay, that when you try and be civil and work with Donald Trump, you get nothing but contemptuous treatment. President Trump, hearkening back to his "business negotiation" methods, just views this as "weak." This should serve as a lesson for moderate democrats.
1
It also illustrates exactly how much white people hate brown people like me. They hate us so much that they want to build a wall to keep themselves separated from us. We won't forget this insult.
My daughter asked me during the election if all white people hated us as much as Trump does. Back then I told her no. Last night I said yes, they do all hate us. They voted for this guy, so we can only conclude that they hate us.
My daughter asked me during the election if all white people hated us as much as Trump does. Back then I told her no. Last night I said yes, they do all hate us. They voted for this guy, so we can only conclude that they hate us.
2
This makes me feel so sad. Please know that there are millions of us who do not hate. Let your daughter hear our voices-love will overcome.
2
How melodramatic. I am from Honduras and have never felt that white people "hate me."You are teaching your daughter to think everyone is out to get her. And, yo do know that Trump got a significant percent of minority votes, right?
I am all for legal immigration and completely against illegal immigration. Resources are finite.
I am all for legal immigration and completely against illegal immigration. Resources are finite.
At the rate that Trump is going you can expect that America will have alienated most of the countries in the world by the start of 2018. That will leave the US looking like North Korea. A totally isolated failing country with a crazy narcissistic leader who demands total fealty from the citizens.
2
Two countries have been building walls in recent history - the former East Germany and Israel.
With the Mexican Wall the US will find itself in great company.
With the Mexican Wall the US will find itself in great company.
2
NAFTA should be revised, not eliminated. One reason Mexicans illegally come to America is that NAFTA drove them off their land by allowing subsidized American grains to flood their market and undercut small farmers. Mexicans simply could not compete with underpriced US corn. [The Iowa Caucuses filter all presidential hopefuls resulting in only those who support grain subsidies.]
The logic of an import tax is bizarre. What nation would not retaliate? Either they will impose their own taxes or they will simply not buy American. Neither scenario helps the TRUMP voter. I can't see how this trade war will help anybody. No doubt a new equilibrium will result after a few years, but not after eviscerating all lower income people. Class divisions will increase.
This game show host in chief is insane. The sooner his sycophants realize this, the better.
The logic of an import tax is bizarre. What nation would not retaliate? Either they will impose their own taxes or they will simply not buy American. Neither scenario helps the TRUMP voter. I can't see how this trade war will help anybody. No doubt a new equilibrium will result after a few years, but not after eviscerating all lower income people. Class divisions will increase.
This game show host in chief is insane. The sooner his sycophants realize this, the better.
2
As a liberal I think America will thank the Republican Party for Donald Trump. He is so extreme and toxic his actions will taint the party for years to come. He will draw the outrage of free thinking Americans.
I who have never marched in protest am looking forward to the next large crowd to join. Rout and out in 2018.
I who have never marched in protest am looking forward to the next large crowd to join. Rout and out in 2018.
2
Comrade Trump doesn't live in the long term view. He doesn't care what the consequences of his actions are because to him, they have never mattered. Whether discarding his various wives, business partners or businesses, the consequences to these people never enters the equation. After all, there's always another wife, another business deal, another partner. And, as he has made crystal clear, he doesn't like losers. How lucky we are! Such a quality leader.
1
What do you expect from a president who suffers from a mental illness? He is mentally ill. Say it. Please say it. You can call it something different to follow their alternative fact reality, but please, let's call a spade a spade.
1
Building a wall is a dumb idea no matter who pays for it. Walls went out of style under Reagan with the destruction of the Berlin wall.
1
Does the NY times and readership suffer from amnesia??? Don't you remember from just a meager few weeks that one of President Trumps items was building the wall??? I don't consider myself an expert on the merits of the wall but this I do know what President Trump promised he carries through and that's a big plus. This I also know that we have 60-70 Billion trade imbalance with Mexico year after Year consistently not in our favor. This I also know that Trump pledged to put America first. one final thought the wall is supposed stop drugs and illegals from coming into our country.
2
Another day. another obsession, another inane "thought."
Atlas shrugs!
Atlas shrugs!
The President with an Economic Degree doesn't know squat about Economics.
2
A strong and stable ally is in the best interest of the United States and Mexico. My concern is that the new administration does not use facts to make decisions and does not have any appreciation for the direct AND indirect consequences of their actions. He is not using the lessons of history and is in danger of repeating the mistakes of the past. This is a frightening combination for the world and for the US.
In the near future we could be looking back at the time when the U.S. had a stable and well-functioning neighbor on its southern border.
1
It's Amateur Hour, folks. Resorting to strongman tactics before any kind of diplomacy is exactly what you'd expect from someone with no experience in government. Add to that the fact that the 20% tax would be paid by American consumers — who will be fooled by this?
By the end of the first 100 days, we may need more psychotherapists than economists to assess the policies aimed at Making America Great Again.
1
Does the NYT Editorial Board not get it?
This is the age of delusion and deception (you pick the balance at any historical moment) crafted by the showman-president.
Reality? There are alternatives. Economic policy wisdom? Created facts not suitable for the moment.
It is about building strength among Trump's true believers. Real consequences for the USA or Mexico, or any do not matter.
This is the age of delusion and deception (you pick the balance at any historical moment) crafted by the showman-president.
Reality? There are alternatives. Economic policy wisdom? Created facts not suitable for the moment.
It is about building strength among Trump's true believers. Real consequences for the USA or Mexico, or any do not matter.
Donald Trump, as is more apparent every day, clearly suffers from a mental illness. As well, he’s a compulsive liar with tyrannical tendencies; he's detached from reality. He's a danger to us all, our country and our planet. He's unfit to serve as president and needs to be removed from office. Contact your representatives - often - and tell them to remove him from office. Post this on social media, email your friends and family, comment online, spread the word.
Building a stone age wall across a continent in the drone age is insane.
1
Quoting one of President Reagan's famous quotes ...
NYT editorial board.... "There you go again"
No wonder you have lost credibility with the American public (well except for the die hard liberals ) with your fake and distorted news.
It's not like President Trump hasn't been stating the fact of building the wall and making Mexico pay for it just came up this past week. He has been touting this mantra for over 16 months now. That's why he WON and Hillary LOST!
Nieto has been losing popularity in Mexico for many months now. His raising the price of gas was the last straw for the mexican people. The government in Mexico makes some of the dictators in Africa look like idiots in the amount of corruption they conjure up. Think about it......
Mexico currently enjoys a trade SURPLUS with the US in excess of $60 BILLION a year.
Mexico receives over $25 BILLION a year repatriated from the folks living here ILLEGALLY each year.
Yet 50% of the Mexican population lives in poverty. One has to ask , Whose fault is that, I know one answer and it's not the U S or TRUMPS.
NYT editorial board.... "There you go again"
No wonder you have lost credibility with the American public (well except for the die hard liberals ) with your fake and distorted news.
It's not like President Trump hasn't been stating the fact of building the wall and making Mexico pay for it just came up this past week. He has been touting this mantra for over 16 months now. That's why he WON and Hillary LOST!
Nieto has been losing popularity in Mexico for many months now. His raising the price of gas was the last straw for the mexican people. The government in Mexico makes some of the dictators in Africa look like idiots in the amount of corruption they conjure up. Think about it......
Mexico currently enjoys a trade SURPLUS with the US in excess of $60 BILLION a year.
Mexico receives over $25 BILLION a year repatriated from the folks living here ILLEGALLY each year.
Yet 50% of the Mexican population lives in poverty. One has to ask , Whose fault is that, I know one answer and it's not the U S or TRUMPS.
2
Among other issues, I can't sand his voice. Sneering, confiding, dishonest, sure David Muir, I'm smarter than you, the love is in the room, the Mexicans will pay for the wall, you know, it's complicated.
It's an opening position in a trade negotiation and honestly, it will likely work. And other nations will take notice which will further improve our negotiating position with them, especially Asian countries like China, Korea, Japan and India. Everyone surely knows the Americans have been getting the short end of the stick in these trade negotiations. If Trump makes things more even, all the better. What I find amazing is so few in the media can see it. Have they never negotiated a business deal?
2
Nothing is as frightening as ignorance in action. - Goethe
1
Donald Trump is a D- president with a F- following. Assuming there are a few cooler heads in Congress who will put the brakes on this suicide mission, I look forward to watching the inevitable crash between right wing fantasy and cold, hard reality.
Frankly, it doesn't matter who would pay for the "wall". The cost is enormous and obscene. Just think what those billions of dollars could do for people, towns, cities, water cleanup. Winston Churchill once said, "America always does the right thing...after they've tried everything else." Now we've elected a fool, not a happy and kind one. A mean and "nasty" one. What's next?
Build the wall. Obama wasted 10 trillion on nothing for eight years so a import tax on Mexican goods is nothing and will defray the cost. Illegal immigrants are breaking the law period. U.S. taxpayers for decades have been forced to unknowingly pay for this nonsense with the social strains. Protect our borders every other country does.
2
What steps did the President take when he ran the Trump Organization to protect against benefiting from illegal immigration? Did his own organization check on the immigration status of all employees, guests and vendors?
Before Trump blames Mexico for our failed border security and immigration policies, he should "own" his own role. Where is the justification for Trump to demand that Mexico pay for our border security?
Before Trump blames Mexico for our failed border security and immigration policies, he should "own" his own role. Where is the justification for Trump to demand that Mexico pay for our border security?
"Americans would pay for the wall, not Mexicans." This should be the lead! That said, this piece still misses what got Trump elected -- all those "cheaper labor" jobs that went to Mexico weren't replaced with other cheaper labor jobs for those who lost them. Trump promised to bring the jobs back which must sound like manna from heaven from those living on gutted towns where the only jobs are at WalMart. No wonder he is able to get away with explaining why the media is evil -- to those who were left behind, pieces such as this, while extolling how NAFTA lowered prices for Americans means nothing for those who still can't afford to take advantage of those prices.
Trump is neither thoughtful or introspective.Trump's ignorance is astounding. What Trump is is a clear and present danger to our country.
4
NYT - Please report on how will the American public, including those who voted for Trump, feels about paying for the $40b + wall themselves. There should be national outrage and I don't see it.
1
No matter how good the economy is when the Democrats leave, an incoming Republican administration will find a way to trash it.
1
Al this Mexico bashing is going to have long term unintended consequences. It will be unsurprising when the Mexican President is given a smiling welcome as he visits China to discuss the new economic relations between the two countries
Trump's diatribes against Mexico are just part of President Bannon's plan to throw red meat at the GOP base. Of course the actions Trump is blathering on about are harmful to America, and will cause a loss of jobs and an increase in prices for imported products and lots of other economic woes. But none of that matters. All that's important to Trump/Bannon is to create distractions in his statements that keep the proletariat busily focused on emotions instead of the highway robbery he's planning. He's about to slash taxes for the wealthy, including himself, and to shift a massive amount of the US economy into his own bank account and those of his oligarch friends. But NO ONE is talking about that, including the New York Times. Where is the responsible journalism? You in the media keep falling into the traps Trump sets for you, and you keep ignoring the big picture of what is actually going on behind the scenes which will kill the American economy.
Come on, man. Do your job, not Trump's. Expose the truth. Trump is the most incompetent President America has ever had, but that doesn't mean he has no fangs.
Come on, man. Do your job, not Trump's. Expose the truth. Trump is the most incompetent President America has ever had, but that doesn't mean he has no fangs.
3
We're one week into an insane lunatics daily antics that threaten all measure of serious insecurities to the nation and the world. Is there anyone really close to this toddler president who can put him into a timeout?
1
No, a dangerous wind is blowing.
The much-maligned Governor John Kasich looks better and better with every passing day.
1
Why do the Mexicans object so much to a wall?
They do realize there will be plenty of gates where you can enter and exit legally, don't they?
The Mexicans do not deserve special privilege to enter and exit our country illegally, whenever they want.
They do realize there will be plenty of gates where you can enter and exit legally, don't they?
The Mexicans do not deserve special privilege to enter and exit our country illegally, whenever they want.
3
We're starting to see a dangerous precedent take hold--Mr. Trump can't seem to separate what's going on inside his head from what he says aloud. No negotiator, or negotiation can gain the upper hand if you can't keep your cards close to your chest. A cool, calm, collected negotiator and strategist is the most dangerous (think Vladimir Putin), as he can plan a masterful and long-term strategy then suddenly surprise the opponent in an overwhelming end game. By "leaking" his most daring proposals at the beginning, then suddenly backpedaling ("it's just a buffet of options") the President makes America look weak and indecisive.
This isn't even the "Art of the Deal for Dummies". It's the Art of the Deal *from* dummies. We should do better.
This isn't even the "Art of the Deal for Dummies". It's the Art of the Deal *from* dummies. We should do better.
where oh where is Chipotle gonna get avocados for it's guacamole in the winter ?! where are the business leaders in this country , who must be able to see the disaster that's heading our way?
R E S I S T !
R E S I S T !
2
You know that loudmouth that sits at the end of the bar spewing nonsense about everything? He's now our president. God help us.
Did not take long for this piece to start lying..."It’s hard to tell whether the animus Mr. Trump has conveyed toward immigrants, particularly Mexicans..."
Trump, and his supporters, are not anti- immigrant. He, and we, have a problem with illegal immigrants and temporarily, immigrants from terrorist supporting nations that cannot guarantee proper vetting.
On this lie alone, once grand news sources such as the NYT, ABC, NBC and CBS have lost many of their viewers/readers. How are we supposed to accept you as purveyors of unbiased truth when we see these actions daily? If we want blatant fake news there are plenty of places to get it. We put up with it while you had your love affair with Obama/Clinton but many of us are forced to look elsewhere until you can at least stop this simple lie. You are only fooling yourself.
Trump, and his supporters, are not anti- immigrant. He, and we, have a problem with illegal immigrants and temporarily, immigrants from terrorist supporting nations that cannot guarantee proper vetting.
On this lie alone, once grand news sources such as the NYT, ABC, NBC and CBS have lost many of their viewers/readers. How are we supposed to accept you as purveyors of unbiased truth when we see these actions daily? If we want blatant fake news there are plenty of places to get it. We put up with it while you had your love affair with Obama/Clinton but many of us are forced to look elsewhere until you can at least stop this simple lie. You are only fooling yourself.
2
Trump tries to deceive Americans into paying for a wall most Americans don't want. Sad.
Failed states are dangerous. Mexico is vulnerable for a lot of reasons. The bullying approach President Trump is choosing will add to the troubles. It may look good to Trump supporters for a while, but it's unlikely to end well.
I think both sides end up paying. American consumers will pay a higher price for goods, Mexican producers will suffer from lower sales, everybody's living standards decline.
Clearly he has avoided taxes for so long that he has forgotten how they work. With import tariffs, goods become less competitive against home produced equivalents ( it is called protectionism ) because they cost more money. The consumer pays, the tax revenue comes from American-first pockets.
To those who elected this dunce: you broke America, you need to fix it, join the protests, call your congress and apologize.
To those who elected this dunce: you broke America, you need to fix it, join the protests, call your congress and apologize.
1
No surprises here. What did America think it was doing putting a mentally ill person in the White House?
In response to Trump's insane statements and acts, President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico, should DEMAND the return of the Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and California territories taken from Mexico in 1848. Back then the United States was sending hoodlums, robbers and rapists into Mexico. They stole the lands from peaceful Mexicans.
Like Erdoğan of Turkey, President Enrique Peña Nieto might want to host a meeting with Trump's lover, Vlad Putin. Is it too far fetched that Mexico and Russia could develop a new trade agreement?
In response to Trump's insane statements and acts, President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico, should DEMAND the return of the Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and California territories taken from Mexico in 1848. Back then the United States was sending hoodlums, robbers and rapists into Mexico. They stole the lands from peaceful Mexicans.
Like Erdoğan of Turkey, President Enrique Peña Nieto might want to host a meeting with Trump's lover, Vlad Putin. Is it too far fetched that Mexico and Russia could develop a new trade agreement?
3
I hope the secret service has a public security device in their arsenal,like a straight jacket.
1
I thought that NYT was concerned about the American "workers". Not!!
2
I am feel shame and disgust about the rabid words and behavior of President Trump. Mexico is NOT swindling the United States. Trump's words are a cruel and destructive ruse. His words and actions are fueled by his own greed and self-inflated ego. He is trying to disempower the American People by cultivating hate, fear and rage in the American people. Mr. Trump has embraced Vladimir Putin's Playbook. I encourage every one to listen to Luke Harding's Interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air. We do not need to build a wall. Mexico is NOT our enemy. I applaud the President of Mexico for cancelling his meeting with our President. He did so firmly and respectfully. Frankly, I am appalled that our Republican and Democratic Senators and Congress Representatives haven't responded to Trump's irresponsible tantrum with outrage. Is there any viable leadership left in our government?
1
Trump's hair coloring will be 20% more expensive.
3
Regardless, let those who can buy Mexican.
I wouldn't be surprised if (along the vein of its huge investments in Africa), China announces a huge infrastructure investment deal in Mexico. After all, if we push Mexico into a corner, where else would they have to turn?
1
Trump's thoughtless impulsiveness is a 'killer', and a reflection of a failed businessman (corroborated by his multiple bankruptcies and cheating ways in dealing with others). His temper tantrums will ruin the U.S. standing in the world, and not only in business affairs. He is a maniac in need of a straight-jacket, so he won't harm himself...nor the rest of us.
1
Last July, when putting to bed our then six year old, he asked two difficult questions: “Mamá, who is Donald Trump? Is it true he hates Mexicans?”
Today, at breakfast I was able to tell our son that Mexico does not stand alone.
I too struggled with the NYTimes over election season.
Today I renewed my subscription.
Today, at breakfast I was able to tell our son that Mexico does not stand alone.
I too struggled with the NYTimes over election season.
Today I renewed my subscription.
Why do you make the one point that trump supporters care about the last sentence? They want the wall and they want Mexico to pay for it. Trump is going to deliver the wall while making us pay for it through those taxes. Then he is going to lower taxes on himself and his rich friends while telling us the import tax revenue offsets the cut. You have to say it loudly and quickly in every article, We the consumers end up paying the tax. It is another ploy to enrich the .01%
President Trump's "Wall" appealed to enough G.O.P.s to win him the nomination. I thought he was referring to illegal immigration and
unfair treatment of Americans problems. I think he was forced not to back off of, "who is paying for it, its dimensions and beauty". Had such an irate crowd existed when Wall Street CEO's raped Americans we might not have such a problem. Go for it, but don't discourage him from full filling his obligations to the working class.
unfair treatment of Americans problems. I think he was forced not to back off of, "who is paying for it, its dimensions and beauty". Had such an irate crowd existed when Wall Street CEO's raped Americans we might not have such a problem. Go for it, but don't discourage him from full filling his obligations to the working class.
1
Wow, all of a sudden Liberals have found the way corporate taxes work. They are paid by the consumer. Bravo. This President has done more to educate the American Public in one week than all other Presidents combined.
The government needs to collect more taxes and people should feel patriotic in paying them.
The Donald is clearly off the hook, but so is the media with the hyper-hysterical reactions to the stuff he and/or his minions say. I truly think it is a smoke screen to distract the media and public from what is really going on. Do I know what that is? Nope. I hope it is a sane, rational, plan for our country even if I don't necessarily agree with their philosophy. Doubt it, but there is always hope. But the media's job is to find out what the real plan, or lack thereof, is. Can't do that if you keep taking the bait.
Trade is complicated. Mr. Trump has shown no inclination to learn about things that are complicated. Here's hoping the GOP leadership will overcome their fear of alienating their base and coach him.
Does anyone in this administration have any idea what they're doing?
Is there any forethought into what the long term results of their policies?
They're the children from Lord of the Flies.
Is there any forethought into what the long term results of their policies?
They're the children from Lord of the Flies.
1
The last sentence is absolutely correct. The tax would increase the cost of the goods. Therefore, some Americans would not buy them, but they would not buy the same goods made in America (if made in America) either because of cost. But those Americans who did buy the goods would pay the tax. Thus, "Americans would pay for the wall, not Mexicans." Once again, Trump is caught in a lie. He is a snarky con artist whose dishonest behavior is constant and never ending. How long will we let him wiggle out of his pathological deceit?
1
Anyone expecting Trump to make monetary decisions based on sound economic principles needs his head examined.
Thank you for making this case which is really ECON 101! Of course the tax would be shouldered by the US consumer.
I am glad that you are making this point - but does the Trump team not have any such skill in its team? I guess someone on his team finally got through when they abruptly softened their position...
NTY - it is going to take relentless work on your part and that of the press to keep highlighting these issues. Not sure why the Democrats have ceased to speak with any voice.
I am glad that you are making this point - but does the Trump team not have any such skill in its team? I guess someone on his team finally got through when they abruptly softened their position...
NTY - it is going to take relentless work on your part and that of the press to keep highlighting these issues. Not sure why the Democrats have ceased to speak with any voice.
This guy really operates like a 6 year old school yard bully. This is all about what he wants, to show his base he is building a wall and Mexico is paying for it somehow. The President of Mexico did not fall in line so trump will use any sort of threat to try to bully him into submission so he can have the winning headline. What really scares me is what if this was a shooting war?? How many Americans would he send to their death to prove he is right??
Thank you for calling Tuump's behaviour a "tantrum" in the headline. As America's newspaper of record, The Times must be vigilant in pointing out how Trump's actions and attitude deviate from the norms of our society. It may be challenging for some--I'm looking at you, GOP congress--to recognise the horror of our situation under this administration, but it will be crystal clear to future generations researching this era in the pages of The Times.
What is the scariest aspect of this is just like the women groping, the disabled mocking, the demonizing of people from other countries, etc, there seems to be no backlash from his own supporters. And Mr. Ryan and Mr. McConnell who never really stood up to him during the campaign are stepping aside and letting him walk all over them. The bully wins again. So as the new health care system leaves many to fend for themselves, as the wall is built with higher prices for, yes Americans, and as American military power is used to make America great again and Americans start to die overseas, the big question is when will Trump supporters and the Republican leadership finally show some backbone. The Democrats #1 mission needs to be to, over and over, point out to the American people that higher taxes, higher prices, unstable borders with Mexico, wider income inequality, and Americans being killed overseas all with much higher deficits is bought to you by The Republicans. And pound away at that message. Let me see tax and spend, where have I heard that before. . .
2
Ryan and McConnell are standing aside so he can bury himself. They don't want to get rid of the b0aby with the bathwater.
1
Four more years. OMG. If you didn't vote, don't complain.
1
Would someone please explain to me why they think a wall would work (never mind solve any problem)? If there is a wall in the way, wouldn't people just go around? Over? Under?
I am ready for a wall but here, not at our southern border, between red and blue states. Texas, for one, has dabbled in secession talk since the days of the Texas Republic. Let them go. Let's see how well they do without Federal support. Tea Party types have been great at screaming about taxes and freedom while enjoying the support of the government they decry with bizarre statements like "Get the government out of my Medicare!" We are all in this together as a country and, after NAFTA, as a continent.
3
Most business leaders, even those with clear visions, test things before committing to them fully. Test, learn, adapt, ... nail it before you scale it. We have people who don't read, don't take inputs, and detest science, now in charge of much bigger operations than failing casinos. With Trump, everything is about optics, especially to his base. Rational thought, proceed with caution, proof before billions, ideology over evidence ... none of this has a good ending.
5
The President of Mexico is vulnerable. He has a 12% approval rating. He will come out on the bottom in this battle, and end up paying for half the wall. People should understand how Trump negotiates. Step #1...Present an absurd demand that you have no intention of winning. Step #2....Pretend that you are serious about step #1...Step #3...Compromise in the middle, and everyone feels like a winner which is the result Trump anticipated.
Trump throws a lot of "dead cats" out there in all of his negotiations.
Trump throws a lot of "dead cats" out there in all of his negotiations.
1
I wonder how Trump's supporters feel. If a tariff on Mexican imports is imposed, do they understand they will be responsible for paying for the wall through higher prices in consumer goods - and possibly loss jobs?
Another example of the chaos sewn by this buffoon in chief. Trump has no idea what he's doing.
Threat of immigrants "pouring" across border.
Illegal voting.
Building a wall solution.
All lies.
Illegal voting.
Building a wall solution.
All lies.
1
Ok we all agree that HE does not have the ability to manage the office or the people who work for him. So, what do we do to correct this situation. We continue to oppose him in every which way possible. We take legal actions to slow and disrupt his actions=we do what Donald has done to all of his contractors. We physically protest. We elect members to the House and Senate who will not abide his nonsense. We make sure that no matter where he goes not matter what he does we will be with crystal clarity examine each and every move he makes. We have a infant in the house and must deal with him accordingly.
1
Thank you NYT for having the continued courage to publish an honest assessment of the statements, proposals, threats and falsehoods erupting from this new regime.
1
A New York "swindler" meets Mexican "rapist, drug dealer, criminal." Really Mr. Trump? Please do something---its called "thinking."
It is alarming enough that this clown car administration is dangerous, but the republicans backing this stupid wall, which will cost the American tax payers billions is beyond belief! They should instead spend those billions retooling and training Americans in the rust belt states for 21st century jobs. Imagine how many jobs could then be filled here in the US.
What advantage could we possibly gain by destabilizing our neighbor and do these clowns believe that this would have no impact on America -jobs, price of goods etc.? This is very dangerous. We Americans should be alarmed and really worried.
What advantage could we possibly gain by destabilizing our neighbor and do these clowns believe that this would have no impact on America -jobs, price of goods etc.? This is very dangerous. We Americans should be alarmed and really worried.
1
Another valid option and a key to solve illegal immegration,mostly from Central America has to be explored.
Why not help Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala to increase border security and also use this approach as a carrot and stick with Mexican southern border authorities.
This would stop the flow of immigrants.
Why not help Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala to increase border security and also use this approach as a carrot and stick with Mexican southern border authorities.
This would stop the flow of immigrants.
Didn't we try tariffs and quotas in the 19th century? How did that work out? Didn't this country engage in imperialism in the past? Now DJT wants to "take oil". Be sure to turn your clocks back 300 years, folks.
Love seeing the word "lies" in print ... please keep it up!
1
This is just the first taste of the administrations madness. The 'Safe Zones' in Syria is another example. They would up end the apple cart for a alternative headline never thinking about the consequences. A recession. A war. People dying. What do they care.
Well the rest of us care. Resist anyway you can.
Well the rest of us care. Resist anyway you can.
This absurd threat,
-----------
Think this is where the respected NYT Editors err. The tea leaves can be reas as, 'This absurd theatre'.
Nothing has happened yet, and it makes more sense to wait for real outcomes in good faith. This is not South China sea nor any other hotspot in Asia-Pacific where threats invoke credible counter-threats.
-----------
Think this is where the respected NYT Editors err. The tea leaves can be reas as, 'This absurd theatre'.
Nothing has happened yet, and it makes more sense to wait for real outcomes in good faith. This is not South China sea nor any other hotspot in Asia-Pacific where threats invoke credible counter-threats.
For the last decade we have run an annual deficit with Mexico of between $45 billion and $65 billion. we lost probably more than 700,000 jobs not to mention entire industries like knitting mills and auto parts. This is pretty well known by most financial folks. But comparing that to a job gain of 1.9 million to support Mexican exports is a little crazy given the deficit and where that job gain number came from. PIIE, is Peter G. Peterson's organization, the same guy who has spent millions trying to get Social Security cut substantially and eradicate Medicare. You really cannot believe that number. also, PIIE offers not a single example to support that figure.
NAFTA was a George Bush idea later supported by Clinton in a very big was saying it's a job creator. I would guess he would like to take that back.
The last paragraph is the only thought in this editorial that makes sense.
I am not a Trump supporter, didn't vote for him but in this case he's not far wrong, but building the wall is not solving the problem. Stopping American business from moving jobs out of the US is.
NAFTA was a George Bush idea later supported by Clinton in a very big was saying it's a job creator. I would guess he would like to take that back.
The last paragraph is the only thought in this editorial that makes sense.
I am not a Trump supporter, didn't vote for him but in this case he's not far wrong, but building the wall is not solving the problem. Stopping American business from moving jobs out of the US is.
1
I am getting tired of constantly reading about how terrible this is. Of course it is. Trump has established himself as a fascistic, cruel, petty autocrat. He is also brainless and possibly deranged. Steve Bannon is about as low a person as one could find anywhere--a petty tyrant getting off on the misery of others. It is time to draw the appropriate conclusions: Impeachment or kicked out by cabinet. Something. We cannot survive this. It is exhausting and frightening. If we all love our children, we need to know what to ask for. TRUMP MUST GO, Democracy first.
1
If this was the private sector, and a new employee, less than a week into the job proved himself to be as inept as Donald Trump, there would be only one recourse - admit a terrible mistake was made in the interview/hiring process and take appropriate action to end employment. Immediately.
1
This is what you get when you base your votes on someone boasting, instead of having a coherent economic plan.
Trump's pea brain is incapable of understanding anything but braggadocio; everything he touches ends in bankruptcies and lawsuits. Nice judge of character, those who voted for him. Now we're stuck with a nincompoop for our leader.
Trump's pea brain is incapable of understanding anything but braggadocio; everything he touches ends in bankruptcies and lawsuits. Nice judge of character, those who voted for him. Now we're stuck with a nincompoop for our leader.
So we get to pay for the wall through our taxes, then we get to pay again through increased prices of Mexican imports. Got it. This is supposed to make Mexico suffer???
2
This is not "impulsive" or a "tantrum."
It's exactly what he said he'd do throughout his campaign.
The question is whether the wall is worth the cost - because Mexico is never going to pay for it, and there will be no 20% Tarriff.
Walls work. They worked in Germany after WWII to prevent East Germans from leaving (a bad idea), and they work in Israel to prevent suicide bombings (a good idea).
But here? I just don't know if it's worth $15 billion. I think the money is better spent on border patrol and on roads and bridges.
It's exactly what he said he'd do throughout his campaign.
The question is whether the wall is worth the cost - because Mexico is never going to pay for it, and there will be no 20% Tarriff.
Walls work. They worked in Germany after WWII to prevent East Germans from leaving (a bad idea), and they work in Israel to prevent suicide bombings (a good idea).
But here? I just don't know if it's worth $15 billion. I think the money is better spent on border patrol and on roads and bridges.
1
Deplorable and the start of a global war against the US.
Question is, where are our congressional (Republican) leaders? Quite easy to comprehend, I presume they are in line with this President or just not able to confront him. A week in the presidency and look at the chaos this president has created. However, this should not surprise us, this is the type of person Mr. Trump is. Creating situations for him to feed his ego, but this is not show time Mr. President.
Trumps bullying this week whether over Mexico, sanctuary cities or sending the feds into Chicago, shows that Trump, Preibus, McConnell, Ryan, Pence, are not ready to lead a boy scout pack, nol less the world! Trumps recent calling out 'bad dudes' is an insult to a 21st century thinking!
He only calls "bad dudes" those who dont pay their fair share in bribes to him. (fair share, what a ridiculous thought)
Devastating the Mexican economy is a sure way to attract more immigrants.
1
Su lider es muy estupidissimo. Una lastima
The number of lies we see Trump tell every single day is incredible.
It may be too much to ask at this point, but could Republicans please give the appearance of having a modicum of intelligence as they grapple with the reins of our government.
Thank you.
Thank you.
3
Trump demonstrates his lack of diplomacy. A really bad choice for America and the world. also a warning to other democracies to make better policies for the people and not for big corporations.
To other democracies: learn from this.
1. all candidates must be massively vetted, given totally invasive medical tests, and psychologicial exams just to get on a ballot. All with non partisan investigators, doctors, and psychologists. All these things should have to be paid for by the hopeful candidate. At non insurance negotiated rates.
2.No donations over $10 from any company, or persons should be allowed at any time. Any politician found taking "donations" or bribes (whatever they try to call them) should when found guilty be hung in public, with all family money given over to the national treasury (or state if a state election). The people or companies that over "donate" should have 95% of all money and property taken also (including factories, homes, businesses). Let them campaign by driving around alone to talk to voters, asking to spend the night in a private citizens homes, and be fed by those he/she wishes to rule.....I mean govern.
3. Candidates should have no legal record (beyond parking tickets, and those must have been paid in full within the legal time limit). No suits against them at any time.
We didnt do these things and look what we ended up with. Learn from it world. Dont do what we did.
1. all candidates must be massively vetted, given totally invasive medical tests, and psychologicial exams just to get on a ballot. All with non partisan investigators, doctors, and psychologists. All these things should have to be paid for by the hopeful candidate. At non insurance negotiated rates.
2.No donations over $10 from any company, or persons should be allowed at any time. Any politician found taking "donations" or bribes (whatever they try to call them) should when found guilty be hung in public, with all family money given over to the national treasury (or state if a state election). The people or companies that over "donate" should have 95% of all money and property taken also (including factories, homes, businesses). Let them campaign by driving around alone to talk to voters, asking to spend the night in a private citizens homes, and be fed by those he/she wishes to rule.....I mean govern.
3. Candidates should have no legal record (beyond parking tickets, and those must have been paid in full within the legal time limit). No suits against them at any time.
We didnt do these things and look what we ended up with. Learn from it world. Dont do what we did.
There is an obvious solution here: Trump's business partners can build coal-fired greenhouses in the devastated ruins of the heartland and grow mangoes and avocados to make all the daiquiris and nachos required for every Super Bowl party in the USA!
(This is a travesty! How did we get here and how will it end? Every day a new horror story....and it's only the beginning.)
(This is a travesty! How did we get here and how will it end? Every day a new horror story....and it's only the beginning.)
1
Trump is just an actor, and a bad one at that judging from the few appearances I've watched this week. It is very obvious his heart is not in it and he has no idea what he's doing. He's acting. He's simply there to create confusion and distrust while the real game goes on out of sight.
After 9/11 the GOP suddenly pulled the large Patriot Act out of a hat, a document that likely had taken quite some time to prepare. We're seeing the same thing now with all sorts of plans and programs being pulled out of a hat all of a sudden. It's obvious to me that much work has been done behind the scenes for quite some time in preparation for this moment.
The well know adages of "Create chaos, then offer a solution to the chaos" and "Hiding in plain sight " comes to mind.
Don't be fooled by the confusion being created and paraded in front of you, look at what's going on behind the obvious. And follow the money...
After 9/11 the GOP suddenly pulled the large Patriot Act out of a hat, a document that likely had taken quite some time to prepare. We're seeing the same thing now with all sorts of plans and programs being pulled out of a hat all of a sudden. It's obvious to me that much work has been done behind the scenes for quite some time in preparation for this moment.
The well know adages of "Create chaos, then offer a solution to the chaos" and "Hiding in plain sight " comes to mind.
Don't be fooled by the confusion being created and paraded in front of you, look at what's going on behind the obvious. And follow the money...
1
Just dont drown when you fall off the coast following all the money Trump steals. All going to offshore accounts, so when he is impeached and does a Nixon, cause he knows hes guilty, he can sneak away with maybe a trillion dollars to his dacha in Russia. Without any of his family. He will, when he sees things ending, loot all his companies as well, stash the money off shore with the rest of his ill gotten gains, and leave. Taking no family with him. Putin will supply him with all the 12-15 year old girls he wants, free. So what does he need family for? To take the punishment for everything he has done.
Heroin, Meth, and Central American immigrants is not trade.
The cartels run the local law enforcement like something from the Sopranos, and the small towns and villages are terrorized. The Mexican government stands by and does nothing. They can't even keep their most wanted criminal in jail, thank goodness he is now under wraps in NY.
And, it been going on for years.
Somehow the Liberal Elites find this a "lost puppy" like situation.
The sooner they get a reality check, the sooner they can start to rebuild their political party.
The cartels run the local law enforcement like something from the Sopranos, and the small towns and villages are terrorized. The Mexican government stands by and does nothing. They can't even keep their most wanted criminal in jail, thank goodness he is now under wraps in NY.
And, it been going on for years.
Somehow the Liberal Elites find this a "lost puppy" like situation.
The sooner they get a reality check, the sooner they can start to rebuild their political party.
1
The drug war has been a huuuuge problem in Latin American countries. The former president of Mexico Vicente Fox and the former Brazilian president Henrique Cardoso have been pushing for drug legalization. Maybe the whole squabble with Trump will put the issue on the table. I hope so. It's time to end an endless drug war that's damaging these countries reputations in the USA.
Please remind Americans every day what a hypocritical and nasty fool they have placed in the Oval Office and btw where his ridiculously elongated ties are made.
3
The wall will cost 25 billion. Fifty million Americans voted for Trump. So each one should be billed $500. If and when the Mexican government pays, it can send refunds directly to those voters. That's fair, no?
1
The wall the wall the wall will be Trump's fall. America cease to be a meritocracy starting with the Presidency and the resulting idiotic results will be downfall of the society.
2
This has nothing to do with understanding the electorate, this has to do with Trump's bullying an important trade partner, making disparaging remarks, racist remarks, it may work on reality TV, but he isn't a game show host now...although that is as qualified as he will ever get with his style, or lack of it.
1
Make that low class game show. No intelligence needed by either the host, nor the participants.
The GOP leadership will not call to impeach this unstable, ignorant fool because they are using him and his followers, many of who are not Republicans, to advance their right wing agenda. Yet they have Pence who, while loathed by Democrats, will if elevated to the Presidency help Republicans' achieve their legislative goals.
Moreover, Democrats will gladly support impeachment, because getting Trump out of the Oval Office while there is still a nation and economy to protect is their top priority. It is a win-win situation for the GOP.
Do it now. Donald Trump is a disaster that has already happened. Get him out of that office while we are all still alive. GOP leadership: you know he is crazy and dangerous. You must act now!
Moreover, Democrats will gladly support impeachment, because getting Trump out of the Oval Office while there is still a nation and economy to protect is their top priority. It is a win-win situation for the GOP.
Do it now. Donald Trump is a disaster that has already happened. Get him out of that office while we are all still alive. GOP leadership: you know he is crazy and dangerous. You must act now!
1
It appears to me that the Republican power establishment has decided that the best thing for them is to let Trump have all the rope he needs to hang himself, then Pence will succeed him and they will have full control, with Ryan in the House, McConnell in the Senate, and Pence in the White House, all loyal Republican bought and paid for lap dogs. Ryan seems unable to control the glee he sees in this scenario.
1
Can we trade Trump for Peña Nieto?
1
I hope I am verified writer. I believe an idea with which we can frustrate and perhaps forces conferences and interviews. We must refer to Trump's as alleged tweets, we have know idea he wrote or tweeted the. We can say that we would hate to quote the President. We make this claim every time he tweet. "alleged tweets reporyedly sent by Mr Trump"...It would drive him nuts.
2
Governing does not work within a news cycle. The techniques and reality show instincts that put Trump in the White House are not what is needed. Trump has no concept of how to govern and acts as though his slogans are really full-fledged policies.
We are only one week in. 207 weeks to go.
We are only one week in. 207 weeks to go.
1
1 week down, 51 to go.
Trump promised his voters to build a wall and make Mexico pay for it. It got him elected. Now he has to do it or face the wrath of the voters in 4 years. We may not like the policy but its something Trump voters were promised.
He's the first president since Roosevelt to hold to his campaign promises. That's a good thing.
2
"Who will pay for the wall?"
"Mexico!"
post election: " The US taxpayer will pay for the wall"
THAT? Lol.
"Mexico!"
post election: " The US taxpayer will pay for the wall"
THAT? Lol.
Not sure your statement is true, but keeping campaign promises that are based on fear and the ever Republican chant of tax cuts for the wealthy, privatize everything and climate change is not real isn't a good thing.
1
Problem is: For the most part, what Trump promised in his campaign is not good for the country.
1
The Dutch Government have set a standard for response to President Trump's ill-considered actions on women's inviolable rights - simply go around him. Similarly, Mexicans will not suffer food shortages when countries like Australia, Canada and New Zealand are ready to step into the shoes of US farmers presently supplying food markets in Mexico. Does this President even think about the consequences of punitive tariffs on America's neighbors and allies and how it will severely impact US consumers? It's easy to see why Trump declared his multiple bankruptcies...there was no other solution. The scariest question now is - are Trump's biggest financial failures behind him or do they lie in front of him?
Some as two years ago, mr Putin, infuriated by sanctions imposed on Russia over Crimean issue, banned food import from the West into Russia. Oppositions then also cried that Russia is not able to feed itself, it will be disaster for a people, free market is essential, etc. Guess, what? After two years no one starved to death, but agriculture flourish. All restaurants and supermarkets are filled with high-end local gourmet food, and exports rose significantly. This ban simply took many jobs from France and Italy and brought them into Russia. Seems to me, that old-fashioned protectionism is not that bad, as everyone thinks. At least, sometimes.
I think it's such an immature way to handle the situation of illegal immigration and offending an important neighboring country is simply ridiculous. This can only lead to more serious problems....is this the way we want the President of the United States to act? What happened to diplomacy and honor and dignity? Have we lost those qualities? There are more sound and mature ways of dealing with illegal immigration, and it would behoove Trump to sit down with the Mexican President and talk intelligent policy. Americans will pay dearly for Trump's approach to things.
1
I wish a construction expert would do a very basic analysis of Trump's wall and yet another lie would emerge. A wall that long, that high and that thick requires a mind-boggling amount of concrete. What is a basic ingredient in mixing concrete? Water. And what does the Southwestern part of the US lack? Water. Of course, given 5 more years and $5-10B a water desalination plant could be built.... but wait, then a huge pipeline to deliver the water could be built.... sigh
A little research would help speed this study along. President Reagan proposed a massive underground missile delivery system that required many hundreds of miles of tunnels and the same problem resulted.... too much concrete, not enough water. It would be great to have the facts (not the alternative facts) about the wall.
A little research would help speed this study along. President Reagan proposed a massive underground missile delivery system that required many hundreds of miles of tunnels and the same problem resulted.... too much concrete, not enough water. It would be great to have the facts (not the alternative facts) about the wall.
I am so embarrassed that our country is being run by Trump.
Our country is not some reality tv show with with ratings.
Temper tantrums - Trump infant terrible.
Using 140 character count on Twitter as a main form to communicate with the world.
Wall? Walls build walls. I feel truly sorry for parents trying to explain what is going on to their children.
I truly believe this sorry cast of characters will not last long.
Our country is not some reality tv show with with ratings.
Temper tantrums - Trump infant terrible.
Using 140 character count on Twitter as a main form to communicate with the world.
Wall? Walls build walls. I feel truly sorry for parents trying to explain what is going on to their children.
I truly believe this sorry cast of characters will not last long.
It's time to invest in companies that make tall ladders and others firms that manufacture boring machines that create tunnels.
The whole idea of this wall is absurd because it would easily be breached along it's thousands of miles.
Our biggest concern right now, is the freedom of the press is being threatened,
which if successful, is an act of war.
The whole idea of this wall is absurd because it would easily be breached along it's thousands of miles.
Our biggest concern right now, is the freedom of the press is being threatened,
which if successful, is an act of war.
Mexico is probably already looking for a new number-one trading partner. I'm sure the Chinese are already offering to play that role. Mexico is most likely also looking for new alliances given that it cannot count on the US to be a friendly neighbor anymore. Like Mexico, other countries will do the same and given Donald's repulsive character it'll be easy for them to rally around a common enemy. The more we alienate the rest of the world the more we lose.
Mexico can go pound sand. They have taken massive advantage of the United States over the last 20 years. 1/8th of Mexico's population is in the United States illegally. The wall will be built. Our laws will be followed. The illegals are going back to their beloved third world homelands.
1
1. Mexico is not the 51st state;
2. We do not have a north american shengen area;
3. American workers should not be asked to work for wages that do not sustain life in an advanced economy or face unemployment;
4. Unemployed Americans are carried by every other American with added tax burdens to pay for housing, food and education.
We are still a country.
It is still a dog-eat-dog world. Just ask any Phonecian, Carthaginian, or closer to home, Mayan, Aztec, Inca, or even closer Cherokee, Seminole...
Real World - Realpolitik
2. We do not have a north american shengen area;
3. American workers should not be asked to work for wages that do not sustain life in an advanced economy or face unemployment;
4. Unemployed Americans are carried by every other American with added tax burdens to pay for housing, food and education.
We are still a country.
It is still a dog-eat-dog world. Just ask any Phonecian, Carthaginian, or closer to home, Mayan, Aztec, Inca, or even closer Cherokee, Seminole...
Real World - Realpolitik
1
Trump supporters are absolutely right. A trade war would harm Mexico much more than the US. My country is very vulnerable in terms of bilateral trade, because you more less can easily find substitutes of Mexican imports. It would certainly lead to an increase of some domestic prices, but that wouldn't be something that your huge economy cannot deal with. But the US would be affected by collateral effects. Migration flows would rise as well as the risks for your national security. You can change your trade partner, but even migthy Donald cannot do anything about geography. In a desperate scenario, Mexico would have no incentives to cooperate with the US on any matter. Why would we accept the operation of US agents in Mexican soil? Why would be continue doing an important part of the job of containing terrorists and drug smugglers from reaching your country? Because even if you don't notice it, Mexico is doing that job at a very high cost. The bilateral relation is much more than trade! Mexico is a weak country compared to the US. No doubt about it. But we live in the same neighbourhood, even if you don't like it. Things are not so simple. Stability and prosperity, of all the members of the neighbourhood, has always been a good thing for the community, even for the owner of the biggest house.
"They have underscored just how impulsive and apparently ignorant the new occupant of the Oval Office is of international economic and security relationships that serve American interests."
This statement tells it all. Trump is ignorant, period. I hope all the voters who thought he was going to make their lives so much better are happy now, as he slowly makes it harder and harder for people in the middle and lower classes. As he slowly takes it all away.
This statement tells it all. Trump is ignorant, period. I hope all the voters who thought he was going to make their lives so much better are happy now, as he slowly makes it harder and harder for people in the middle and lower classes. As he slowly takes it all away.
Much worse than the economic folly that Trump and Steve "Turn up the hate" Bannon have in mind for Mexico will be the flood of fetanyl that will cross the border and find its way into regions and towns with lots of Trump supporters (the current opioid crisis is white, and largely rural). The Chinese manufacture it, Mexicans smuggle it, Americans can't get enough of it. Because of its potency, one truckload of fentanyl can addict, and eventually kill, thousands. A helluva price to pay for Trumps hate mongering.
It's c,see now that the Great Wall of trump is just another Nigerian 419 scam. We were never, ever going to get a great, beautiful walll for free, as he told us in the strictest of confidence. Sure billions from Mexico will flow to north to pay for it, except.. Except first the us has to put up a measly billion or two to get things started, transaction and service fees you know. And the rest of tge money needed? Is it a shiny new fat atm card coming from Mexico? Why it's a tariff on imported Mexican goods. Except except who pays the tariffs? The Americans who buy the stuff. It seems in dealing with trump and Mexico it's not Spanish we need but Yoruba.
As Governor of Arizona, Janet Napolitano once said, "Show me a 12' wall and I'll show you a 13' ladder." This always was, and remains now, a barely-veiled shout out to the bigoted, fact-challenged base who helped to elect Trump, and this wall will not happen, because the American taxpayers do not want to foot the bill. Make no mistake: no one else will pay for it, and the costs to build and maintain such a wall would be prohibitive, environmentally catastrophic, and make no sense whatsoever. Then again, Trump has never been bothered by facts or science, and doesn't know anything about international relations, trade policy, economic policy, etc. Every passing day, I am more ashamed than ever of this nation, which is being gutted and plundered by a raging, unhinged sociopathic narcissist, who is too intellectually indolent and too grandiose to waste the time learning about the world.
2
A couple of years from now, people will have forgotten that a changed international trade structure, started with the madness of a border fence.
We seem to be moving quickly to an era of "tit for tat" import taxes and other forms of impediments to trade. If the American government believes that other jurisdictions will not follow suit, they are seriously deluded.
We seem to be moving quickly to an era of "tit for tat" import taxes and other forms of impediments to trade. If the American government believes that other jurisdictions will not follow suit, they are seriously deluded.
I'm generally in favor of free trade, and think the TTP would be a good thing. But it's toast.
One of the perverse effects of NAFTA was to increase illegal immigration from Mexico. It did that by opening the Mexican market to cheaper American corn. Mexican farmers could no longer farm profitably, and hence swarmed into the US looking for agricultural work.
The current spat between Trump and Pena Nieto will pass; whether it occurs this year or when a new Mexican president is elected in 2018 only time will tell.
One of the perverse effects of NAFTA was to increase illegal immigration from Mexico. It did that by opening the Mexican market to cheaper American corn. Mexican farmers could no longer farm profitably, and hence swarmed into the US looking for agricultural work.
The current spat between Trump and Pena Nieto will pass; whether it occurs this year or when a new Mexican president is elected in 2018 only time will tell.
1
Of course Trump cannot accept any culpability in the president of Mexico's refusing to meet with him so he lies that the decision was mutual. This is the tip of the iceberg. Welcome to Trumpworld, a place in which we trash our friendly neighbors and extol war criminals.
It is far from clear how the people who voted for Trump and either were not
bothered by or believed his many far-fetched promises will deduce that the higher prices they will pay for imported goods will be due to Trump's actions.
If they can figure that out they wouldn't have voted for Trump in the first place.
Won't the prices be the result of Obama deficits? or China's currency cheating?
bothered by or believed his many far-fetched promises will deduce that the higher prices they will pay for imported goods will be due to Trump's actions.
If they can figure that out they wouldn't have voted for Trump in the first place.
Won't the prices be the result of Obama deficits? or China's currency cheating?
Get ready for the bad old days of only eating apples and pears during winter in the US. Most of our winter produce comes from Mexico, but I guess Trump has never been to a supermarket so how would he know that? Even if California could produce more supply, the price will be quite high. Additionally, there would not be enough labor because Americans generally don't want low paying jobs picking produce. Oh wait, Trump snacks on Lays potato chips, so the produce issue doesn't matter to him. Silly me!
2
Some of the Chumps can be allocated for crop picking. They will get to enjoy the outdoor air (full of pesticides), travel (as migrant workers), and sub standard housing. Sounds good to me!
Two facts need to change: allowing people to just illegally enter into our country and continuing an over 60 billion dollar trade imbalance with Mexico. Those to facts alone cost U.S. citizens -- and have been for many, many years. President Trump will correct decades of feckless and inept politicians kicking the can down the road. This paper, run by a dirty sack of liars, supports the feckless and inept politicians -- and the immense costs we have been paying for all those years.
1
I see that as soon as all the illegals are deported, you will quit your well paying job, make your spouse do the same, and demand your children do also. So that you may all take jobs doing what the deported did before they were deported. The dirt, nasty jobs like cleaning public toilets, cleaning sewers, working in the dirty end of water treatment plants, dumps, and enviornemtal spill companies. Plus many more, that American citizens demand be done, but, not by them. You will stand up for your god and master, doing these jobs until you must retire because you are too ill to continue (about 95, cause the pay is so low, no SS or Medicare [thank Paul Ryan for that]). Sounds like a plan. All Chumps to be lowered to the standing they belong in. Kept there by their love of their god. Trump.
Mr. Trump's ego and inflated self confidence strikes again. Throughout his life, Mr. Trump, has bullied and cajoled and distorted reality to make himself believe that he can pull off anything and that he's always the winner. Even when he loses, he sees himself as winning. For example, when he lost his housing discrimination law suite, he counter filed declaring he was the victim. He also, terrifyingly, is blind to the law of cause and affect and the law of consequences. For example, his irrational demands on Mexico yet expecting the president of Mexico to show up for friendly negotiations. The only consequence Trump allows himself to see is that he's always the winner. Thus he can't learn from mistakes. Because he makes none. He can't learn that it's impossible to make deals with a country after insulting that country's leader or after making unreasonable demands. And it's his fragile ego and his needing be see himself (the most powerful person in the world) as invincible and a know it all with nothing to learn (despite his being the most ill informed president in our history) that is most terrifying considering the daunting potential destabilizing consequences yet to be brought down on us and the world.
2
How in the world will Trump build such a wall and keep it on budget? This barrier and tariff will ensnarl us into a black hole of huge costs of endless duration.
The border between U.S. and Mexico extends 1,954 miles. A barrier along this border would cost huge dollars. As recently reported, Israeli experience indicates that a 37 mile long deep wall along Gaza would cost $600 million ($16.2 million/mile), which for a 1,954 mile border results in a $31 billion present worth capital cost. The costs are so high because walls need to go deep to protect from tunneling, something fencing would not protect against. Operation/maintenance costs would conservatively exceed a billion a year.
And Trump’s scheme to tax Mexican imports 20% to pay for this barrier would soon dry up Mexican products selling in the U.S. Once the tariff is applied, the U.S. consumer will simply choose products made from other countries (unless of course Trump imposes a 20% or more tariff on those imports too). Perhaps that’s how American first will work –price out all imports forcing the American consumer to buy only American, resulting in huge increased costs for the American consumer.
Like Sisyphus, a decision to move forward on this project would kill us, smothering us under the weight of these costs. This is not the way to run a railroad...Trump's decision-making process needs drastic change. Those nearest Trump must step up and provide discipline to this wacky, hairbrained management structure.
The border between U.S. and Mexico extends 1,954 miles. A barrier along this border would cost huge dollars. As recently reported, Israeli experience indicates that a 37 mile long deep wall along Gaza would cost $600 million ($16.2 million/mile), which for a 1,954 mile border results in a $31 billion present worth capital cost. The costs are so high because walls need to go deep to protect from tunneling, something fencing would not protect against. Operation/maintenance costs would conservatively exceed a billion a year.
And Trump’s scheme to tax Mexican imports 20% to pay for this barrier would soon dry up Mexican products selling in the U.S. Once the tariff is applied, the U.S. consumer will simply choose products made from other countries (unless of course Trump imposes a 20% or more tariff on those imports too). Perhaps that’s how American first will work –price out all imports forcing the American consumer to buy only American, resulting in huge increased costs for the American consumer.
Like Sisyphus, a decision to move forward on this project would kill us, smothering us under the weight of these costs. This is not the way to run a railroad...Trump's decision-making process needs drastic change. Those nearest Trump must step up and provide discipline to this wacky, hairbrained management structure.
Start looking NOW into foreign companies that manufactor the goods they sell here, here. Do not buy from American companies as long as they back Trump. If you cant find something, that qualifies, dont buy anything. But, make the store know why you are not buying. As their sales plummet they will start finding these foreign companies that manufactor here, and carry their products. Let American companies sink. They are more than happy to let us sink.
The Mexican President's cancellation of his visit to Washington is just the beginning of the global turning away from this president and the United States as allies and partners. The president managed to insult, mock and humiliate the dignity a friendly neighbor for no reason other than to follow through on a campaign promise that's unfeasible and will cost untold billions of taxpayers' dollars.
Yes, it's Americans who will be suckered in to paying for the border wall, not our friendly neighbor to the south. That's not the promise the president made to his supporters but the unspoken promise that he intends to keep.
Yes, it's Americans who will be suckered in to paying for the border wall, not our friendly neighbor to the south. That's not the promise the president made to his supporters but the unspoken promise that he intends to keep.
Any basic economics book will teach you:
Any tax imposed on produced goods, is always paid by manufacturers and consumers evenly, depending upon the flexibility of demand and supply. It is irrelevant if the goods are taxed at the manufacturer's end or at the consumer end.
Thus, the Wall will be paid by both - Americans and Mexicans. It is wrong to say that only Americans will pay the price through increased prices of imported goods.
Whether it's a good idea is another discussion.
Any tax imposed on produced goods, is always paid by manufacturers and consumers evenly, depending upon the flexibility of demand and supply. It is irrelevant if the goods are taxed at the manufacturer's end or at the consumer end.
Thus, the Wall will be paid by both - Americans and Mexicans. It is wrong to say that only Americans will pay the price through increased prices of imported goods.
Whether it's a good idea is another discussion.
2
Like virtually everyone else, Trump has imports and exports backwards.
To a certain extent I don't blame people for this. The discipline of Economics is dedicated to keeping people from understanding how the real economy works. It's no longer a secret that that's its only real function.
To this end, they call having more imports than exports (getting more real goods and services than you are giving away to the rest of the world) a "deficit". A "trade deficit".
Do you get it now? According to mainstream academic Economics, getting more things than you are giving out is called a "Trade deficit". So everyone thinks that it must be "bad". Because we all know that "deficits" are "bad", right?
This is nonsense upon stilts.
In real world economics, getting more real goods than you are giving out is the ideal situation.
The only difficulty is figuring out how to keep your population employed if the rest of the world wants to give you everything. The answer is to have federal budget deficits large enough to make up for the dollars flowing out to the rest of the world in trade.
But aren't federal budget deficits "bad"? Not if you are a sovereign currency issuer, like the US federal govt. Since the Fed Gov cannot run out of money, its deficits literally don't matter in the sense usually thought.
This does not mean that blowing up the deficit on tax breaks to rich people is a good idea. In fact, that's the worst way for the Fed Gov to spend its money.
To a certain extent I don't blame people for this. The discipline of Economics is dedicated to keeping people from understanding how the real economy works. It's no longer a secret that that's its only real function.
To this end, they call having more imports than exports (getting more real goods and services than you are giving away to the rest of the world) a "deficit". A "trade deficit".
Do you get it now? According to mainstream academic Economics, getting more things than you are giving out is called a "Trade deficit". So everyone thinks that it must be "bad". Because we all know that "deficits" are "bad", right?
This is nonsense upon stilts.
In real world economics, getting more real goods than you are giving out is the ideal situation.
The only difficulty is figuring out how to keep your population employed if the rest of the world wants to give you everything. The answer is to have federal budget deficits large enough to make up for the dollars flowing out to the rest of the world in trade.
But aren't federal budget deficits "bad"? Not if you are a sovereign currency issuer, like the US federal govt. Since the Fed Gov cannot run out of money, its deficits literally don't matter in the sense usually thought.
This does not mean that blowing up the deficit on tax breaks to rich people is a good idea. In fact, that's the worst way for the Fed Gov to spend its money.
1
Do we want cheap goods and fewer jobs here? Or do we want American manufacturing jobs to return from China, Mexico and other? Perhaps the intellectual elites don't crave well paying manufacturing jobs and don't understand deplorables and those with other views?
If we measure unemployment the old fashioned way, before the changes made under the Clinton administration, we would include the frustrated long unemployed who are not 'actively" seeking work in the last 60 days. Most of us know under-employed people, maybe many of them. Labor participation is unbearably low. The true unemployment rate is over 20%, measured the right way.
http://www.shadowstats.com/alternate_data/unemployment-charts
If we measure unemployment the old fashioned way, before the changes made under the Clinton administration, we would include the frustrated long unemployed who are not 'actively" seeking work in the last 60 days. Most of us know under-employed people, maybe many of them. Labor participation is unbearably low. The true unemployment rate is over 20%, measured the right way.
http://www.shadowstats.com/alternate_data/unemployment-charts
1
Once every eclipse I actually agree with the otherwise dim witted editorial staff at the NYT. What needs to be taxed is all monies being sent back to Mexico or any other Central American country. A 10-20% tax on repartiations will be much more effective that a border tax, which is nothing more than a tariff. Let those here illegally pay the tax, not hard working Americans.
2
Want a balanced view of the issues with instead of a constant barrage of anti-Trump rhetoric ?
Talk to the border states law enforcement officials - who will tell you that the Mexican border is the prime entry point for illicit drugs into the US as well as Central American gang elements such as MS13. And talk to the citizens of cities like San Antonio, majority Latino and run very well, and would like to keep it that way, thank you.
The cocktail-circuit lefties choose to ignore that the Castillian Spaniards and Arab immigrants (liker Carlos Slim) who run Mexico, are oligarchal in their economics - and - would let the population of northern Mexico starve to death if they could. They despise the mestizos.
Everyone would be better ff if we seized the northern 200 miles of Mexico and made it a state, paid the Mexicans 1 billion bucks for it, and then built a wall at the southern edge. The Mestizos are the ones coming into the US for work, and that's because the white-glove Castillans have tossed them into the hands of the drug cartels.
Talk to the border states law enforcement officials - who will tell you that the Mexican border is the prime entry point for illicit drugs into the US as well as Central American gang elements such as MS13. And talk to the citizens of cities like San Antonio, majority Latino and run very well, and would like to keep it that way, thank you.
The cocktail-circuit lefties choose to ignore that the Castillian Spaniards and Arab immigrants (liker Carlos Slim) who run Mexico, are oligarchal in their economics - and - would let the population of northern Mexico starve to death if they could. They despise the mestizos.
Everyone would be better ff if we seized the northern 200 miles of Mexico and made it a state, paid the Mexicans 1 billion bucks for it, and then built a wall at the southern edge. The Mestizos are the ones coming into the US for work, and that's because the white-glove Castillans have tossed them into the hands of the drug cartels.
If the Mexican people would respect our border we would have no need to do this. Unlike the Berlin wall this wall is designed to keep people out not keep our citizens in. The Mexican government has benefited from this porous border for years with all the money that has been sent back to Mexico.
The message is this. Respect our border or there will be consequences. I suspect it will get ugly for awhile but that's okay. When I've traveled to Mexico I went through the border control points. I expect the same courtesy from those travelling north.
The message is this. Respect our border or there will be consequences. I suspect it will get ugly for awhile but that's okay. When I've traveled to Mexico I went through the border control points. I expect the same courtesy from those travelling north.
3
As Dr. Dean Baker points out this morning, a much better response to a 20% tariff is for Mexico to completely ignore our patent and copyright laws. Doing so would make prescription drugs, medical equipment, music, videos, software, etc much cheaper for Mexicans and would also increase American tourism who would stream over the border to buy products at a deep discount and then import them into to the United States and avoid the tariff.
http://cepr.net/blogs/beat-the-press/a-trade-war-everyone-can-win
http://cepr.net/blogs/beat-the-press/a-trade-war-everyone-can-win
It is conceivable that bi-lateral negotiations on trade could work if there were a deft hand and highly thought through positions. Of course, Donald Trump is not a bull in a China shop, he is a deaf and blind Gulliver stampeding through Lilliput then running headlong into a full sized China. The worst possible thing for an American First policy is to destablize markets, destroy the very rails of commerce and then hope that all the Trump's men can put international relations together again
I think that the best way it to actually tax money sent back to Mexico to citizens directly. It would provide funds and a disincentive for people to illegally come here to send money home. Now of course border taxes will as much as they still allow trade will be somewhat paid for by consumers. Some of those products might be built in the US, thus making jobs.
1
The other dynamic that is at work is that countries like Mexico, when they develop, are a market for American goods and services. Already, the high efficiency of US agriculture has meant that corn and similar staples are heavily sold into Mexico, even to the point where local producers have been put out of business. If renegotiating trade deals opens up those foreign markets to US high-tech goods and services, then it could be a good thing. But this wall and tariff nonsense is making any renegotiating prospects look like bullying.
About that wall. The best way of guessing at the effectiveness of a wall is to look at the past effectiveness of walls. (Memo to Trump: that's called paying attention to reality.) The Berlin Wall was about 91 miles long, with multiple barriers including barbed wire and mines, patrolled day and night by soldiers with dogs, with guard towers and searchlights. People still got through. And now Trump is proposing something over 20 times as long? Just to man guard towers along all 1954 miles of Mexican border would require on the order of 100,000 people. And of course, all this would be to solve the "problem" of Mexicans pouring over the border, when in fact the net immigration from Mexico has been ZERO for several years, thanks to a thriving Mexican economy (which Trump's trade war would stifle).
As Dave Barry says, "I swear I'm not making this up." I really think that policy meetings in this new administration consist of "Yeah, that sounds good, let's go with that."
As Dave Barry says, "I swear I'm not making this up." I really think that policy meetings in this new administration consist of "Yeah, that sounds good, let's go with that."
5
I recommend a German film - "The Lives of Others" - which vividly portrays a totalitarian society that built a wall, and the freedoms it decimated during the division of East and West Germany. The wall proposed by Trump would not only be a structure, but a metaphor for an isolationist America and the torrent of freedoms we are about to lose.
3
The misguided people who voted for him are about to find out--if his first week on the job didn't make it abundantly clear--that for all of his promises, bullying, and claims of expertise, Trump knows next to nothing about how to run a country and has appointed agency heads who may know even less. That he has spent his time inflating the size of his inaugural crowd, claiming that he would have won the popular vote except for the 3-5 million illegal votes that ALL went to his opponent, angering members of an intelligence agency on whose hard work we depend, and picking a fight with Mexico, are only the most obvious signs of his lack of qualifications and mental instability. It is time Republicans in Congress recognize that the person around whom they now rally is temperamentally unfit for the presidency.
2
Each year, Mexican nationals unlawfully residing in the United States wire about $25 billion in tax-free remittances back home to Mexico. The fairest way to pay for the Border Wall would be to tax the remittances. This way those who create the need for the Border Wall will pay for its construction and maintenance. Mexicans would pay for the wall, but only Mexicans who violate U.S. immigration laws would pay.
4
For someone who touts his business acumen, the President does not seem to be a man with a firm grasp of economics. Tariffs will be passed on to the consumer. Also, should Mexico choose to retaliate, the agricultural sector will bear the brunt. Ironically, (only if you ignore the cost to the people living in them) that sector is concentrated in the areas that are the most pro-Trump. Cutting of the nose to spite the face comes to mind.
Trump is a man who walls himself in with proclamations and then cannot go back, retract or apologize.
A much more economical method of sealing the border would be to build high fences topped with razor wire across the entire southern border. More importantly would be to seal up EVERY tunnel that has been constructed to ferry illegal drugs into this country. Cameras and guard patrols would help.
Of course all this would be reminiscent of the concentration camps but this is Trump, so no surprise there.
As a single parent with no alimony who has cobbled together a number of jobs to put food on the table and who lives in an area rife with illegal immigrants from many countries to our south and who witnesses on a daily basis these same immigrants paying for groceries with food stamps while driving late model cars out of the supermarket parking lot, I am torn about the issue.
Gaming the system seems to be an M.O. of a lot, not all, but a lot of illegal immigrants. I believe this is what drives Trump supporters to the brink. I am not a supporter but it bugs me, too.
A much more economical method of sealing the border would be to build high fences topped with razor wire across the entire southern border. More importantly would be to seal up EVERY tunnel that has been constructed to ferry illegal drugs into this country. Cameras and guard patrols would help.
Of course all this would be reminiscent of the concentration camps but this is Trump, so no surprise there.
As a single parent with no alimony who has cobbled together a number of jobs to put food on the table and who lives in an area rife with illegal immigrants from many countries to our south and who witnesses on a daily basis these same immigrants paying for groceries with food stamps while driving late model cars out of the supermarket parking lot, I am torn about the issue.
Gaming the system seems to be an M.O. of a lot, not all, but a lot of illegal immigrants. I believe this is what drives Trump supporters to the brink. I am not a supporter but it bugs me, too.
4
Wouldn't it be more effective to subject the employment of illegal immigrants to heavy fines? After all, those immigrants are just seeking what millions before them, in fact everyone whose ancestors were not forcibly transported across the Atlantic, was seeking... the opportunity for a better life.
Mr. Trump's absurd campaign declarations, such as building a wall that Mexico will pay for, are now colliding with harsh reality. The civilized world is at risk due to the tantrums and delusions of this ridiculous man we are now obligated to address as Mr. President.
Republicans in congress are quite happy to accept this risk as long as Mr. Trump signs the legislation they put on his desk. If there is any good to come out of this nightmare, it will be the G.O.P. permanently crippled and stained with shame for colluding with this madman.
Republicans in congress are quite happy to accept this risk as long as Mr. Trump signs the legislation they put on his desk. If there is any good to come out of this nightmare, it will be the G.O.P. permanently crippled and stained with shame for colluding with this madman.
2
I am stunned as I watch the world order so carefully constructed after the horrors of WW 2 crash & burn I . Trump is the first National Socialist elected to the WH. FDR & Churchill must be spinning in their graves.
My father's generation fought a world war with many of them lying
in graves far away from home. They fought to prevent the civilized world
from ever going again down into the abyss . Through administrations
of both political parties our nation has never had someone such as
Trump in the Oval Office. I am approaching my seventh decade soon
enough. Republicans and Democratic presidents including Bush 43
and Nixon have never gone this far into the Twilight Zone. Bannon's
chilling pronouncements about the press would have been music to
Himmler's ears. In 1846 our nation went to war with Mexico. Cutting
through the jingoism it was clearly a case of land grabbing. In 2017
171 years we may entering into a new war- a trade war. I doubt
that the fervent Trump supporters will realize how duped they were
by all of this.
My father's generation fought a world war with many of them lying
in graves far away from home. They fought to prevent the civilized world
from ever going again down into the abyss . Through administrations
of both political parties our nation has never had someone such as
Trump in the Oval Office. I am approaching my seventh decade soon
enough. Republicans and Democratic presidents including Bush 43
and Nixon have never gone this far into the Twilight Zone. Bannon's
chilling pronouncements about the press would have been music to
Himmler's ears. In 1846 our nation went to war with Mexico. Cutting
through the jingoism it was clearly a case of land grabbing. In 2017
171 years we may entering into a new war- a trade war. I doubt
that the fervent Trump supporters will realize how duped they were
by all of this.
In less than a week, Trump has demonstrated to the country and the world how unstable and ill-equipped he is to hold the office of POTUS. How much more proof does congress need to start impeachment proceedings against him.
The Republican party seems incapable of seeing that Mr Trump has begun to destabilize world economies and has unleashed extremism here and in Britten and France. Please people, we are heading for economic instability that potentially could rival 2008. The Republicans will not be honest enough to admit how wrong they were and as in 2008, may refuse the bail out the faltering economy yet they are willing to fund billions to build a wall. Trumps asked his minions "Who is going to pay for the wall". Wake up America, 1984 has arrived and Stephen Bannon is closing down the presses.
The Republican party seems incapable of seeing that Mr Trump has begun to destabilize world economies and has unleashed extremism here and in Britten and France. Please people, we are heading for economic instability that potentially could rival 2008. The Republicans will not be honest enough to admit how wrong they were and as in 2008, may refuse the bail out the faltering economy yet they are willing to fund billions to build a wall. Trumps asked his minions "Who is going to pay for the wall". Wake up America, 1984 has arrived and Stephen Bannon is closing down the presses.
4
Someday, probably after I'm gone, someone will stand at the base of our Wall and say the words to some future President - "Tear down this wall!"
By then the world will have grown up a little bit more as it is wont to do, matured to the point where we have found better ways to address problems than acting like two neighbors who bicker together, so one builds a big ugly fence between them, lowering the value of both properties - a fence that will be torn down when new owners move in.
Walls never solve problems as we learned in Berlin, with determined people finding newer ways around and over and under and through them, people willing to give their lives to get to the other side.
The solution is to get them to have reasons to want to stay where they are.
Just think how the billions we are willing to spend on the construction, guarding and patrolling and maintenance of the wall could be used to do that.
And the legacy that could be left with the good that billions of US dollars in Mexico could do - I don't know how many pesos that is - the lives and communities and families that could prosper for generations, educations and basic technologies that could be introduced - all of which would make less reason to leave, would be of a country willing to share it's wealth to solve problems and help, a beacon on the hill.
The legacy of the same billions spent on the Wall is the symbol of a country of exclusion, hate, and fear - which will be torn down one brighter day.
By then the world will have grown up a little bit more as it is wont to do, matured to the point where we have found better ways to address problems than acting like two neighbors who bicker together, so one builds a big ugly fence between them, lowering the value of both properties - a fence that will be torn down when new owners move in.
Walls never solve problems as we learned in Berlin, with determined people finding newer ways around and over and under and through them, people willing to give their lives to get to the other side.
The solution is to get them to have reasons to want to stay where they are.
Just think how the billions we are willing to spend on the construction, guarding and patrolling and maintenance of the wall could be used to do that.
And the legacy that could be left with the good that billions of US dollars in Mexico could do - I don't know how many pesos that is - the lives and communities and families that could prosper for generations, educations and basic technologies that could be introduced - all of which would make less reason to leave, would be of a country willing to share it's wealth to solve problems and help, a beacon on the hill.
The legacy of the same billions spent on the Wall is the symbol of a country of exclusion, hate, and fear - which will be torn down one brighter day.
1
Rightly or wrongly Mexico would be wise to accommodate this President. Trump is truly a bully and will stop at nothing to get his way. This is not the time for Mexico to try to set an example for its people by standing up to the United States. All anyone has to do is look at our history and see that the U.S. has always gotten its way around the world. Mexico is not anywhere close to being a powerful country. A currency at .047 to the dollar. An enormous percentage of their population does not complete high school. A very high unemployment and an economy almost completely reliant on the United States for its well being.
1
Truly a case of the inmates running the asylum. If you take out oil imports from Mexico (required because stupid Americans insist on driving SUVs to the mall, like there is a lot of offroading required to get to Walmart) the balance of trade is close to neutral.
If Trump really is a fan of fossil fuels, which the world knows are in diminishing supplies, and he wants to make the United States great and safe then import all of the oil you can while it is cheap and don’t tap the US supplies. Once the world supply of oil draws to the end the United States would be sitting in the ideal position of being self sufficient with energy at a time when the world will be fighting for what little is left. Oh yeah this is a long term strategy and as CEO after CEO has shown us it is all about the share price right now.
Nothing better than seeing Nieto give the middle finger to Trump on his first attempt to bully a foreign power. Mexico stand tall, fight the fight and the rest of the world will follow suit and put and end to the idiot in the White House and his antiquated policies.
If Trump really is a fan of fossil fuels, which the world knows are in diminishing supplies, and he wants to make the United States great and safe then import all of the oil you can while it is cheap and don’t tap the US supplies. Once the world supply of oil draws to the end the United States would be sitting in the ideal position of being self sufficient with energy at a time when the world will be fighting for what little is left. Oh yeah this is a long term strategy and as CEO after CEO has shown us it is all about the share price right now.
Nothing better than seeing Nieto give the middle finger to Trump on his first attempt to bully a foreign power. Mexico stand tall, fight the fight and the rest of the world will follow suit and put and end to the idiot in the White House and his antiquated policies.
President Enrique Pena Nieto of Mexico canceled his visit to the US. Smart move on his part! It was not a mutual cancellation, notwithstanding Trump's insistence that it was. President Trump's tariff tantrum and executive orders to start rounding up illegal immigrants and beginning to build his promised and deeply loathed wall on our Southern border was enough keep Nieto away from visiting Trump, who has no idea that the Mexican and US economies are tightly woven as a NAFTA tapestry. And if our loose cannon president decides to pull out of NAFTA, the World Trade Organization would toss its hat in the ring. Turns out, if Trump gets his way, we Americans will pay for the wall, not the Mexican government or their people.
1
Why Trump wants to punish poor Mexican people? Why he is angry at them? Mexico is our closest neighbor and a friendly country. He is in campaign mode. Somebody should remind him that election is over and he is the president everyday. He has to in governing mode. We know that he has no experience and he does not know anything about policy matters, diplomacy, economy or trade. Unfortunately, he did not hire any experienced and capable person to advise him. Even he fired the top experienced career diplomats from state department who worked in Democratic and Republican administration. It is scary..
1
I'm glad to see someone finally point out that under Trump it is the American consumer that will pay for the wall. The tariffs will hurt the Mexican economy because their products will be less competitive in our market and will also hurt our own people who exports But the tariff will be paid by us, the consumers.
It took years of efforts to tame the anti-Yanki fervor in Mexico and Trump will now revive it. After all the good will Obama acquired around the world, we now have a President bent on acquiring as many enemies as possible.
It took years of efforts to tame the anti-Yanki fervor in Mexico and Trump will now revive it. After all the good will Obama acquired around the world, we now have a President bent on acquiring as many enemies as possible.
1
By raising Mexican wages and living standards, robust cross-border trade not only stems the migration of its citizens to the United States, it also creates markets for the higher-end products and services produced here. It does so peacefully, to the mutual benefit of both nations.
But this Trump administration needs enemies, not friends, even if his own voters suffer as a result. Who, for example, gratuitously picks up the phone, dials the New York Times, and for no apparent reason other than angry bile, tells it to shut up and calls it, along with other media outlets, the "opposition party?"
We have truly boarded the express bus to crazy country, but this time with the potential to blow up human civilization with nukes.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
But this Trump administration needs enemies, not friends, even if his own voters suffer as a result. Who, for example, gratuitously picks up the phone, dials the New York Times, and for no apparent reason other than angry bile, tells it to shut up and calls it, along with other media outlets, the "opposition party?"
We have truly boarded the express bus to crazy country, but this time with the potential to blow up human civilization with nukes.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
3
President Trump is doing what he promised to do during the campaign. Almost no politicians (which he isn't) do what they promise. It's called integrity. The political class should try it some time. It works. And it will benefit the political class in two ways: (i) It will make the country better and (ii) it will attract votes for the electorate. Ultimately, Trump will make this country better. We needn't ring our hands with worry about what other countries will think or do. Even in the weakened state into which President Obama allowed our country to deteriorate, a real leader can still wield its power. And think how one man, one individual, one leader with different ideas and a different approach can change the country and, yes, the world. One person can make a difference. We will rekindle yet another American Century . . . the 21st!
Mexico will pay for the wall.
American taxpayers will pay for the wall.
Those are 2 different "promises" in the Real World. Maybe not in Trumperville.
American taxpayers will pay for the wall.
Those are 2 different "promises" in the Real World. Maybe not in Trumperville.
As all of the ultra-liberal internationalist readers of the NYT vent in the comment section, a question has to be asked. Identify which nation has the most to lose in this economic standoff? (Obviously both lose if NAFTA is discarded.) But the nation of Mexico will clearly suffer the greatest economic damage. And assuming that conclusion, determine what would be the response of the economies of the western Pacific Rim in a similar position of strength-e.g. Red China, Japan, South Korea. Without any degree of doubt, Mexico would be in a very dismal position if one of those nations was the economic adversary. The confrontational delivery may not be the proper approach, but unquestionably Mexico will compromise. There is no other choice. But having written that, the Trump Administration must be VERY cautious that it does not appear to be Mexico capitulation. It is not in America's long-term best interest.
Maybe Mexico will forge strong trading partnerships with Canada, other growing economies in Latin America, and China. Goods can be transported with planes and ships.
Does anyone understand how incredibly corrupt Mexico is? Here is the answer, "Mexico scored a 35, and was ranked as one of the top 75 most corrupt countries in the world." What that means is every aspect of dealing with the Mexican government is the same as dealing with a criminal mop like enterprise. Does anyone think that they honor any agreements, except the ones among themselves that drive more bribes?
The largest Mexican exports to the USA are drugs. Hundreds of billions of dollars of revenue has flowed from the USA to Mexico. How does this happen in a country where the police and government are integrated into a violent alliance against the people of Mexico? The answer is, the Government of Mexico is complicit and indeed actively involved in shipping all types of illegal as well as prescription drugs to the USA. The Mexico is directly responsible for our heroin epidemic. Why can't the NYTimes go down to Mexico and write about this? Because the Mexico, the criminal enterprise, will kill them.
Its time we call Mexico what it is.
The largest Mexican exports to the USA are drugs. Hundreds of billions of dollars of revenue has flowed from the USA to Mexico. How does this happen in a country where the police and government are integrated into a violent alliance against the people of Mexico? The answer is, the Government of Mexico is complicit and indeed actively involved in shipping all types of illegal as well as prescription drugs to the USA. The Mexico is directly responsible for our heroin epidemic. Why can't the NYTimes go down to Mexico and write about this? Because the Mexico, the criminal enterprise, will kill them.
Its time we call Mexico what it is.
3
What is your source for this information? Mexico is our 3rd largest trade partner. You eat food from there every day.
1
This is a classic case of the dead cat on the table like Dana Milbank from Washington Post explained. To distract public attention from his conflicts of interest, his complete incompetence, his apparent ineptness to govern, he will regularly, frequently and forcefully throw dead cats on the table in order to keep the public discussion under control. How can you talk about anything else, when there's a dead cat on the table? This is the least what he can do, or what he's going to. At some time in the future he's going to start a devastating war. "Supporting the commander in chief" will be a patriotic thing for all Americans, for members of the House, the Senate included. The Americans are up for a bigger disappointment, and for much bigger sufferings than just the embarrassing feeling of having a clown for president. Like it happened when the younger Bush started a phony war to cover his incompetence to govern. And he wasn't even as mad as the current one. Two candidates for presidency, John Carry and Hillary Clinton got burned on that patriotic fervor, remember?
1
This is a classic case of the dead cat on the table like Dana Milbank from Washington Post explained. To distract public attention from his conflicts of interest, his complete incompetence, his apparent ineptness to govern, he will regularly, frequently and forcefully throw dead cats on the table in order to keep the public discussion under control. How can you talk about anything else, when there's a dead cat on the table? This is the least what he can do, or what he's going to. At some time in the future he's going to start a devastating war. "Supporting the commander in chief" will be a patriotic thing for all Americans, for members of the House, the Senate included. The Americans are up for a bigger disappointment, and for much bigger sufferings than just the embarrassing feeling of having a clown for president. Like it happened when the younger Bush started a phony war to cover his incompetence to govern. And he wasn't even as mad as the current one. Two candidates for presidency, John Kerry and Hillary Clinton got burned on that patriotic fervor, remember?
2
I didn't have fresh fruit and certain vegetables in winter growing up. I'm sure it wouldn't bother me to wait until May to get fresh strawberries.
An old riddle. "What's a Mexican unemployment benefit?" A ticket to Brownsville or Laredo." Mexico has always used the US as a relief valve for its inability to keep it mostly uneducated populace employed and not looking to start another revolution. It wants its sovereignty respected yet it doesn't respect ours. It fears the return of millions of its people.
There is some irony in seeing that they too are being overrun by the peoples from its southern border and now Haitians and Cubans. The Cubans were trying to get in before Trump was inaugurated because they feared the unknown. How shocked they were when it turned out it was Obama who cut off there easy entry to the US. How many of the Haitians who were allowed to come to the US for a maximum of three years are now here much longer?
The US is not a big homeless shelter for the world. It can't be because it has too many of its own citizens living on the streets and they rightly have a legitimate claim on its mercies.
A 20% tariff on imported goods wouldn't work. Americans would be paying that when they purchase those goods in effect paying for the wall itself. How about a 2-3% tax on money orders sent out of the country. $50 billion leaves here every year and that would pay for the wall easily.
I wonder how Mexico paid for the wall it built on the Guatemalan border?
An old riddle. "What's a Mexican unemployment benefit?" A ticket to Brownsville or Laredo." Mexico has always used the US as a relief valve for its inability to keep it mostly uneducated populace employed and not looking to start another revolution. It wants its sovereignty respected yet it doesn't respect ours. It fears the return of millions of its people.
There is some irony in seeing that they too are being overrun by the peoples from its southern border and now Haitians and Cubans. The Cubans were trying to get in before Trump was inaugurated because they feared the unknown. How shocked they were when it turned out it was Obama who cut off there easy entry to the US. How many of the Haitians who were allowed to come to the US for a maximum of three years are now here much longer?
The US is not a big homeless shelter for the world. It can't be because it has too many of its own citizens living on the streets and they rightly have a legitimate claim on its mercies.
A 20% tariff on imported goods wouldn't work. Americans would be paying that when they purchase those goods in effect paying for the wall itself. How about a 2-3% tax on money orders sent out of the country. $50 billion leaves here every year and that would pay for the wall easily.
I wonder how Mexico paid for the wall it built on the Guatemalan border?
2
Can we also please not lose site of the fact that the wall is largely useless from a security standpoint? It is, in fact, a $10 billion (plus) symbolic monument to ignorance and bigotry.
But fact-free Donald is doubling down on his commitment to this Wall of Hate, even if it risks profound damage to the economies of Mexico and the United States. Even if the cost of paying for it would ultimately fall primarily on the working Americans that Trump claims to put first.
But fact-free Donald is doubling down on his commitment to this Wall of Hate, even if it risks profound damage to the economies of Mexico and the United States. Even if the cost of paying for it would ultimately fall primarily on the working Americans that Trump claims to put first.
3
...and many working Americans fall for his lies and propaganda! It is so sad, how he's manipulating their support and how they are drinking his lies. BY supporting him, they are supporting policies that will make their own lives more difficult.
Ten years ago I was able to jump start my yoga teaching career in an adult education format by purchasing much needed blankets handmade in Mexico at an incredibly great price. The affordability of that purchase has given me so many opportunities to offer my fellow Americans a forum to feel good and improve their health as I still use these blankets today. I have been thinking of upgrading to a "better " Mexican blanket, and passing these sturdy ones to a well deserving charity or young yoga entrepreneur. That is feel good economics. Mexican blankets made in Mexico make sense. Paying an increased tax on upgrading these blankets to go towards financing a wall that separates and causes ill will between our countries is acrimonious economics. It will cost us all a great deal more than money.
1
Does anybody needs more proof that this man that whites with out college degrees elected president is not suitable for the job?
that his psychological / pathological profile made him unable to see the dangers, threats and damage that his elementary school knowledge of international affairs could create pushing former allies closer to China or other world powers? in the process he is alienating previous close allies such as Germany, France western Europe and now Mexico.
A poor Mexico is something that Americans should avoid at all cost under the risk that this country could make a risky turn to the far left and becoming something like Venezuela for example.
Nobody wants that but Trump and his alter egos.
that his psychological / pathological profile made him unable to see the dangers, threats and damage that his elementary school knowledge of international affairs could create pushing former allies closer to China or other world powers? in the process he is alienating previous close allies such as Germany, France western Europe and now Mexico.
A poor Mexico is something that Americans should avoid at all cost under the risk that this country could make a risky turn to the far left and becoming something like Venezuela for example.
Nobody wants that but Trump and his alter egos.
2
This is how they go about killing Nafta. The tax will be illegal. Trump's go it alone will usher in an era of protectionism that will drive down growth and increase unemployment and prices. Think about sugar - price supports to protect the domestic industry meant we all paid more, so industry invented high fructose corn syrup. Which turns out to be linked to diabetes and obesity. Cotton tariffs - we all pay more for clothing. It's a hidden tax on all of us to benefit an industry. That's what Trump is about. And the stupid people who believe his sound bites don't get it. Yes, the losers from free trade are visible and the winners - all of us - are not since the benefits happen gradually and the pain more quickly.
1
Higher prices for American consumers. Closed markets for American exporters. At *best*, some incentive for companies to produce more goods in America, which would take years to build up infrastructure before any jobs were created or any increased choices for consumers emerged.
Trade war = recession
Plus Trump would be violating multiple signed and ratified treaties--breaking the law as well as destroying America's credibility for any future negotiations.
Trade war = recession
Plus Trump would be violating multiple signed and ratified treaties--breaking the law as well as destroying America's credibility for any future negotiations.
3
What the President and his band of Merry Men so firmly assert makes great political theater and dismal foreign and economic policy.
* When Mexico's economy does well, there is far less attraction to get into the US.
* Items manufactured in Mexico and brought into the US to integrate into US assembled products lower the final cost of those products; if they are sold domestically, US consumers benefit, and if they are subsequently exported, our trade balance benefits.
* There is already a looming crisis in agriculture in the southwestern US because migrant labor has declined precipitously. Crops are left in the fields to rot because there is not enough workers to get them to market. Food prices will rise.
* Food prices rising will be acerbated by an import tax on Mexican agricultural prices. Those products don't always compete with domestic production because of climate and seasonal variations.
* Hardly a complete list.
What has been the total cost of the 2006 Fence Act so far is something we don't hear about, along with the steep decline in illegal border crossings. Nor do we hear that many of those who do cross illegally are not Mexicans at all. Shouldn't there be a policy to give aid to Mexico to secure its southern borders?
For those unemployed in the manufacturing heartland, Trump should initiate a program to get them to CA to harvest and process the crops, WPA style. That would get Americans back to work and benefit the entire country, right?
* When Mexico's economy does well, there is far less attraction to get into the US.
* Items manufactured in Mexico and brought into the US to integrate into US assembled products lower the final cost of those products; if they are sold domestically, US consumers benefit, and if they are subsequently exported, our trade balance benefits.
* There is already a looming crisis in agriculture in the southwestern US because migrant labor has declined precipitously. Crops are left in the fields to rot because there is not enough workers to get them to market. Food prices will rise.
* Food prices rising will be acerbated by an import tax on Mexican agricultural prices. Those products don't always compete with domestic production because of climate and seasonal variations.
* Hardly a complete list.
What has been the total cost of the 2006 Fence Act so far is something we don't hear about, along with the steep decline in illegal border crossings. Nor do we hear that many of those who do cross illegally are not Mexicans at all. Shouldn't there be a policy to give aid to Mexico to secure its southern borders?
For those unemployed in the manufacturing heartland, Trump should initiate a program to get them to CA to harvest and process the crops, WPA style. That would get Americans back to work and benefit the entire country, right?
3
you assume that the factory worker in the Midwest will want to go out and pick veggies when it's 110 and get paid $10/ hr. w/ no benefits to do it. They won't take any job that's "beneath" them. This is the lie people in the Midwest tell themselves to feel better. "It's the Mexicans fault I don't have my $30/hr job w/ benefits". It's actually not the reason. They red state, fragile egoed pasty white man believed that Trump would bring back his jobs but what they are really going to do is drive up the price of goods while giving tax breaks to rich people. Lose lose dummies!!!!!!!
1
A headline during the election concerning one of Trump’s earlier insanities was - Trump’s plan to seize Iraq’s oil: “It’s not stealing, we’re reimbursing ourselves” The word “reimbursing” is now being used in context with Trump’s assertion that he will force Mexico to pay for the wall. Trump reiterated that he would have seized Iraq’s oil recently at a speech at to the CIA.
When the Border Adjustment tax backfires will Trump order military force to be used to seize Mexican assets for such reimbursement?
"..As with many ill-conceived government interventions in free markets there are many possibilities for circumvention with a Border Adjustment Tax. Since it would only impact profitable corporations, imports of goods directly to individuals or tax exempt entities could be encouraged. Travelers may be more apt to carry goods with them upon returning to the U.S. from abroad. Corporations might restructure so that the entity that actually imports goods and services does not have to incur a tax liability. There is also the complex issue of the prices American subsidiaries in foreign countries would charge the parent company for goods sold to the parent for sale to the U.S. market or as components for goods that might be exported or for sale in the United States. The president has bragged about his ability to use the tax code to reduce or eliminate his tax liability. Would anyone think sophisticated corporations with legions of acco..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4039655
When the Border Adjustment tax backfires will Trump order military force to be used to seize Mexican assets for such reimbursement?
"..As with many ill-conceived government interventions in free markets there are many possibilities for circumvention with a Border Adjustment Tax. Since it would only impact profitable corporations, imports of goods directly to individuals or tax exempt entities could be encouraged. Travelers may be more apt to carry goods with them upon returning to the U.S. from abroad. Corporations might restructure so that the entity that actually imports goods and services does not have to incur a tax liability. There is also the complex issue of the prices American subsidiaries in foreign countries would charge the parent company for goods sold to the parent for sale to the U.S. market or as components for goods that might be exported or for sale in the United States. The president has bragged about his ability to use the tax code to reduce or eliminate his tax liability. Would anyone think sophisticated corporations with legions of acco..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4039655
While just about every statement from Trump is indeed based on nothing more than an impulse, this proposal to impose a 20% tariff on Mexican goods is actually something that was both given consideration and supposed to work in the real world.
And this is because the reason for the announcement of this new tariff is a direct response to Mexico's president refusing to pay for the wall, something that is extremely important to Trump since he repeatedly promised he would get them to pay for it.
It should have been obvious that Trump's announcement of this tariff was nothing more than a threat to Mexico as to what the consequences would be if they do not agree to pay for the wall. In which case Mexico could have called his bluff. But the fact that this "proposal" is being taken with full seriousness by those in America also has created a situation in which Trump's announcement is being taken as a serious proposal, which was Trump's intention.
Now Trump intends to sit back and wait for Mexico to come running back to him with a counter proposal that they would pay for the wall in exchange for Trump dropping his proposed tariff. And it would make sense for Mexico to counter with this proposal since paying for the wall will be cheaper for them and save them more money than having a 20% tariff slapped on their imports. And thus Trump will have achieved his goal of getting Mexico to pay for the wall.
And this is because the reason for the announcement of this new tariff is a direct response to Mexico's president refusing to pay for the wall, something that is extremely important to Trump since he repeatedly promised he would get them to pay for it.
It should have been obvious that Trump's announcement of this tariff was nothing more than a threat to Mexico as to what the consequences would be if they do not agree to pay for the wall. In which case Mexico could have called his bluff. But the fact that this "proposal" is being taken with full seriousness by those in America also has created a situation in which Trump's announcement is being taken as a serious proposal, which was Trump's intention.
Now Trump intends to sit back and wait for Mexico to come running back to him with a counter proposal that they would pay for the wall in exchange for Trump dropping his proposed tariff. And it would make sense for Mexico to counter with this proposal since paying for the wall will be cheaper for them and save them more money than having a 20% tariff slapped on their imports. And thus Trump will have achieved his goal of getting Mexico to pay for the wall.
And exactly how many months would it take to rebuild in the United States those industries that Mexico now provides? And who in the United States would want to work in those low paying jobs?
As for fresh fruits and vegetables it is more than mangoes and avocados. It's strawberries, blueberries, asparagus, lettuce, things commonly eaten in the winter in the United States.
And furthermore, once the economy collapses in Mexico, those Mexicans that now have employment would flood back into the United States wall or no wall.
I thought Trump was a businessman.
As for fresh fruits and vegetables it is more than mangoes and avocados. It's strawberries, blueberries, asparagus, lettuce, things commonly eaten in the winter in the United States.
And furthermore, once the economy collapses in Mexico, those Mexicans that now have employment would flood back into the United States wall or no wall.
I thought Trump was a businessman.
The proposed 20% tax will not only be fiscally imprudent, but potentially dangerous as well. Trump's impulsiveness has already led to a cancelled state visit, but could bolster Mr. Nieto-Pena's presidency in Mexico, which was rife with controversy. Before this, his constituency had grown tired of his empty promises, social gaffes, and intemperate alliances. His approval ratings were at a record low. Now, emboldened by President Trump's ill-advised executive order and Mexico's own population, his popularity rises. This is a terrible mistake and one that will have long-term consequences, possibly empowering a government known for corruption and authoritarianism, which the US categorically opposes. President Trump and his staff fail to see the multiple nuances in our relationship with Mexico and he's wearing his lack of foreign policy experience on his sleeve. In his quest to "keep" one of campaign promises, he may be creating a wall of shame.
If this were the 19th century, chances are a president like Donald Trump would have invaded Mexico on the pretext of defending the vital interests of the United States, as did President Polk in 1846. Trump's obsession with punishing Mexico with his Wall and having it pay for his punishment, along with his threat to deprive sanctuary cities of federal money, his support of torture, his banning of refugees from Syria and other largely Moslem countries, his drive to abolish the Affordable Care Act, etc., form a portrait of a ruler who in effect wants to be the dictator of the United States. "L'Etat, chest moi" -- Louis XlV's definition of his monarchy increasingly form's Donald Trump's definition of his presidency.
Every day that this man-child gains confidence in his growing role of dominance, is a day closer to catastrophe. Every day that he remains in office without constraint, is a day of calamity. His minders, the one's whose agenda this child is shilling for, are permitting him to throw his fits while leading us to a reckoning.
As a former pediatrician, questions of handling tantrums would arise from concerned parents almost daily. We are witnessing this right now in a 70 year old, spoiled, regressive child, who lacks verbal skills, knows only to protect himself by punching out and punching down. His obsessive acting out will predictably become more ferocious as he gathers certainty of his strength, particularly if his minders continue to show an unwillingness to intervene, and by that I mean removing him from doing danger to himself or others, exactly the measure a parent must take with the uncontrolled three year old.
We must hold the "parents" of this child accountable for not removing the risk to us, for not taking the nation out of harm's way, of not protecting our neighbors (Mexico), our other kinfolk (immigrants, Muslims, people of all colors, and people of need), and for placing themselves first and above, not equal, or responsible...They have abandoned the rest of us to fend for ourselves...and we will!
As a former pediatrician, questions of handling tantrums would arise from concerned parents almost daily. We are witnessing this right now in a 70 year old, spoiled, regressive child, who lacks verbal skills, knows only to protect himself by punching out and punching down. His obsessive acting out will predictably become more ferocious as he gathers certainty of his strength, particularly if his minders continue to show an unwillingness to intervene, and by that I mean removing him from doing danger to himself or others, exactly the measure a parent must take with the uncontrolled three year old.
We must hold the "parents" of this child accountable for not removing the risk to us, for not taking the nation out of harm's way, of not protecting our neighbors (Mexico), our other kinfolk (immigrants, Muslims, people of all colors, and people of need), and for placing themselves first and above, not equal, or responsible...They have abandoned the rest of us to fend for ourselves...and we will!
This President will probably never learn that international trade is completely different from the real estate business. Buildings are rooted to the ground, and cannot be moved, imported or exported. Trade is all about the flow of goods and how those flows respond to a myriad of variables like tariffs and exchange rates. play through the well understood impact of a tariff from economics 101 . . .
Mexican goods become more expensive, so the US buys less.
American consumers pay more
US importers switch to other countries who don't face punitive tariffs
Peso falls - Mexican goods get cheaper
Mexico imposes retaliatory tariff, US goods get more expensive
Trade war starts, everybody loses
We haven't even completed the first week of his shift. Proud ignorance is in the White House.
Mexican goods become more expensive, so the US buys less.
American consumers pay more
US importers switch to other countries who don't face punitive tariffs
Peso falls - Mexican goods get cheaper
Mexico imposes retaliatory tariff, US goods get more expensive
Trade war starts, everybody loses
We haven't even completed the first week of his shift. Proud ignorance is in the White House.
The 19th century Mexican dictator, Porfirio Diaz, is supposed to have lamented, "Poor Mexico, so far from God, and so close to the United States!" Throughout our history, we have frequently behaved like a demented giant, thrashing about while oblivious to the impact of our actions on our smaller southern neighbor. Or we hold Mexico responsible for our internal problems, leading us to search for solutions in the wrong place.
The conflict over NAFTA, the latest example of this displaced aggression, exposes the economic illiteracy of a president who won election largely on the strength of his vaunted business expertise. Even if Trump's interpretation of the impact of the trade treaty were correct, the Mexican economy, tiny in comparison to that of the US, could not possibly inflict the kind of damage alleged by him. Such a claim resembles the assertion that an oil tanker could be swamped by the wake of a speed boat.
The conflict over NAFTA, the latest example of this displaced aggression, exposes the economic illiteracy of a president who won election largely on the strength of his vaunted business expertise. Even if Trump's interpretation of the impact of the trade treaty were correct, the Mexican economy, tiny in comparison to that of the US, could not possibly inflict the kind of damage alleged by him. Such a claim resembles the assertion that an oil tanker could be swamped by the wake of a speed boat.
2
Trump is conning all us us by this hogwash that Mexico will eventually pay for the wall. The initial 15 bn dollar cost would be put up by the taxpayers, everyone of us-- whether you purchase goods imported from Mexico or not. The import tax comes after the initial outlay; a proposal as a way to generate income to offset the federal dollars already spent on its construction.
The US taxpayers will pay twice for this wholly inadequate solution to immigrant reform. We will pay a huge upfront cost for the wall and then later for the loss of jobs and revenue generated by current trade policy.
The US taxpayers will pay twice for this wholly inadequate solution to immigrant reform. We will pay a huge upfront cost for the wall and then later for the loss of jobs and revenue generated by current trade policy.
This is a very compelling argument: Government interference in markets creates false markets.
It would be nice if the Times was consistent with this argument. Please replace "illegal aliens" with healthcare, "affordable housing,"rent control, section 8, pharmaceutical subsidies, public education... you get the point. Eventually you run out of other people's money to spend.
Where the argument fails is "Besides, a tax on Mexican imports would be paid by American consumers and businesses that buy those goods."
The American tax payer and most businesses loose out when illegals enter our country, contribute little/nothing when they work "under the table" and make very little, pay little/no taxes, wire "home" much of the money they do earn, etc. When they then apply for government "services" like food stamps, free or subsidized housing, free education, prisons, etc, that costs the American taxpayer directly.
Either way the American taxpayer is stuck with a bill.
It would be nice if the Times was consistent with this argument. Please replace "illegal aliens" with healthcare, "affordable housing,"rent control, section 8, pharmaceutical subsidies, public education... you get the point. Eventually you run out of other people's money to spend.
Where the argument fails is "Besides, a tax on Mexican imports would be paid by American consumers and businesses that buy those goods."
The American tax payer and most businesses loose out when illegals enter our country, contribute little/nothing when they work "under the table" and make very little, pay little/no taxes, wire "home" much of the money they do earn, etc. When they then apply for government "services" like food stamps, free or subsidized housing, free education, prisons, etc, that costs the American taxpayer directly.
Either way the American taxpayer is stuck with a bill.
2
The Pew Chritable Trust Report on Mexican immigration shows that due to a strengthening Mexican economy, more illegal Mexicans flowed back into Mexico than came into the country. http://www.pewhispanic.org/2015/11/19/more-mexicans-leaving-than-coming-...
If we weaken their economy by placing onerous taxes on their products, this trend will reverse itself, and all that will have been achieved is to ruin both are economies, and drive up our cost of food and other consumer goods, and increase the pressure on the border.
Trump's shocking stupidity and his impulsive execution ought to be very concerning to all of us, but our Congressional leaders, particularly those of the GOP, need to tutor this administration on a few elementary facts about the economy, and about diplomacy. He needs a better set of handlers with a sharper set of spurs.
If we weaken their economy by placing onerous taxes on their products, this trend will reverse itself, and all that will have been achieved is to ruin both are economies, and drive up our cost of food and other consumer goods, and increase the pressure on the border.
Trump's shocking stupidity and his impulsive execution ought to be very concerning to all of us, but our Congressional leaders, particularly those of the GOP, need to tutor this administration on a few elementary facts about the economy, and about diplomacy. He needs a better set of handlers with a sharper set of spurs.
1
If tariffs worked so well there wouldn't be a need for any trade agreement period. Today economies of all countries are closely intertwined and free trade between nations has mutual benefits. A strong Mexican economy benefits the United States economically and geo-politically. Protecting the border and enforcing immigration laws is non-negotiable however it must not come at the cost of alienating our third-largest trading partner and weakening its economy.
1
"...a tax on Mexican imports would be paid by American consumers and businesses that buy those goods."
This is why Trump's promise of trade barriers as a method to "make America great again" has always been fraudulent, predatory manipulation of the job insecurities of voters who don't understand free markets and economics.
[Trump's policies] "... have underscored just how impulsive and apparently ignorant the new occupant of the Oval Office is of international economic and security relationships..."
This is why Trump was soundly rejected by the voters, why Trump is unwanted, and why he will never be able to lead effectively. While election analysis always focuses on Clinton's popular vote win, the fact that more than 73 million voters had the wise judgment to choose anybody other than Trump is the more significant point. Most significant is that Trump was forced on the nation by 304 electors, following a process that was twisted against democracy from its very beginning.
The American people know the catastrophe that Trump is. We've known it all along. Now we must continue to find ways to resist and defy him.
This is why Trump's promise of trade barriers as a method to "make America great again" has always been fraudulent, predatory manipulation of the job insecurities of voters who don't understand free markets and economics.
[Trump's policies] "... have underscored just how impulsive and apparently ignorant the new occupant of the Oval Office is of international economic and security relationships..."
This is why Trump was soundly rejected by the voters, why Trump is unwanted, and why he will never be able to lead effectively. While election analysis always focuses on Clinton's popular vote win, the fact that more than 73 million voters had the wise judgment to choose anybody other than Trump is the more significant point. Most significant is that Trump was forced on the nation by 304 electors, following a process that was twisted against democracy from its very beginning.
The American people know the catastrophe that Trump is. We've known it all along. Now we must continue to find ways to resist and defy him.
2
Donald Trump has not displayed “animus” toward Mexico or Mexicans. His executive action order merely directs Homeland Security to enforce the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, which President Bill Clinton signed into law in 1996. This act, which passed with board bipartisan support in both houses, calls for the deportation of foreign nationals unlawfully present in the United States. It’s not Trump’s idea. Building a barrier on the southern border to stop illegal entry isn’t a Trump idea either. Congress pass the Secure Fence Act of 2006. The act, which Hillary Clinton voted for when she was a senator, calls for a two-layer barrier to be built from the California coast to the Texas coast. Trump propose to complete the barrier. Mexicans are being hypocritical when they say the wall is an affront to Mexico. Mexico has built a wall on its border with Guatemala to stop illegal immigrants from Central America.
This is all part of a negotiation.
Hard fought negotiations can involve bluffing, extreme demands, threats, and walking away from the table multiple times. (This type of negotiation makes some people very uncomfortable, which makes them poor negotiators.)
In the end, however, such negotiations resolve the question of which side has more power/leverage. It seems that the U.S. enjoys more power/leverage over Mexico and therefore will get a better deal than they currently have.
When it's all done, the two parties generally find an amicable settlement. I suspect that the front page of this very newspaper will feature a picture of Trump and the Mexican president smiling, shaking hands, and celebrating a new deal - shocking its many readers and commenters.
Hard fought negotiations can involve bluffing, extreme demands, threats, and walking away from the table multiple times. (This type of negotiation makes some people very uncomfortable, which makes them poor negotiators.)
In the end, however, such negotiations resolve the question of which side has more power/leverage. It seems that the U.S. enjoys more power/leverage over Mexico and therefore will get a better deal than they currently have.
When it's all done, the two parties generally find an amicable settlement. I suspect that the front page of this very newspaper will feature a picture of Trump and the Mexican president smiling, shaking hands, and celebrating a new deal - shocking its many readers and commenters.
2
Distracting ourselves from the rape and pillaging of Mr. Drumph on the world economy, lets talk about a wall and tarrif: Trump ignored his aides that a tarrif would hurt an American consumer economy. He ignored the warnings that a wall would not be feasible: that the State of Texas has no federal easement; that private land would end up in miserable litigation if Mr. Drumph enforces eminent domain.
Mr. Drumph ignored these warnings not only because he is an unprincipled psychopath obsessed with his media image, sure, there's that. He's building the wall and threatening tarrifs to use US tax dollars to build roads along the border so Tillerson and his oil cronies (Kochs) can build cheap pipelines across our sacred lands and poison our waters with a muzzled EPA.
The tarrif threat? Thats just to shake up the trade deals for the same old vulture capitalists to pick at. And to weaken Mexico's economy for fuel exploitation in Mexico's Eagle Ford oil shale basin.
Mr. Drumph ignored these warnings not only because he is an unprincipled psychopath obsessed with his media image, sure, there's that. He's building the wall and threatening tarrifs to use US tax dollars to build roads along the border so Tillerson and his oil cronies (Kochs) can build cheap pipelines across our sacred lands and poison our waters with a muzzled EPA.
The tarrif threat? Thats just to shake up the trade deals for the same old vulture capitalists to pick at. And to weaken Mexico's economy for fuel exploitation in Mexico's Eagle Ford oil shale basin.
2
It is only a week today since this fool assumed the highest job in the world and every day brings a more horrifying story about what he wants to do to the US. When Mexico or Canada suffer the whole continent of North America suffers and that includes the US. I think Mr Trump's grasp of reality shrinks by the hour. Certainly his obsession with fake numbers (his inauguration crowds, climate change stats, voter frauds) would indicate that he is incapable of making sound judgements based on real facts. The real facts in the wall case would be: it will hurt the US in all the areas you pointed out, it is almost impossible to build this wall in many places because of the geography of the area and it will cost the American taxpayer billions that could be better spent upgrading out infrastructure. The Mexican wall is only the beginning of his delusional schemes. What scares me is that when I travel with a US passport I now have a target on my back. Trump's dangerous vision of the US & the world endangers all of us.
2
There is a far more elegant solution. Levy a temporary 20% "border security" tax on any electronic fund transfer to Central or South America. On an annual basis, Mexicans working in the United States send roughly $25B in funds back across the border in the form of remittances (virtually all of which are electronically transferred). Once the wall is paid for, the tax can be repealed. It may also have the side-effect of causing many illegal immigrants to return to work in their home countries where they would not be subject to such a tax.
1
So, it is ok for U.S. companies to close their operations in the U.S. and lay off their workers (workers who will then rely on taxpayers for benefits to exist) and the U.S. corporations to set up shop in Mexico to employ lower cost employees to make more profits. Then these same U.S. Corporations are then free to ship their Mexican made cars or other goods back to America free of any tariffs? This only encourages more U.S. companies to pick up stakes, lay off their worker and move to foreign countries. Will we have any good paying jobs left in this country if this is continued? Again the NYT focuses on tariffs and against Trump. Perhaps with tariffs/tax it will make it less likely our manufacturers will leave the country.
We are one of the biggest markets. There is no question manufacturers want to sell to us.
We are one of the biggest markets. There is no question manufacturers want to sell to us.
2
Exactly . Trump does not see that the wall and borders of commerce are all gone. He is an ignoble Quixote fighting windmills but where Quixote fought for the ineffable courtly love and beauty that was being lost in the enlightenment Trump fights for the imperial greed of a Roman paradigm that ended in 476 ad. His deluded fight is far from chivalrous though it is futile as Quixote 's for sure.
The real solution is global unionization of workers so workers around the world are not exploited in the world game of cheaper consumption. This raises standards of living around the world and protects jobs at home while protecting the environment .
Building walls and chasing windmills will not fix this though it makes for a good satire.
The real solution is global unionization of workers so workers around the world are not exploited in the world game of cheaper consumption. This raises standards of living around the world and protects jobs at home while protecting the environment .
Building walls and chasing windmills will not fix this though it makes for a good satire.
I'm in favor of improved border enforcement, even including a wall. But to suggest that US, still the richest country in the world, can't afford to enforce its border is beyond pathetic. Our new president has only proven his utter lack of qualification to serve in the role. He hasn't even been president for a week and he's taken a relationship with a foreign nation that was in excellent condition and trashed it completely for no reason whatsoever. By the way, a tax on imports from Mexico would drive up prices of imports and lead to fewer Americans purchasing them, or paying a higher price to include the tax. Either way, Mexico does not pay for the wall. More importantly, have we lost all pride and dignity? If we want a wall, I think we can pay for it.
2
Somehow I can't blame the current president on the abysmal condition of our border security or visa tracking.
Good for Trump. Corporations race to lower costs fails to take into account the complexities of a country's standard of living and government. Build where you sell is truly the only correct answer. This policy supports a middle class, essential to a healthy economy. The myth of free trade is just an excuse for corporations to bounce around thw world taking advantage of weak countries regulations, low SOL, and exploit them for short term gain. Corporations like governments must be controlled for the benefit of the people. Anyone who believes China is an example of free trade needs to open their eyes. Almost all major corporations are controlled and/or run by the government. Free markets are a myth as much as free education, free healthcare, America First means our Constitution, culture and ethos must be protected above all.
1
As I see it the nation is divided on immigration policies. We should have had immigration reform 50 years ago allowing temporary residence for a set period for anyone based on national need kind of like the H-1,J-1 visa. Our Northern border is the longest undefended border in the world and yet the border is not porous to illegal entry from Canada or channeling of illegal entry from anywhere else in the world. If only our Southern border was similar, I would say Trump's tantrum is terrible but the fact remains that the Southern border with Mexico is porous to illegal entry, channeling of citizens illegally entering from central America and beyond, legal entry of Avocados, Tomatoes, Lettuce peppers, plantains auto parts etc, as well as illicit drugs. Besides giving fodder to those to those opposed to illegal immigration, it is a human rights issue that illegal entry means a long walk through treacherous porous border under desert conditions, loss of freedom, constant fear of being deported, inability to go back to visit families or spend time with parents for years and worst of all exploitation by those who hire undocumented workers. Illegal entry into the USA is a simmering problem that has reached epic proportions and there is an urgency of now. Trump may not have the right answers but he is trying to deal with it in an erratic manner. If only we could have ensured that millions of persons residing without valid documentation returned there would not have been a tantrum.
3
We need very few H1 visas. Most are for cheaper labor.
One wonders what could possibly lurk behind Mr. Trump's obsession with building a wall along the US-Mexico border.
There is conclusive evidence that the majority of undocumented immigrants in America did not get there by crossing over from the South. There is equally conclusive evidence that the criminal element is but a tiny fraction of the overall multitude of illegals, and certainly no larger than in the population as a whole. There is, furthermore, and yet again conclusive, evidence that the contribution of these people, who work without even the scant protection that the law offers workers in general, and often at lower wages, to the US economy is significant. To tie of the package with a neat bow, history has demonstrated time and again that a wall simply doesn't work.
Unless, that is, you turn that wall into a heavily policed death-zone, with mine fields and shoot-on-sight orders... Something like the Armistice-line between the Korea's or the former intra-German border. Now, it may very well be that that is precisely what Mr. Trump has in mind. And in that case it will be interesting to find out how the American people, who repeatedly crossed oceans to shed their blood for the liberation of the oppressed, will react.
To be continued, undoubtedly.
There is conclusive evidence that the majority of undocumented immigrants in America did not get there by crossing over from the South. There is equally conclusive evidence that the criminal element is but a tiny fraction of the overall multitude of illegals, and certainly no larger than in the population as a whole. There is, furthermore, and yet again conclusive, evidence that the contribution of these people, who work without even the scant protection that the law offers workers in general, and often at lower wages, to the US economy is significant. To tie of the package with a neat bow, history has demonstrated time and again that a wall simply doesn't work.
Unless, that is, you turn that wall into a heavily policed death-zone, with mine fields and shoot-on-sight orders... Something like the Armistice-line between the Korea's or the former intra-German border. Now, it may very well be that that is precisely what Mr. Trump has in mind. And in that case it will be interesting to find out how the American people, who repeatedly crossed oceans to shed their blood for the liberation of the oppressed, will react.
To be continued, undoubtedly.
5
There is no benefit in a 20% tax to Mexico, if the Jobs are then just moved to Bangladesh. The only Option of the US to effectively ban Outsourcing to other countries is a general import tax to all (those) countries.
But given the american dependency on Imports this would lead to soaring Prices. I will not speculate on the currency but if the USD declines in value subsequent to that (if), than the effect would be even stronger.
Additionally, if President Trump would manage to move hundreds of thousends or millions of Jobs back to the U.S., the Prices of U.S. goods would rise and they would be even less competitive on the world markets. An effect, which may then lead to a recession, eliminating those Jobs again.
But the effect on trade would be even more devasting, because the Targets of those tariffs would certainly retaliate with own trade barriers. In the end, President Trump would most likely face a loose ... loose Situation with most of his trading Partners. With the bigger "loose" on the U.S. side.
It will be interesting to see, how President Trump will "deliver" on his promises.
But given the american dependency on Imports this would lead to soaring Prices. I will not speculate on the currency but if the USD declines in value subsequent to that (if), than the effect would be even stronger.
Additionally, if President Trump would manage to move hundreds of thousends or millions of Jobs back to the U.S., the Prices of U.S. goods would rise and they would be even less competitive on the world markets. An effect, which may then lead to a recession, eliminating those Jobs again.
But the effect on trade would be even more devasting, because the Targets of those tariffs would certainly retaliate with own trade barriers. In the end, President Trump would most likely face a loose ... loose Situation with most of his trading Partners. With the bigger "loose" on the U.S. side.
It will be interesting to see, how President Trump will "deliver" on his promises.
2
"Work that requires cheaper labor typically occurs in Mexico".
If capitalists and upper managers had their way all work would be done by cheap labor. American workers built up their wages and reduced their hours through a long struggle involving unions and political action. Moving manufacturing to other countries where the standard of living is much lower has undone much of this, tending to flatten wages worldwide. The better jobs which establishment economists and the Times promised have not materialized. There is no reason that American workers have to put up with this - it is obviously a main factor in the growth of inequality.
The Times assumes not only that American workers have seen some benefit from globalization, but that it has increased overall GDP growth. Both assumptions are false - economists would not be talking about "secular stagnation" if the increased international trade had had the promised benefits.
By pretending that globalization is good for workers establishment "liberals" have left it up to Trump to be their champion.
If capitalists and upper managers had their way all work would be done by cheap labor. American workers built up their wages and reduced their hours through a long struggle involving unions and political action. Moving manufacturing to other countries where the standard of living is much lower has undone much of this, tending to flatten wages worldwide. The better jobs which establishment economists and the Times promised have not materialized. There is no reason that American workers have to put up with this - it is obviously a main factor in the growth of inequality.
The Times assumes not only that American workers have seen some benefit from globalization, but that it has increased overall GDP growth. Both assumptions are false - economists would not be talking about "secular stagnation" if the increased international trade had had the promised benefits.
By pretending that globalization is good for workers establishment "liberals" have left it up to Trump to be their champion.
3
Not only the NAFTA business and trade supply chains but much of the American business, labour, and retail sectors would be hit hard by this wall obsession against Mexico that Trump suffers from and his equally foolish 20%tariff hiking decision to prevent the Mexican imports to the US.
2
Who's having the tantrum? Peña Nieto needs to talk to Trump more than Trump needs to talk to Peña Nieto. Trump is merely keeping his campaign promises; that can be done through bilateral talks with Mexico or unilaterally by the current administration. For those who think Trump is bad look at the long sad history of Mexican politicians.
19
Negotiating -- well actually issuing ultimatums -- via tweeted insults is hardly adult. Or necessary. And the fact that some Trump supporters don't understand that even appearing to "compel" Mexico to build this white elephant is both demeaning and insulting -- well that simply demonstrates the degree of arrogance and hubris needed to be a member of his camp. The classic "ugly" American, writ very large indeed.
Caving in to a bully is never a good long term strategy. If a trade war with the United States is the price Mexico has to pay in order to put a stop to this kind of nonsense, then the Mexicans are perfectly willing to pay it. Why is this so hard to grasp? Would Americans react any differently if the Chinese "negotiated" in this fashion?
Caving in to a bully is never a good long term strategy. If a trade war with the United States is the price Mexico has to pay in order to put a stop to this kind of nonsense, then the Mexicans are perfectly willing to pay it. Why is this so hard to grasp? Would Americans react any differently if the Chinese "negotiated" in this fashion?
2
Trump is right. Mexico needs the US more than the US needs Mexico. And it will pay. Somewhere in that almost $60 billion trade surplus is a billion for the wall.
@ Michael S This is not a question of who is right or wrong; it's a question of what is right or wrong. Even you can see that Trump is always more focused on his views, his opinions even when they are in direct conflict with easily provable facts.
Yet another opportunity for Trump loyalists to shout "USA, USA" while shooting themselves in the foot.
38
Rather shooting their ordinary citizens in the foot. Trump and gangsters eat regardless. It's the rest of us who will suffer.
My suggestion to you who wishes Trump's failure is to allow him the latitutde to actually shoot himself in the foot.
If you continually point out the dangers, he might listen to you, and you'll have to wait until the next time for him to do damage. Who knows, you keep yapping, sir, it might take as long as eight years for that to happen.
If you continually point out the dangers, he might listen to you, and you'll have to wait until the next time for him to do damage. Who knows, you keep yapping, sir, it might take as long as eight years for that to happen.
"Work that requires cheaper labor typically occurs in Mexico, where earnings are lower, while design, engineering and advanced manufacturing tends to take place in Canada and the United States."
Your animus toward Trump is so great that you miss the irony of the above words. You also, as the "progressive" mouthpiece, unwittingly set forth reasons for Trump's ascension.
First, the fact that production takes place in Mexico "where earnings are less," means that the "design and engineering" done in the US and Canada has a steady supply of cheap and poor labor. This smacks of economic servitude. Another form of white imperialism over brown people. Well done.
Next, that "cheap Mexican labor" eliminates tens of thousands of production jobs in the US and Canada which will never be replaced by "design and engineering" positions, as nice as it sounds.
Further, of course US corporations take the money saved from "cheap Mexican labor" and instead of re-investing it the US, or paying US workers more, they invest the money offshore or in Mexican plants or plants outside the US.
But, I have an idea. How about we take all of the printing jobs at the Times and move them to Mexico, leaving only the editorial work against Trump in Times Square? Surely, the Times owners would enjoy the savings of paying cheaper newspaper production costs, and the Times offices expenses could mostly be eliminated.
In this manner, the Times could experience first hand the benefits of NAFTA.
Your animus toward Trump is so great that you miss the irony of the above words. You also, as the "progressive" mouthpiece, unwittingly set forth reasons for Trump's ascension.
First, the fact that production takes place in Mexico "where earnings are less," means that the "design and engineering" done in the US and Canada has a steady supply of cheap and poor labor. This smacks of economic servitude. Another form of white imperialism over brown people. Well done.
Next, that "cheap Mexican labor" eliminates tens of thousands of production jobs in the US and Canada which will never be replaced by "design and engineering" positions, as nice as it sounds.
Further, of course US corporations take the money saved from "cheap Mexican labor" and instead of re-investing it the US, or paying US workers more, they invest the money offshore or in Mexican plants or plants outside the US.
But, I have an idea. How about we take all of the printing jobs at the Times and move them to Mexico, leaving only the editorial work against Trump in Times Square? Surely, the Times owners would enjoy the savings of paying cheaper newspaper production costs, and the Times offices expenses could mostly be eliminated.
In this manner, the Times could experience first hand the benefits of NAFTA.
25
Trump's answer is cutting US wages to third world levels. Good luck paying off your mortgage. Some plutocrat will snap your house up to make a rental slum of it after you default.
7
Of course, should the assembly process (by some miracle) be shifted north, it still won't create any jobs. There is very little in manufacturing (as opposed to journalism) which can't be be done better and more cheaply by robots than by human beings. Man-hours needed to produce a car are between 20 to 30% of that needed 40 years ago, and that trend is only going to continue. Mexico isn't as far along this path as the rest of North America because labor is generally cheaper there, but that won't remain true in that country (or anywhere else) for very much longer. Trump's position amounts to that of a modern-day Luddite, which isn't going to work any better in the 21st century than it did in the 18th.
Just how the Trump core support of largely unskilled laborers think igniting a trade war will somehow benefit them beats me. Manufacturing is dead as a large-scale employer, and whining and complaining about that fact -- which is pretty much all that the Trump campaign amounted to -- is not going to change it. The quicker the American working class gets its' head around this reality -- and retrains accordingly -- the better it will be for everybody.
Just how the Trump core support of largely unskilled laborers think igniting a trade war will somehow benefit them beats me. Manufacturing is dead as a large-scale employer, and whining and complaining about that fact -- which is pretty much all that the Trump campaign amounted to -- is not going to change it. The quicker the American working class gets its' head around this reality -- and retrains accordingly -- the better it will be for everybody.
Would you prefer to buy from an American company with part of the production chain in Mexico or a from a Chinese one? The US would need to increase all import tariffs in that case. My personal experience is that high import tariffs result in lower quality and more expensive goods.
Hurting Mexico with 20% tariff is an anti-free market loose-loose situation.
Hurting Mexico with 20% tariff is an anti-free market loose-loose situation.
I do not always agree with The Editorial Board of the Times. But you hit it out of the park with today's opinion. "Trump's Mexico Tantrum"! Perfect! And we, the unfortunate citizens of the U.S., will be paying the bills for a long time to come. Is there no stopping this unbalanced man???
26
The problem isn't just the Mexico tantrum with Trump....its a tantrum everyday with Trump about everything. For God's sake grow up or go home.
3 ways.
1. If the tariffs and fees come to fruition dont buy.
2. Demand the companies selling the goods lower prices (after they raise them which will happen as far in advance of them taking effect as they can manage, so it will be harder to know they have raised prices because of them) by at LEAST the amount of all tariffs and fees. They should demand the companies they get the goods from lower the prices they pay by at least that amount.
3. War.
R. E. S. I. S. T. always, and noisily. There should be marches in DC every weekend. They dont have to be as large as the Womens March. Just big enough to put large rings around both the capital and the WH. Also in NYC and Florida at Trump properties, where he might be.
Did you notice how uncomfortable he looked sitting at his desk on Air Force One? So small, not to his liking. Let us, the people sell it and get him a two seater biplane to take everywhere, open cockpit. Then get the SS to forbid him from using the one his companies own. Then he will know uncomfortable.
All those signatures this week. After each one he turns the folder around looking for all the world like he is saying "look Mommy, I wrote my name! Arent you proud of me?" Answer: No your still a fake and a loser.
1. If the tariffs and fees come to fruition dont buy.
2. Demand the companies selling the goods lower prices (after they raise them which will happen as far in advance of them taking effect as they can manage, so it will be harder to know they have raised prices because of them) by at LEAST the amount of all tariffs and fees. They should demand the companies they get the goods from lower the prices they pay by at least that amount.
3. War.
R. E. S. I. S. T. always, and noisily. There should be marches in DC every weekend. They dont have to be as large as the Womens March. Just big enough to put large rings around both the capital and the WH. Also in NYC and Florida at Trump properties, where he might be.
Did you notice how uncomfortable he looked sitting at his desk on Air Force One? So small, not to his liking. Let us, the people sell it and get him a two seater biplane to take everywhere, open cockpit. Then get the SS to forbid him from using the one his companies own. Then he will know uncomfortable.
All those signatures this week. After each one he turns the folder around looking for all the world like he is saying "look Mommy, I wrote my name! Arent you proud of me?" Answer: No your still a fake and a loser.
Without good paying jobs, it is unlikely Americans will be buying much of anything. Ford knew that.
The Republicans no longer have anyone to blame. They are the majority and they will own the outcome of this mess for generations.
I would like to thank the NY Times for doing a better job of keeping us informed.
I would like to thank the NY Times for doing a better job of keeping us informed.
22
Ever since he descended his golden staircase he has been using racist attacks against Mexico. The frightening thing for me is that he knew this would resonate with the people who voted for him.
26
Who can he go to, to fill the jobs the undocumented brown people do? There are jobs no citizen wants to do. Nasty, dirty, low pay. Perfect for his base. So to get them to take those jobs he will see that all safety nets are wiped out. No more unemployment payments, no more soup kitchens, no more food pantries, no more thrift stores. All will be closed and shuttered as unsanitary and bad for employment. Then he will tell all the companies to fire all the Chumps. Including the burger places the wives work. The unemployment offices will then funnel all of them into these ugly jobs. At even less money than the current holders of these jobs get. Their employers will be so happy, they will hire supervisors who will go around making sure these jobs are done right, no shirking allowed, come in early, no breaks, 15 minute lunch, stay late, no OT. Find them not doing things as their rules say....FIRED! No unemployment. No finding another job. So soon no cable, no porn, no pigs knuckles, then no apartment, no vehicle, no new clothes, no food. Living under bridges isnt easy or comfortable. States wont help, no more motel rooms for families, no emergency food. Churches wont be allowed to feed the hungry (not good for employment). Soon they will know Trump is not their friend who approved of the way they lived and acted. Because it is bad for business.
For Trump, all the world truly is a stage for his ego and we are all just means to achieve the greater glory of Trump.
Yes, Trump is narcissistic, cruel, impulsive, prone to temper tantrums, etc., but he is also clever, manipulative and good at strategic thinking. After all, Ted Buddy and Ted Kacsinsky were crazy but effective.
He and his aides are doing what other White Houses have done - tossing ideas out there to see what kind of flack they will get, setting up straw men so that he will look good when he knocks them over, running shell games to divert and distract from the real issues. Trump has, of course, upped the ante with his brazen lies.
The Mexican tariff idea is the kind of bomb throwing that Trump loves. It is both a trial balloon and a distraction. The question should always be - what is trying to distract us from?
Yes, Trump is narcissistic, cruel, impulsive, prone to temper tantrums, etc., but he is also clever, manipulative and good at strategic thinking. After all, Ted Buddy and Ted Kacsinsky were crazy but effective.
He and his aides are doing what other White Houses have done - tossing ideas out there to see what kind of flack they will get, setting up straw men so that he will look good when he knocks them over, running shell games to divert and distract from the real issues. Trump has, of course, upped the ante with his brazen lies.
The Mexican tariff idea is the kind of bomb throwing that Trump loves. It is both a trial balloon and a distraction. The question should always be - what is trying to distract us from?
23
I believe that Trump is distracting us from Putin. Did anyone watch Rachel Maddow last night? That was some story about the arrest of the FSB deputy for treason on December 5, 2016 and the allegations that he was spying for the U.S. and tipped us off to the Russian hacking. Is it true??
If the President of the United States is a human starting gun, Donald J. Trump must be a human machine gun, with a red (or orange) tip at the end of its plastic barrel.
2
"Besides, a tax on Mexican imports would be paid by American consumers and businesses that buy those goods"
Hmmm - that could only happen if Mexican exporters were able to pass the full cost of the tariff onto US consumers. But "cost-plus" pricing like that is only possible where you have true market dominance, such as a monopoly position.
In reality, the US market place is so competitive these exporters will be more likely to absorb much/all of the cost of the tariff by taking a cut in their margins, or otherwise risk losing vital market share ... a significant priority given the tariff is likely to only be imposed for a temporary few years to raise a target amount ($12b?).
For example, if the price of Corona beer goes up 20%, US consumers are more likely to switch to other beers than pay more - ergo, Mexican exporters will be inclined to take a cut in their margins to retain market share.
Hmmm - that could only happen if Mexican exporters were able to pass the full cost of the tariff onto US consumers. But "cost-plus" pricing like that is only possible where you have true market dominance, such as a monopoly position.
In reality, the US market place is so competitive these exporters will be more likely to absorb much/all of the cost of the tariff by taking a cut in their margins, or otherwise risk losing vital market share ... a significant priority given the tariff is likely to only be imposed for a temporary few years to raise a target amount ($12b?).
For example, if the price of Corona beer goes up 20%, US consumers are more likely to switch to other beers than pay more - ergo, Mexican exporters will be inclined to take a cut in their margins to retain market share.
13
Tariff fees are typically paid by the importer, not the exporter. The exporter being a commercial or governmental agency of a foreign country there is no way to collect those fees. The US consumer would be paying for the wall after all.
If your theory works and US consumers switch to non-Mexican imports, then who pays for the wall? That'd be you...
1
Oh, dear. Expensive beer.
What about tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, cucumbers. onions, blueberries, strawberries, mangoes, raspberries ... and so on?
Read your fruits and vegetables labels, lately?
And lots of other stuff Walmart shoppers won't want to pay more for.
What about tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, cucumbers. onions, blueberries, strawberries, mangoes, raspberries ... and so on?
Read your fruits and vegetables labels, lately?
And lots of other stuff Walmart shoppers won't want to pay more for.
The headline shows an utter respect for the office of the President of United States. It seems as though the NYT is loyal to Mexico's interests. But wait, this is true: NYT's biggest shareholder is Mexico's top oligarch, Carlos Slims.
16
One earns respect. This person sitting in the Oval Office hasn't earned it. By the way, he doesn't respect the American citizens.
The headline doesn't disrespect the office of the President. It disrespects the president himself, who has earned that disrespect in spades. What would this man have to do for his millions of lackeys to recognize how badly they have been bamboozled?
Right on! And Yo to all those wonderful Christians back in my Midwest home Mexico is our neighbor. You ain't got a good job? As a very funny Mexican comedian was once overheard quipping get on a bus and come on up or out to NYC, don't expect no money or sympathy from me! Go Tigers.
6
How hilarious that while I was caught up in frustration at Trump's bullying, it didn't occur to me that duh, of course a tariff is paid for by us Americans buying the Mexican goods.
But that's ok. It didn't occur to the Trump people either and they're in charge of the country. D'oh!
But that's ok. It didn't occur to the Trump people either and they're in charge of the country. D'oh!
9
Trump's obsession with Mexico, demanding that Mexico pay for the wall Trump wants to build, insulting that country at every opportunity etc. seems very suspicious to me. I'm sure all of those racist groups, all of those White Supremacists etc. are elated. It seems to them Trump is carrying out their wishes to a T.
8
Correct me if I am wrong, Julio...
Isn't the Mexican border the one that has all the problems with illegal immigrants and drug trafficing?
Isn't it reasonable to hold Mexico partially responsibile for what is happening along and across our mutual boarder?
So friends treat freind's rights and properties with such contempt, eh, without any consequenses?
I'll be over to take your car on my vacation next summer. Make sure it's cleaned and gassed-up.
Isn't the Mexican border the one that has all the problems with illegal immigrants and drug trafficing?
Isn't it reasonable to hold Mexico partially responsibile for what is happening along and across our mutual boarder?
So friends treat freind's rights and properties with such contempt, eh, without any consequenses?
I'll be over to take your car on my vacation next summer. Make sure it's cleaned and gassed-up.
1
Indeed, Americans would pay the tariff on goods manufactured in Mexico. This makes it less profitable to move factories to Mexico.
5
Before I would buy anything Emperor Trump put a tariff on, I would check to see if ANY foreign company made something similar here. If there was I would buy that product. They pay their workers less here than American companies do (they situate their plants in places where people have been unemployed for so long that they would take any job, at any wage, just to work [not in WT country, they like being unemployed]), fewer benefits. But, they make a lot of good product and sell them cheaply. Trump if he tried to put fees and tariffs on these foreign companies, that manufactor what they sell here, their employees would riot in DC, state capitals, and near rich peoples homes, would lose many in his base. See some have learned it is better to work, then not. Never thought it was possible for WT to learn that. But, some have a spark of decency in them. They can grow up.
Besides they dont want to end up with a "career" in nasty, dirty jobs after Trump deports those doing them now.
Besides they dont want to end up with a "career" in nasty, dirty jobs after Trump deports those doing them now.
You cannot run a country with the mind frame necessary to run a golf course or a casino, and with the cranial endowments of a petulant child. Where are the famous checks and balances, or at least a word of sanity from Capitol Hill, to reassure the people that this madman's fancies won't flush us all down the drain.
17
It is a casino mind frame, with the suckers to be fleeced. Doing quite well and laughing all the way to the bank.
By continuing to bully Mexico and Mexican immigrants in particular, it is almost certain that a solidarity movement against the agressive 'gringo' politics will arise between the Latin American nations. Donald Trump is in fact loosing friends all over the place, be it in Europe, Asia, Australia and now Latin America.
14
Inasmuch as Trump is merely demanding a FAIR trade in the fair trade world, I am not surprised that his policies are meeting resistance in those areas which have been abusing the basic fairness of the transactions.
And are you authorized to speak for Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America, not to mention having any first-hand evidence that supports your conclusions?
And are you authorized to speak for Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America, not to mention having any first-hand evidence that supports your conclusions?
1
A tariff on cars or car parts coming from Mexico will simply raise car prices in the US, just as during Reagan's Presidency. It's the dumbest idea.
15
Not, Annette,, if industrial investors see the opportunity to undercut the prices of the Mexican parts by re-opening manufacturing sites in this country.
Your premise is far too narrow to come to a true conclusion, no matter how good your logic might be.
Your premise is far too narrow to come to a true conclusion, no matter how good your logic might be.
1
Need a car, get a Honda Odessy. Made in American of 75% American made parts. Better than any American car maker. They did it to save on shipping. But, it has put them in the right spot to up their market share YUGELY!
When you want to buy American, check foreign companies first. Many have plants over here, to make their products that they sell here, over here. They often have bigger percentages of American parts than American companies do. So far they havent automated as much as American companies. So, to buy American, Buy foreign! Let American companies wither and die under Trump. Let the workers they employ lose their jobs. Lets see if his base still loves them when they find no unemployment, no welfare, no emergency help of any kind as they become unemployed, unwanted, and hungry, homeless, and unwanted.
When you want to buy American, check foreign companies first. Many have plants over here, to make their products that they sell here, over here. They often have bigger percentages of American parts than American companies do. So far they havent automated as much as American companies. So, to buy American, Buy foreign! Let American companies wither and die under Trump. Let the workers they employ lose their jobs. Lets see if his base still loves them when they find no unemployment, no welfare, no emergency help of any kind as they become unemployed, unwanted, and hungry, homeless, and unwanted.
We knew that Trump would be a disaster, but so far, in less than a week on the job, he's exceeding all expectations. I suspect his supporters will stick with him until they can't sell their produce, or they start losing--not gaining--jobs.
We're all in this boat together, and it's sinking fast.
We're all in this boat together, and it's sinking fast.
30
It's funny how some liberals will talk from both sides of their mouth.
They want the minimum wage increased
They also are against import taxes.
Don't they know by raising the minimum wages increases the cost of running a business and puts that business at a disadvantage when they compete with businesses in Mexico.
Either you protect that business by taxing imports or say good by to the jobs people had who worked there or do not increase the minimum wages which make it impossible for the American companies to compete with ones in Mexico.
I would think you haven't helped anyone by increasing the minimum wages if by doing so those jobs no longer exist.
If you back the increase in minimum wages you therefore have to protect the companies that have to pay it by taxing imports so you can help those people who need a job and have a livable income.
They want the minimum wage increased
They also are against import taxes.
Don't they know by raising the minimum wages increases the cost of running a business and puts that business at a disadvantage when they compete with businesses in Mexico.
Either you protect that business by taxing imports or say good by to the jobs people had who worked there or do not increase the minimum wages which make it impossible for the American companies to compete with ones in Mexico.
I would think you haven't helped anyone by increasing the minimum wages if by doing so those jobs no longer exist.
If you back the increase in minimum wages you therefore have to protect the companies that have to pay it by taxing imports so you can help those people who need a job and have a livable income.
10
It can only be called, "Trump Opposition Syndrome". Anything he supports, they oppose. And vice versa. It's how you get liberals defending the CIA and opposing tax increases.
There are lots of foreign companies who manufacture products here, that they sell here. They dont pay their workers one cent more than they must, no benefits they dont have to (and Trump wants to get rid of any minimum wage, and all benefits for his rich buddies, so it will get cheaper). See these companies do not have unions. They say right up front when they first start hiring, if you decide you want a union, thats fine. We will close up the plant and go elsewhere. I think we will be seeing more foreign companies opening up plants here, doing it the same way. So, in a way, Trump will create jobs. Low paying, no benefit jobs. Not what his "base" is expecting. Removing safety regulations will also help these companies even more. I see a day, if Trump doesnt disappear, when most manufaturing jobs will be with these foreign countries, not union obsessed American companies. They will make and sell their products, then take the money they make home. Not spending more than is absolutely necessary here. With no minimum wage, wages will go down. Dont like it, your fired, we will hire your brother in law, for even less, than we said we would lower your wages to.
Wages are a reflection of cost of living, which differs markedly between countries, in this case, between Mexico and the USA.
(copy of a posting I had made earlier on Facebook hours after writing it)
I cannot wait to pay more for the products I buy like fruits and vegetables from Mexico!! I was wondering who would really pay for the 25 billion dollar wall...lucky us, Americans! Mexican Farmers (and companies) will raise their prices by 20% to pay on the new tax to absorb their costs. Can anyone guess now what that final total % will be for us as a consumer at the end? This means prices will go up but by how much, 20% , 30% , 40%? The people who will suffer at the end are the American consumers, because they will have to pay more. By pulling out of free trade agreements our country will tax more on imports from other countries, which means these foreign businesses will raise their prices which equals that we Americans will end up absorbing the high costs. Sounds like a great plan...just wait till the US pulls out of the rest of the trade agreements. Go back in history and study mercantilism and tariffs..and see why it didn't work out. Someone should have went to Thunderbird School of Global Management for their MBA and studied how the world actually works. A surprising fact is that a huge amount of drugs and trafficking come in through our northern border, yet few dare to talk about it or are even aware.
I cannot wait to pay more for the products I buy like fruits and vegetables from Mexico!! I was wondering who would really pay for the 25 billion dollar wall...lucky us, Americans! Mexican Farmers (and companies) will raise their prices by 20% to pay on the new tax to absorb their costs. Can anyone guess now what that final total % will be for us as a consumer at the end? This means prices will go up but by how much, 20% , 30% , 40%? The people who will suffer at the end are the American consumers, because they will have to pay more. By pulling out of free trade agreements our country will tax more on imports from other countries, which means these foreign businesses will raise their prices which equals that we Americans will end up absorbing the high costs. Sounds like a great plan...just wait till the US pulls out of the rest of the trade agreements. Go back in history and study mercantilism and tariffs..and see why it didn't work out. Someone should have went to Thunderbird School of Global Management for their MBA and studied how the world actually works. A surprising fact is that a huge amount of drugs and trafficking come in through our northern border, yet few dare to talk about it or are even aware.
4
Let's say that Mr Trump is successful at bringing back many Mexican jobs to the United States. Just what will the new American workers get paid? Will they be paid Mexican wages so that prices do not have to rise, and that corporate profit do not suffer?
Think about it. A person can live with Third World wages in a Third World country. Not so easy to live in a First World country on Third World wages.
The data has shown that the rich have got richer in the US over the past four decades in particular ( a trend which has applied to many other countries as well, so this is not unique to the US). The top one percent now own 47 percent of the wealth.
Mr Trump has not indicated any policies that will help the poor or the Middle Classes. He has given the illusion that he is doing so, but he should be called upon to provide a much more coherent argument.
Slogans won't put food on any table, except perhaps his own.
Think about it. A person can live with Third World wages in a Third World country. Not so easy to live in a First World country on Third World wages.
The data has shown that the rich have got richer in the US over the past four decades in particular ( a trend which has applied to many other countries as well, so this is not unique to the US). The top one percent now own 47 percent of the wealth.
Mr Trump has not indicated any policies that will help the poor or the Middle Classes. He has given the illusion that he is doing so, but he should be called upon to provide a much more coherent argument.
Slogans won't put food on any table, except perhaps his own.
9
We can clearly see that his every move is consciously or unconsciously about personal enrichment... The problem is what to do about it now.
Look, the wall and this tarriff are dumb ideas, and Trump is an inveterate delusional liar. But the conclusion raised by this editorial with regards to who would pay for it are ultimately wrong. If there were to be a 20% tariff on goods from Mexico, then Mexico would ultimately pay for it through loss of sales or decreased profits from sales. The fact that the actual dollars can be thought of if you squint your eyes just right to come from the US consumer are not particularly relevant. The "cost" to the Mexican economy is in decreased revenues. I think a lot of people are confused by the nature of the term "will pay for it."
It's easier, and, frankly, from an economics standpoint actually more correct, to think about this from the analogy of a meathead bully telling you that "you'll pay for it" if you look at his girlfriend again. Of course if you further anger him, he will "pay for it" by having to do the "work" of actually beating you up, but ultimately the pain will have been borne by you.
It's easier, and, frankly, from an economics standpoint actually more correct, to think about this from the analogy of a meathead bully telling you that "you'll pay for it" if you look at his girlfriend again. Of course if you further anger him, he will "pay for it" by having to do the "work" of actually beating you up, but ultimately the pain will have been borne by you.
3
I'll continue to by Fender guitar amplifiers made in Mexico, tequila made in Mexico, la cerveza brewed in Mexico and avocados grown in Mexico. I expect many other consumers to as well. The pain will be felt by us not the Mexican economy.
1
It's a good analogy to think of him as the "bully," but DJT has clearly made this about who is going to foot the ACTUAL bill. Otherwise he wouldn't have introduced the ridiculous notion of Mexico reimbursing us for getting the wall started on our dime. This policy-on-the-fly style of government would be funny if the consequences weren't so dire.
Trump's behavior is easy to understand if one accepts the conclusion that he is mentally ill. A rational person would not behave the way Trump did during the campaign, and certainly not as president. Hopefully enough Americans will wake up to the fact that putting Trump in the Oval Office was a colossal mistake. He might get impeached before the 2018 midterms. But with a Republican-controlled Congress impeachment is unlikely. Those of us in the majority who accept that Trump is unfit to be president must get out and vote Democratic in 2018. If we return at least one chamber of Congress to Democratic control he can be stopped. And in 2020 we can tell him "you're fired."
22
Child abuse leading to sociopathic narcissism. He's not necessarily more mentally ill than any other adult child, but its definitely emerged as more accutely focused in a position of extreme stress—like being elected to a position of power to which he's completely incapable of handling.
In reality Trump does not need to be fired--rather he needs to be Baker Acted now.
And you complained about all of the Hillary haters, eh Mr. DesMarteau?
Your tin-foil helment and foam-rubber light saber may keep your from thinking that it is merely a right-wing conspiracy actually to govern our nation FOR The People for a change.
Your tin-foil helment and foam-rubber light saber may keep your from thinking that it is merely a right-wing conspiracy actually to govern our nation FOR The People for a change.
The one thing about Trump that really impresses me is his thin skin, and how obsessed he is with anything that doesn't portray him as being regal. He has the mentality of a kindergartner - "he called me a doodie" and Trump is tweeting away like a crow. If it weren't so pathetic, it would be better than Bill Cosby - oh, wait, we can't mention Trump and Cosby together in the same breath - brothers of the grope.
16
A tariff would mean that working Americans would pay for Trump's wall not once but twice. We will be taxed to pay for the original cost of the wall, then pay again through increased prices of imported goods due to the tariff. Someone will profit from this, but not the people of the US or Mexico.
17
Think offshore accounts. In the name of Trump. He is sure to demand kickbacks from American companies. They will pay, they always do, it is a necessary part of doing business. Ever notice how every few years a bunch of senators (state or federal) get accused of taking bribes? They get found guilty, end up in prison, but, those who give the bribes are free to continue on. Why? When the first hint of a crackdown comes, they go to the prosecuters and lament they have been having to pay bribes to do business. They give names, dates, amounts, along with video secretely taken. Makes it a lot easier to get the politicians. So, the prosecuters never prosecute the "victims", the companies who paid the bribes.
Trump will be taking "donations" with both hands. He will stack both the prosecuters and judges with his picks, who know better than to go after him. Though they will still go after lower down politicians as they always have. Trump will like that, as he thinks only he should get this money.
Trump will be taking "donations" with both hands. He will stack both the prosecuters and judges with his picks, who know better than to go after him. Though they will still go after lower down politicians as they always have. Trump will like that, as he thinks only he should get this money.
Why isn't the NYT asking why the Mexicans object to the wall so much? Trump isn't proposing walling off the legal border crossings. There already is a wall along some parts of the border.
Why is the NYT so intent on demonizing Trump when he is making a effort to control illegal border crossings which include multiple BILLIONS of dollar worth of drugs and narcotics into this country. Haven't you paid any attention to what he has said, officially? He's going after the criminals and the cartels. How much of the Mexican economy is dependent on the illicit drug trade? The drugs sold in Chicago alone account for $3 billion.
Why is the NYT so intent on demonizing Trump when he is making a effort to control illegal border crossings which include multiple BILLIONS of dollar worth of drugs and narcotics into this country. Haven't you paid any attention to what he has said, officially? He's going after the criminals and the cartels. How much of the Mexican economy is dependent on the illicit drug trade? The drugs sold in Chicago alone account for $3 billion.
14
Its really just as simple as the fact border walls definitely do not work. They actually have the opppsite impact in nearly every case. It's been studied and proven. So you're cool with paying an added 20Bn expenditure for Trump's personal enrichment scheme?
Mexicans are not objecting to the wall, they are objecting to paying for it and being treated like a bunch of inferiors in the process.
Those opposing the wall have zero concern for the violence and drugs imported from Mexico and their effects on Americans. In fact, they are advocating for more of it.
1
Reckless and undisciplined, Mr. Trump seems completely incapable of focusing on any one issue for longer than 30 seconds at a time. His style is not a strategy, it is a very serious impulse control problem. Trump's desperate need to see news coverage about himself every second of every day subsumes any coherent plan of action. His ego driven need to please base supporters has succeeded in alienating a key democratic ally just six days into his presidency. At the same time, Trump confusingly prefers to draw us closer to Putin's Russia. This is a far more distant country than Mexico, holding significantly less economic value to the US. Putin is also a direct threat to our European allies, democracies where we have spent thousands of lives and trillions in treasure to liberate and defend. If Mr. Trump continues to conduct himself this way, significant dangers loom ahead.
22
It has been said before, but bears repeating -- import tariffs make US pay for the wall, or US companies reduce their profits from import. Ha! Ha! That's real likely, isn't it?
7
However discussing import tariffs makes US manufacturers leery of moving operations to Mexico because potential wage savings might be wiped out but tariffs.