I am flabbergasted by the way trump is treating our neighbors, and our allies. Mexico is threatening to take drastic action if the US infringes upon its borders. I don't blame them. Canada is dumbfounded by the accusations trump has made about their lumber and dairy industries, since it appears that ours is not as ell managed as theirs. WHY do immigrants want to come here? Somebody needs to put that man in a straight jacket.
13
Anyone that thinks Trump has an actual policy on trade is delusional. Actually, Donald has NO actual policies except one: Anything benefitting the Trump Family Empire: Good. Anything else: who cares?.
That is his policy, in a easily memorized and implemented sentence.
That is his policy, in a easily memorized and implemented sentence.
36
Trump has has made being a Canadian spicier. We're noted for our affability and manners for some reason. The stereotype does get tired. As Trump crashes about in what apparently is a rich man's hobbby, 'presidenting', and makes a hash of everything he touches, Canadians have a new quality. Apparently, according to that business person Trump, our conniving country has been taking advantage of poor little USA. We are sharks. Neat. Justin Trudeau's father said Canada was like a mouse in bed with an elephant. Plus ca change....
19
There's an election in British Columbia, and the premier (equivalent to an American governor) just wrote a letter to the prime minister advocating for Canada to stop exporting American coal. The current government in BC is considered to be right-of-centre.
While the prospects of further escalation in the short term would cause significant damage to the Canadian economy, the shipping industry is facing the lowest prices (relatively speaking) in decades and we just signed off on a comprehensive free trade deal with Europe. There's also debate, looking at the Australian precedent, of free trade with China, and trade missions just returned from India and China to increase BC's trade with both countries.
Trump has less support in Canada than America, and retaliatory measures would be popular in the short term. If the Trump administration really wants a trade battle with Canada, they may want to watch a couple of hockey playoff games, then ask themselves if these are the best people to pick a fight with.
While the prospects of further escalation in the short term would cause significant damage to the Canadian economy, the shipping industry is facing the lowest prices (relatively speaking) in decades and we just signed off on a comprehensive free trade deal with Europe. There's also debate, looking at the Australian precedent, of free trade with China, and trade missions just returned from India and China to increase BC's trade with both countries.
Trump has less support in Canada than America, and retaliatory measures would be popular in the short term. If the Trump administration really wants a trade battle with Canada, they may want to watch a couple of hockey playoff games, then ask themselves if these are the best people to pick a fight with.
14
Gee, who would have thought that the Times would write something negative about President Trump? EVERYONE!
1
In less than 100 days Trump has given us a trade war, the specter of a land war in Asia (see famous quote from Princess Bride) and the continuation of his race and class war. Trump's lost brigade who form the lowest presidential approval rating in history will perhaps think twice when the prices for goods made outside of America but labeled as American products increase exponentially. Maybe Trumpistas might question what Trump means by, "bad hombres" when their illegal immigrant spouses or friends are deported? Of course perhaps when the bodies of American troops start arriving from overseas on a daily basis to Dover Air Force Base, perhaps then and only then Trump's 96% unrepentant voters may question Trump's idiotic agenda for this nation? All doubtful.
Apparently amongst Trump's yuge fan base, the fact Trump's 100 days have been a monumental failure is totally irrelevant; Trumpistas are getting all lathered up for the next propaganda fantasy fest in Pennsylvania to get some more of that feel good racism and hate. Face it Trumpistas, you've been had---facts are stubborn things.
Apparently amongst Trump's yuge fan base, the fact Trump's 100 days have been a monumental failure is totally irrelevant; Trumpistas are getting all lathered up for the next propaganda fantasy fest in Pennsylvania to get some more of that feel good racism and hate. Face it Trumpistas, you've been had---facts are stubborn things.
22
At least I can still count on the NYT to provide opposition commentary in addition to the "pro-Trump", "he-ain't-that-bad-after-all" tripe that inhabited its front page this morning (the "100 Days") masquerading as a balanced narrative, but instead consisting largely of an inordinate number of pro-Trump comments by miscellaneous confused people in the electorate all over the country - and little else.
Trump IS disarray. He is the unholy spawn of the bombthrower (and this is saying it nicely) Roy Cohn, one of his mentors; he is like the Pandora's Box of America, that lets loose all sorts of noxious and foul creatures into the atmosphere; and unfortunately, he has been "opened".
(Not that losing the election would've stopped him; he wouldn't have gone away and he had contingency plans for staying in the public eye continually, including his "Trump TV")
If his influence is not blunted (and its not just about Trump; its about his entire family - incipient, twisted American Royalty, to replace the Clintons and the Bushes, the previous inhabiters of that designation) by democratic success in the 2018 midterm elections, truly, God help this country.
Trump IS disarray. He is the unholy spawn of the bombthrower (and this is saying it nicely) Roy Cohn, one of his mentors; he is like the Pandora's Box of America, that lets loose all sorts of noxious and foul creatures into the atmosphere; and unfortunately, he has been "opened".
(Not that losing the election would've stopped him; he wouldn't have gone away and he had contingency plans for staying in the public eye continually, including his "Trump TV")
If his influence is not blunted (and its not just about Trump; its about his entire family - incipient, twisted American Royalty, to replace the Clintons and the Bushes, the previous inhabiters of that designation) by democratic success in the 2018 midterm elections, truly, God help this country.
21
Trump doesn't have trade policy. Trump doesn't have an administration. He has a loose collection of thought based the most recent television programming he watched (read Fox news) with no collective vision or goal. He has no long term planning and doesn't understand the world and where he is in it.
29
More dumping claims against Canada about softwood lumber - an issue Canada has always been found right at Nafta panels and at the WTO. Added to hostile comments from Trump about our dairy supply management system, something that is not covered by Nafta, and one wonders why Americans wish to alienate their friends. Already, Canadian companies are encouraged to turn their attention to China; as a trading partner, the Chinese might be more reliable.
19
News flash, folks
TRUMP is in 'disarray'
TRUMP is in 'disarray'
11
Or more accurately:
Donald Trump's ________Policy is in disarray.
(fill in the blank with any aspect of policy by this administration, and the sentence remains true).
Donald Trump's ________Policy is in disarray.
(fill in the blank with any aspect of policy by this administration, and the sentence remains true).
15
The headline states Trump's Trade Policy is in Disarray, but it should read Trump realizes the errors of his original trade policies and is now working to address those concerns in the real world of policy governance, as opposed to his oversimplified campaign promises to an American electorate totally ignorant of the complexities behind world trade.
In making those campaign promises, Trump's critics argued that he did not know what he was talking about, or he was just providing Red Meat to his base, and I could argue the American population at large.
I am guessing there is a little truth in both positions, take the campaign Trump's criticism of China as a currency manipulator, which was true, but that issue had already been resolved well before Trump used it to "fire up his base."
Moreover, the way Trump described his proposed Border Adjustment Tax; similar to the European VAT, was in line with how proponents for the BAT described the BAT, but the BAT was not the same as the VAT, it was simply a tariff on imported goods and most likely violated existing US trade agreements.
The interesting note on opposition to the BAT, was not only were retailers opposed to this tax, but Toyota, an automobile manufacturer also voiced its opposition. On its face that seems natural, but Toyota has significant manufacturing base in the US, mostly in Red States such as Indiana, and adding a BAT to imported parts would significantly drive up the cost of automobiles "made in the USA."
In making those campaign promises, Trump's critics argued that he did not know what he was talking about, or he was just providing Red Meat to his base, and I could argue the American population at large.
I am guessing there is a little truth in both positions, take the campaign Trump's criticism of China as a currency manipulator, which was true, but that issue had already been resolved well before Trump used it to "fire up his base."
Moreover, the way Trump described his proposed Border Adjustment Tax; similar to the European VAT, was in line with how proponents for the BAT described the BAT, but the BAT was not the same as the VAT, it was simply a tariff on imported goods and most likely violated existing US trade agreements.
The interesting note on opposition to the BAT, was not only were retailers opposed to this tax, but Toyota, an automobile manufacturer also voiced its opposition. On its face that seems natural, but Toyota has significant manufacturing base in the US, mostly in Red States such as Indiana, and adding a BAT to imported parts would significantly drive up the cost of automobiles "made in the USA."
4
Trump on the presidency: "I never realized how big it was. Everything's so (unintelligible) like, you know the orders are so massive."
10
I suspect that the Trump presidency will go down in history as the most corrupt and disorganized presidency this country has seen. The next president is going to have to do a lot of work to repair our relationships with our allies.
12
We keep marching into Trump no-mans land, an uncharted waste of "mark my words" irresponsibility's issued by Mr. Trump as he bestows mining jobs, Mexico paid walls, incarcerated Hillary, and other imaginary wonders. These amazing gifts from Mr. Trump would be more valid within the walls of Bedlam than floating around the walls of the Oval Office.
9
Dear Donald would be best to allow the Republicans legislators come to offer planning and this can free up the president to engage in his electronic tweets and then just sign the actions with smiles for the camera and those great ladys of our Greater American again and again.
2
Globalisation has reduced every nations income tax take by making multinational companies richer. Their companies use all the host nations infrastructure and pay no taxes. Do a web search: Top multinationals pay almost no tax in New Zealand.
The EU is looking at introducing a 'FTT' (Financial Transactions Tax) so as the tax burden is shared. Do a web search: EU countries to adopt FTT
The EU is looking at introducing a 'FTT' (Financial Transactions Tax) so as the tax burden is shared. Do a web search: EU countries to adopt FTT
4
Nobody knew health care could be so complicated.
Nobody knew trade could be so complicated.
Nobody knew tax reform could be so complicated.
Nobody knew (insert topic here) could be so complicated.
Nobody knew trade could be so complicated.
Nobody knew tax reform could be so complicated.
Nobody knew (insert topic here) could be so complicated.
23
Nobody knew ( nobody knowing anything ) could be so complicated?
4
Nobody knew building a wall could be so complicated
6
when he was running, and in this first quarter of his administration, President Trump has shown that his concept of the presidency is based on his conception of the presidency of his 500 companies: not an executive administrator but a king basically answerable to nobody.
now that it is coming to pass for him and his base that he is not king, everything is much more complicated and difficult than than "anyone" knew and he is reverting to type, reneging on his prior boasts and fake promises.
who knew?
sad.
now that it is coming to pass for him and his base that he is not king, everything is much more complicated and difficult than than "anyone" knew and he is reverting to type, reneging on his prior boasts and fake promises.
who knew?
sad.
10
So, what was the coherent plan of Bill Clinton and Obama to bring back jobs, as they pushed Nafta & TPP? Or to retrain, or support displaced workers? Or to restore commerce to whole towns and geographical areas whose businesses closed after factories and jobs left?
Did the Times strongly criticize the outsourcing of jobs through the decades?
All our presidents have had populist rhetoric they didn’t fulfill----and not only because of Gop opposition. The norms of US trade policy have been pro corporate, anti worker as a centrist position.
Because of our unique campaign funding, all office holders are dependent on corporate donations to run for office. So business monopolies are in the position to call the shots, to pick and promote the nominees we vote for, who will give them return on investment.
Maybe most Repubs will repay their donors’ interests better than Dems will, but the big business does well with both parties.
Our politics has not given us the range of choices we deserve, to fulfill the whole purpose of voting. And our ‘free press’ is not discussing the greater range of choices to fulfill its purpose in a democracy. Trump trashing is easy.
So to beat Trump what will the Dems propose for voters? What policies will they offer on trade/jobs/unions/pay/benefits for employed/employed/underpaid Americans? And still get the huge donations from the rich and big business that they require to launch the world’s longest and most expensive political campaign?
Did the Times strongly criticize the outsourcing of jobs through the decades?
All our presidents have had populist rhetoric they didn’t fulfill----and not only because of Gop opposition. The norms of US trade policy have been pro corporate, anti worker as a centrist position.
Because of our unique campaign funding, all office holders are dependent on corporate donations to run for office. So business monopolies are in the position to call the shots, to pick and promote the nominees we vote for, who will give them return on investment.
Maybe most Repubs will repay their donors’ interests better than Dems will, but the big business does well with both parties.
Our politics has not given us the range of choices we deserve, to fulfill the whole purpose of voting. And our ‘free press’ is not discussing the greater range of choices to fulfill its purpose in a democracy. Trump trashing is easy.
So to beat Trump what will the Dems propose for voters? What policies will they offer on trade/jobs/unions/pay/benefits for employed/employed/underpaid Americans? And still get the huge donations from the rich and big business that they require to launch the world’s longest and most expensive political campaign?
5
And the economy completely tanked with a Republican Administration.... and it will again--just in time for the Dems to takeover the clean up and get nothing but criticism.
18
TRUMP=ABNORMALITY.
The founders of our republic were wise to insist that adherence to republican norms is a central qualification for anyone who aspires to our nation's highest office. Senators and representatives often proclaim their dedication to the principles embodied in our Constitution. Those among them who, out of concern for partisan advantage, allow the "abnormality" of the current administration to go unchecked are derelict in their most basic constitutional duties.
John Adams warned: "[A]varice, ambition, [or] revenge . . . would break the strongest chords of our constitution as a whale goes through a net." President Trump, in his "abnormality," is perhaps the biggest whale to ever test the fibers of our Constitution.
Alexander Hamilton favored the Electoral College as a hedge against the election of an unqualified candidate possessed of a talent for "low intrigue and the little arts of popularity" (Federalist No. 68). James Madison endorsed the Electoral College as a safeguard against the possibility that a majority of citizens, "actuated by some common impulse of passion," might unite in support of an unqualified candidate with results that are inimical "to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community" (Federalist No. 10).
Both Hamilton and Madison would acknowledge the present irony: Due to the Electoral College a minority of voters have elected a president devoid of civic virtue and otherwise unfit for office.
The founders of our republic were wise to insist that adherence to republican norms is a central qualification for anyone who aspires to our nation's highest office. Senators and representatives often proclaim their dedication to the principles embodied in our Constitution. Those among them who, out of concern for partisan advantage, allow the "abnormality" of the current administration to go unchecked are derelict in their most basic constitutional duties.
John Adams warned: "[A]varice, ambition, [or] revenge . . . would break the strongest chords of our constitution as a whale goes through a net." President Trump, in his "abnormality," is perhaps the biggest whale to ever test the fibers of our Constitution.
Alexander Hamilton favored the Electoral College as a hedge against the election of an unqualified candidate possessed of a talent for "low intrigue and the little arts of popularity" (Federalist No. 68). James Madison endorsed the Electoral College as a safeguard against the possibility that a majority of citizens, "actuated by some common impulse of passion," might unite in support of an unqualified candidate with results that are inimical "to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community" (Federalist No. 10).
Both Hamilton and Madison would acknowledge the present irony: Due to the Electoral College a minority of voters have elected a president devoid of civic virtue and otherwise unfit for office.
16
the "art"--(I'd rather call it "immorality") of Donald Trump's deals is to put something in front of your face that will be more popular, while giving away what will be less publicized behind your back. Too much anti-semitic rhetoric from Don Jr and Bannon's crowd on the campaign trail for Ivanka?--promise Jared a big job, put the right wing Friedman in Isreal. The brain thinks the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing, and at least some of the time, it works, but someone always pays big--who isn't Donald. If he cared about anything we could rely on (the middle class, science education, diplomacy before bombs....) we might be sure about a few things that might not be thrown out there to make his deal of the moment, but what we know for sure he cares about his himself, his ability to manipulate a crowd into cheers, and lining his pockets.... at anyone's expense.
4
Dear Editorial Board,
I believe that the more we work towards actual free trade instead of "fair trade" (whatever that means), consumers would be the true winners. Tariffs protect producers. There is no tariff on coffee because we don't produce any. However, we do produce sugar. The government imposes import quotas on sugar. They also guarantee a fixed price (above the world price) to domestic producers for any excess they cannot sell. Why do sugar producers need that level of protection? Now we have a tariff on Canadian lumber and we may have an issue over milk. How many other domestic industries do we protect in this manner?
Trade deficits don't matter; trade does.
As for tax cuts, it's only a partial solution. It is more effective when paired with spending cuts. Both of these puts more money in the pockets of consumers. Liberals want to put more money in the pockets of consumers by having government putting its hand into the pockets of wealthier Americans in the form of higher taxes.
I believe that the more we work towards actual free trade instead of "fair trade" (whatever that means), consumers would be the true winners. Tariffs protect producers. There is no tariff on coffee because we don't produce any. However, we do produce sugar. The government imposes import quotas on sugar. They also guarantee a fixed price (above the world price) to domestic producers for any excess they cannot sell. Why do sugar producers need that level of protection? Now we have a tariff on Canadian lumber and we may have an issue over milk. How many other domestic industries do we protect in this manner?
Trade deficits don't matter; trade does.
As for tax cuts, it's only a partial solution. It is more effective when paired with spending cuts. Both of these puts more money in the pockets of consumers. Liberals want to put more money in the pockets of consumers by having government putting its hand into the pockets of wealthier Americans in the form of higher taxes.
3
The guy is doing or trying to do what he promised. First time since Reagan.
2
I think you just wanted to say “disarray” and then worked backward. If you liked Trump, you would have characterized the same facts as reflecting complexity and nuance.
One benefactor of tariff on Canada: Georgia Pacific (Koch Industries)
25 Apr 2017, WH Daily Briefing, US Commerce Secretary: "We do not think that the price of lumber will go up by anything like the 20 percent"
Reporter: "And each time the case was brought to an international court, Canada won its case. What do you answer to this?" US Commerce Secretary: "I had nothing to do with the prior cases. I'm confident that this case is a good case."
Ok, King's Man Wilbur Ross waving the latest Proclamation to right a wrong. Keep downplaying the cost increases to the American consumer and pooh pooh the notion that a Trump Proclamation tariff may not hold up in international court.
People are watching for consumer price increases and for any lawsuit damages that affects the US bottom line. You lose our dollars in court, Trump, and you are toast.
If you are unaware of the past predations of Billionaire Ross:
https://www.thenation.com/article/wilbur-ross-and-steve-mnuchin-profitee...
25 Apr 2017, WH Daily Briefing, US Commerce Secretary: "We do not think that the price of lumber will go up by anything like the 20 percent"
Reporter: "And each time the case was brought to an international court, Canada won its case. What do you answer to this?" US Commerce Secretary: "I had nothing to do with the prior cases. I'm confident that this case is a good case."
Ok, King's Man Wilbur Ross waving the latest Proclamation to right a wrong. Keep downplaying the cost increases to the American consumer and pooh pooh the notion that a Trump Proclamation tariff may not hold up in international court.
People are watching for consumer price increases and for any lawsuit damages that affects the US bottom line. You lose our dollars in court, Trump, and you are toast.
If you are unaware of the past predations of Billionaire Ross:
https://www.thenation.com/article/wilbur-ross-and-steve-mnuchin-profitee...
8
Canada will fight voraciously AGAIN and will win AGAIN--the alternative is the American consumer will be paying a lot more for their new homes and such.
2
President Trump's ill-informed trade policy, by its own strategy, will crash and burn if Congress is foolish enough to enact it. However, Trump's proposed tax cuts would, in an economic sense, turn the trade policy into a weapon of mass destruction. The cuts would resurrect voodoo economics, which failed miserably in the past and have no reason to succeed now. Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin has said the cuts would "pay for themselves." He and the president bring to mind the adage: "Those who CANNOT LEARN from history are doomed to repeat it." Interestingly, this saying has a couple of other iterations: "Those who DO NOT READ history are doomed to repeat it," and "Those who DO NOT KNOW history's mistakes are doomed to repeat them." The President doesn't read. Because he doesn't read and has no reputable advisers, he doesn't know. As a consequence, he doesn't learn. The upshot has been -- and will be -- a string of poor decisions. If Congress follows him lemming-like over the cliff, America is doomed to suffer until informed individuals can reclaim leadership and undo his ignorant, irresponsible actions.
7
Common sense tells me that if you want to increase the number of jobs throughout the nation then put more money in the pockets of the people who spend locally; i.e. citizen joe blogs.
Lower income tax and increase GST so the tax burden is shared equally by all people who use the USA infrastructure.
We get more tourists to New Zealand, annually, than the total population of permanent residents and everything they buy has GST (Goods and Services Tax) added to the item. With globalisation you have to find new ways of taxing all the migrants and visitors who are using all the infrastructure and government services. That way illegals and people who have overstayed their tourist visas get taxed too.
Lower income tax and increase GST so the tax burden is shared equally by all people who use the USA infrastructure.
We get more tourists to New Zealand, annually, than the total population of permanent residents and everything they buy has GST (Goods and Services Tax) added to the item. With globalisation you have to find new ways of taxing all the migrants and visitors who are using all the infrastructure and government services. That way illegals and people who have overstayed their tourist visas get taxed too.
4
All Donald Trump's policies are in disarray.
1
Poor Mr. Tillerson, how does he feel about this? His company is pulling bitumen-oil out of the Canadian soil... which is owned by the people, not by one company. His company will now face a 20% royalty hike or tax increase in relation for Donald's drooling trade idiocies. Also, his Exxon just wrote off $16 billion of bitumen losses in Canada and is sort of failing; also, it owns 70% of the US gas stations that will be boycotted in Canada. Donald, I hope you have cash on hand to compensate those pals of yours!
4
The TPP is now the CPP (China Pacific Partnership). By pulling out, Trump has handed China control of trade in the western Pacific.
8
Recently again I woke up in the morning and could not believe Trump is President, still a bad dream that is frightening everyday.
9
I think Trump always knew his supporters will let him get away with some bait-and-switch on more complicated issues, like trade, if he delivers some more visceral promises, like immigration crackdown. The image of ICE agents in tactical gear kicking down doors and busting "the illegals" probably makes more of an impression with the Trump crowd than the image of a bunch of guys in suits sitting in a conference room. A lot of the Trump appeal was always emotional satisfaction and spectacle. The Trump appeal is, in the words of a NYT Opinion contributor from yesterday, very much like professional wrestling.
4
Just like the Iraq War - Would pay for Itself!
These guys have no policy other than using the Government to Enrich Themselves! It is a total joke, playing on Peoples' Fear...
Interesting about who the Laffer Curve was written in front of: Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, etc. What a joke!
These guys have no policy other than using the Government to Enrich Themselves! It is a total joke, playing on Peoples' Fear...
Interesting about who the Laffer Curve was written in front of: Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, etc. What a joke!
1
His trade policy is like his other policies, clear as mud.
1
he has no trade policy; he says whatever at the moment seems like it will get him to the next square, just like doing a real estate deal. it doesn't have to make sense, it has to make an impression and have impact.
1
It's like a loud mouth in the bleachers suddenly found himself in the dugout, suited up as the team manager. Why are the umps so unfriendly?
1
Trump's presidence is like the space between the back seat of an old Volkswagen Beetle and the engine compartment. Getting into that space takes even a good contortionist some time and some really weird positions. Getting back out is just as hard!
Really? In disarray? And just the other day, on the world stage vanka was extolling her father's exemplary and outstanding virtues as an "empowerer of women." It does not get any funnier than that. And of course the media is responsible!
The key to understanding all Trump's policies: the man lacks an inner core, with the exception of a pit of neediness and insecurity. To whit, whatever way the wind seems to be blowing - to him - he's gonna go. Either "to" or "from" - depending on how he feels. Don't expect A Policy. Nor A Philosophy.
"Gimme, gimme, gimme" is something like a "central principle." Could be a "win" he needs. Or maybe a "blow" he wants to strike, for some slight he's feeling. Or a "profit" he wants to make.
He seems to love slogans. "Build a wall." "I'm the greatest ...." "It's gonna be the greatest ..."
So instead of policies, slogans, neediness, desperation feeding threats, gambits, preening...
We're never gonna see an adult, folks! Call him what you will, describe his latest flailing by some abstraction (populist, antitrade...), it's futile- because it's impermanent in his universe.
This is an ongoing Soap Opera in a White House full of enablers. Sycophants trying to appease him, calm him down, cajole him, cover for him, spin his gyrations according to some "logic" they're grasping at.
If only this were a movie! If only it were a TV show. And we could switch it off! So many of us want to shout: "Make it stop!"
Thank you, Times, for your continuing efforts to make sense of this. To draw attention to the nonsense, conflicts of interest, gyrations in policy. Our Free Press in Action!
I thank my lucky stars I never became a journalist. But Kudos for those who are!
"Gimme, gimme, gimme" is something like a "central principle." Could be a "win" he needs. Or maybe a "blow" he wants to strike, for some slight he's feeling. Or a "profit" he wants to make.
He seems to love slogans. "Build a wall." "I'm the greatest ...." "It's gonna be the greatest ..."
So instead of policies, slogans, neediness, desperation feeding threats, gambits, preening...
We're never gonna see an adult, folks! Call him what you will, describe his latest flailing by some abstraction (populist, antitrade...), it's futile- because it's impermanent in his universe.
This is an ongoing Soap Opera in a White House full of enablers. Sycophants trying to appease him, calm him down, cajole him, cover for him, spin his gyrations according to some "logic" they're grasping at.
If only this were a movie! If only it were a TV show. And we could switch it off! So many of us want to shout: "Make it stop!"
Thank you, Times, for your continuing efforts to make sense of this. To draw attention to the nonsense, conflicts of interest, gyrations in policy. Our Free Press in Action!
I thank my lucky stars I never became a journalist. But Kudos for those who are!
3
The scariest part of Trump is he doesn't really care what happens as long as he has his name tagged to something big.
4
DJT claimed many times that he built part of his fortune on debt. And by paying no taxes he was actually smart. Okay. That's well and good for a chaotic scam artist in the private sector who can employ an army of lawyers and accountants to keep him out of the clink. But it will not work for running the government. How many times have members of the GOP proclaimed that they will run the US like a business? It doesn't work. In his frantic haste to get a gold start for his first 100 days (and he himself this mark is meaningless), he slaps together a misguided budget and picks a ridiculous trade fight with Canada. Earth to Trump: You are out of your league and out of your element.
4
Trade policy is a lot more complicated than Mr. Trump ever imagined; but so is everything that the President has encountered after entering the White House. Governance and running a government require skills and education that OUR President lacks.
2
If Trump's big plans are delayed or failing,why are Democrats and liberals complaining? Instead of rejoicing they make sarcastic remarks. Are they worried that Trump may somehow yet succeed?
2
he may succeed in destroyig the country and bringing on a war - that's the worry.
4
You, like so many Trump supporters consider history did not exist prior to his inauguration. I suggest you read some history on economics when such plans that he and his rich buddies want to implement are actually enacted. In every single case, including 1929 and 2008, it has resulted in record deficits, and long-term economic disaster, especially for those at the middle and lower income levels.
3
An interesting editorial, but it left out the biggest bomb that Trump has dropped in the Trade War. The National Security/232 investigation of imported Steel. Instead of the 270 days provided by the law, Trump is going to rush it through in 50 days. This relief is fully discretionary and Trump can do anything he wants. (Mind you the WTO may object, but that won't stop him) And no consideration is going to be made of the hundreds of thousands of jobs in the industries that use imported steel. The New York Times has not mentioned this horrific trade action.
3
One immense positive outcome of the discussion about tariffs and border taxes is the OP-ED writers at the NY Times admitting taxes on a corporation are paid for by the consumer.
Even Krugman admitted this, albeit rather grudgingly after it was pointed out to him.
Now onward with globalization - off-shoring, outsourcing and importing! According to the Times we'll have the retail sector to help drive the economy and make it hum along. Let's keep track of that...
Even Krugman admitted this, albeit rather grudgingly after it was pointed out to him.
Now onward with globalization - off-shoring, outsourcing and importing! According to the Times we'll have the retail sector to help drive the economy and make it hum along. Let's keep track of that...
2
@Skiplusse from Montreal wrote:
"Nobody in your country cares about people losing their job because of the actions of your government."
That's not true. Many of us DO care; that's why we voted for Clinton. In fact, more of us voted for Clinton than for Trump.
Please don't buy into the lie that Trump "represents what Americans want," or that he "has a mandate." The majority of us down here are actually ashamed (and scared) about what has happened. And we're fighting as hard as we can to minimize the damage done to us, to our neighbors, to our allies, and to the planet.
But it's going to be a long battle (especially because of the power-greedy Republicans in Congress). But unlike a parliamentary system, our election cycle cannot be changed. And we will win some battles; we will lose some.
So please help us with patience and understanding; we need to work together against Trump.
BTW: I often do my personal part to help the Canadian economy. I live just 15 miles south of the Canadian border; and we often travel up to Canada for shopping, dining, and cultural events. We love you folks! Don't give up on us!
"Nobody in your country cares about people losing their job because of the actions of your government."
That's not true. Many of us DO care; that's why we voted for Clinton. In fact, more of us voted for Clinton than for Trump.
Please don't buy into the lie that Trump "represents what Americans want," or that he "has a mandate." The majority of us down here are actually ashamed (and scared) about what has happened. And we're fighting as hard as we can to minimize the damage done to us, to our neighbors, to our allies, and to the planet.
But it's going to be a long battle (especially because of the power-greedy Republicans in Congress). But unlike a parliamentary system, our election cycle cannot be changed. And we will win some battles; we will lose some.
So please help us with patience and understanding; we need to work together against Trump.
BTW: I often do my personal part to help the Canadian economy. I live just 15 miles south of the Canadian border; and we often travel up to Canada for shopping, dining, and cultural events. We love you folks! Don't give up on us!
10
Paul-A:
We are not giving up on you, yet, however, I honestly believe that, once and for all, that Americans, finally have to take a good long look in the mirror and ask yourself, what happened in America in the the last 35 years or so, that allowed someone like Trump to even be remotely an afterthought as a serious contender for the presidency, let alone, get elected?
As I and many others see it, the problem that has unfolded in your two party duopoly system is all the representatives have now become fully beholden to their campaign donors NOT, their constituents. The democrats have failed miserably and the current corporate/establishment rendition have no future and must be drastically changed or disappear and another party emerge.
Before Hillary supporters get riled up, a recent ABC poll confirmed that even with all his missteps and idiocy, if an election occurred today, Trump would defeat Hillary Clinton and democrats have a lower approval rating than Republicans.
We are not giving up on you, yet, however, I honestly believe that, once and for all, that Americans, finally have to take a good long look in the mirror and ask yourself, what happened in America in the the last 35 years or so, that allowed someone like Trump to even be remotely an afterthought as a serious contender for the presidency, let alone, get elected?
As I and many others see it, the problem that has unfolded in your two party duopoly system is all the representatives have now become fully beholden to their campaign donors NOT, their constituents. The democrats have failed miserably and the current corporate/establishment rendition have no future and must be drastically changed or disappear and another party emerge.
Before Hillary supporters get riled up, a recent ABC poll confirmed that even with all his missteps and idiocy, if an election occurred today, Trump would defeat Hillary Clinton and democrats have a lower approval rating than Republicans.
3
Why Trump is picking up fight with our good friend Canada over lumber . Putting tariff on lumber is punishing the American consumer who will be paying higher price. The cost of house building will go up. This tariff may help few hundred people but vast number of people will be looser. With Canada , we do not have trade deficit problem. The biggest trade deficit problem we have is China where all Trump brand shirts,ties, hats etc. are made. Trump has big loan from Chinese banks. China is the currency manipulator. But now Trump is not criticizing China anymore. What is the mystery? Trump is working hard to hurt his supporters.
11
Oh my God. We have an incoherent imbecile for a President.
10
Here we go again. What fun. Another penalty on Canadian softwood lumber. This whole thing went to the WTO a few years ago. They ruled in favour of Canada.
This reminds me of being in Ottawa a few years back. I was on a bus tour of the city, and the bus driver pointed out the embassies of the various countries. He made a point of mentioning that the new US embassy was had the best security of any US embassy worldwide- bulletproof glass of some crazy thickness.
And I thought "And we are supposedly their best friends?"
This reminds me of being in Ottawa a few years back. I was on a bus tour of the city, and the bus driver pointed out the embassies of the various countries. He made a point of mentioning that the new US embassy was had the best security of any US embassy worldwide- bulletproof glass of some crazy thickness.
And I thought "And we are supposedly their best friends?"
4
Clearly the NYT believes that 1-2% GDP growth and billions of corporate profits held in off shore accounts are a good thing.
4
One possibility is this was always a bait-and-switch. Another is Trump had always been making it up as he went along. Along the line of Trump's now famous "nobody knew healthcare could be so complicated," Trump never knew trade "could be so complicated." (Despite what every economist or even halfway informed person might have said.)
In disarray compared to what? To the flawed, but coherent, economic orthodoxy of the Clinton/Bush/Obama years? The policies that so unabashedly waged ware on the middle class? The ones that gave us:
One in every three manufacturing jobs we had in 2000, nearly 6 million, vanished. Some 55,000 American factories shuttered.
Since Jan. 1, 2000, U.S. trade deficits with China have totaled an astronomical $3.3 trillion. Last month, the U.S. trade deficit with China reached $31.2 billion between two nations, including the $247 billion deficit last year.
In 2011 the United States signed a free-trade agreement with South Korea. Since then, U.S. exports to Korea have fallen, U.S. imports have risen 80 percent, and we ran a $25 billion trade deficit in 2014. Peter Morici, chief economist in the early Clinton years at the U.S. International Trade Commission, says the Korean deal alone, and the import surge that followed, cost America 100,000 jobs.
The economic status quo over the last 25 years has been so brutal to middle class America that it ultimately begat Trump. That he at least acknowledges that fact resonates with his followers. Stop acting shocked.
One in every three manufacturing jobs we had in 2000, nearly 6 million, vanished. Some 55,000 American factories shuttered.
Since Jan. 1, 2000, U.S. trade deficits with China have totaled an astronomical $3.3 trillion. Last month, the U.S. trade deficit with China reached $31.2 billion between two nations, including the $247 billion deficit last year.
In 2011 the United States signed a free-trade agreement with South Korea. Since then, U.S. exports to Korea have fallen, U.S. imports have risen 80 percent, and we ran a $25 billion trade deficit in 2014. Peter Morici, chief economist in the early Clinton years at the U.S. International Trade Commission, says the Korean deal alone, and the import surge that followed, cost America 100,000 jobs.
The economic status quo over the last 25 years has been so brutal to middle class America that it ultimately begat Trump. That he at least acknowledges that fact resonates with his followers. Stop acting shocked.
5
The trade deficit goes back much further than the last 25 years; the last year the US actually ran a trade surplus was 1975.
1
Good point---the policies of B. Clinton, Bush and Obama were 'coherent' all right, but they were not pro US worker. They were coherent according to the aims of big corporations increased profits. But who funds their campaigns? Not we the people---them the biggest corporations, who are growing bigger due to our govts' policies. The profits go up, the campaign donations go up, while our pay/benefits/security goes down. Upward mobility only for those who pay for our politics.
Did the NYT write outraged editorials against the millions of jobs disappearing from America, with the same tone it now uses for Trump?
Did the NYT write outraged editorials against the millions of jobs disappearing from America, with the same tone it now uses for Trump?
3
Fine and dandy--but Trump just emphatically stated that China is NO longer a money/trade manipulator--which one is it? You can't have it both ways.
1
Once more, Trump discovers that he did not know the full story when he asserted that only he could fix it all. Who is surprised? His constituents still have no clue that he never knew anything about what he claimed he knew all and will not because none of them follows the news and few of them read books, so they just know what the Trumpster tells them about the world. Tax cuts when the economy is slow will not help but tax cuts always mean more money for taxpayers to spend on what they want, so they will always be wildly popular. But when the government cannot fund itself with revenues, it must borrow money. When the economy is a lethargic as it is, now, borrowing money is cheap, but when the economy grows, the borrowed money becomes dear and government competes with the private sector for credit and capital, which can retard economic growth. Despite what Laffer and the people who insist that the economy is driven by the availability of capital, alone, when consumers have no surplus income, they cannot buy additional goods and services, so demand does not follow supply as the supply siders think. Right now, the vast majority of people have not seen significant increases in their share of the new wealth created. The result is that capital just sits on the sidelines waiting for the economy to be able to grow faster. The smart strategy is to address the whole economy, not just one part of it, to try to make the whole able to grow much faster.
2
Given that it is well recognized that the Canadians have been less-than-honest partners in NAFTA, what, exactly, is the problem with President Trump actually doing something about it?
Barack Obama, president for eight years, was well aware if the problem and chose not to do anything about it, a policy that continued the insult and the harm to the lumber and dairy interests of our nation?
Is it the Editorial Board's argument that problems such as this disparity in the adherence to the terms of NAFTA go unadressed?
It is exactly this type of attitude that has given Crimea and other parts of Ukraine to the Russians, allowed ISIS to grow into a bloody problem, turned Libya into a failed state, and given Japan Chinese military airfields in th e middle of the South China Sea.
The policies of appeasement and studied inaction haven't really been all that successful, now, have they?
Barack Obama, president for eight years, was well aware if the problem and chose not to do anything about it, a policy that continued the insult and the harm to the lumber and dairy interests of our nation?
Is it the Editorial Board's argument that problems such as this disparity in the adherence to the terms of NAFTA go unadressed?
It is exactly this type of attitude that has given Crimea and other parts of Ukraine to the Russians, allowed ISIS to grow into a bloody problem, turned Libya into a failed state, and given Japan Chinese military airfields in th e middle of the South China Sea.
The policies of appeasement and studied inaction haven't really been all that successful, now, have they?
1
Equating Canada's trade policies regarding dairy products and softwood lumber with the genocidal practices of ISIS in Iraq, Syria, Libya and elsewhere is not only grossly disproportionate, it is an obscenity. It borders on hate speech and, accordingly, I will be complaining about the content of your post to the New York Times.
1
Dishonest? Trade battles lead to silly things being said -especially when the USA is dealing with its biggest trading partner. International rulings have consistently ruled in Canada's favor regarding lumber in the past. Canadians are likely to throw something right back at the USA if Trump moves beyond this. And Canada can throw a wrench into the American economy like no other nation on the planet.
Complain all you will...The failure to honor the NAFTA agreement is the Canadian's responsibility, just as the inaction of Obama and appeasement on foreign policy matters during his administration is on Obama's head, along with those of Clinton and Kerry,
And what exactly will be your complaint? That you don't approve of my point of view?
Equating my remarks to "hate speech" is about the silliest thing that I have seen from you, gmgwat, and one of the most ridiculous things I have seen in a Times comment an a long time.
Perhaps I should complain about to the Times about your intolerance and closed mindedness. Perhaps you should complain to your parents for bequeathing you a thin skin....
And what exactly will be your complaint? That you don't approve of my point of view?
Equating my remarks to "hate speech" is about the silliest thing that I have seen from you, gmgwat, and one of the most ridiculous things I have seen in a Times comment an a long time.
Perhaps I should complain about to the Times about your intolerance and closed mindedness. Perhaps you should complain to your parents for bequeathing you a thin skin....
1
What is becoming increasingly clear to America's traditional "allies" like Canada, Mexico, the EU and Australia is that adult negotiation is to be replaced by bluster and bullying. Trump complains about a trade deficit with Canada -- so what are we supposed to do -- stop selling Americans our oil?
To use the traditional cliche; "With a friend like this, who needs enemies?"
Makes more sense to do business with the Chinese. With them, at least, there is no pretense about "fair play".
To use the traditional cliche; "With a friend like this, who needs enemies?"
Makes more sense to do business with the Chinese. With them, at least, there is no pretense about "fair play".
2
The politics of 2016 had turned everything on its head. I'm not just talking about Trump, but broader trends. Of all issues to be pragmatic and non-ideological about, I should think trade is on the forefront. Clearly, the benefits of international trade have not been distributed equally or fairly among Americans, but it was also clear many working Americans - from retail associates to car assembly plant workers - depend on international trade. But if Americans could agree on any political issue in 2016, it was a blanket, knee-jerk, nearly religious hatred of international trade in 2016. Every time an economist said "well, it's complicated" or "there are pros and cons," he or she was shouted down as a heretic.
Curiously enough, on issues like civil rights and human rights, Americans became a lot more morally flexible. For example, Trump ran successfully on a platform of bringing back torture in intelligence gathering. Or, even if you believe in border control, I should think no decent person would derive joy at breaking up families or dragging people from their homes. But if you just went on social media, Breibart, or Fox News, you could see undisguised glee at tearing children from their parents. "They had it coming" was the attitude. It wasn't just getting the policy they wanted. It was joy in cruelty.
Curiously enough, on issues like civil rights and human rights, Americans became a lot more morally flexible. For example, Trump ran successfully on a platform of bringing back torture in intelligence gathering. Or, even if you believe in border control, I should think no decent person would derive joy at breaking up families or dragging people from their homes. But if you just went on social media, Breibart, or Fox News, you could see undisguised glee at tearing children from their parents. "They had it coming" was the attitude. It wasn't just getting the policy they wanted. It was joy in cruelty.
2
Trump is nothing but the latest chump when it comes to softwood lumber trade with Canada. The USA has lost every time in numerous ruling at the World Trade Organization dating back to the 1980's. The USA has defied the WTO and continues to pursue this groundless accusation only so American producers can force up the price of domestic lumber supplies.
2
Now that w've alienated Mexico and Canada, can we possibly turn the Atlantic and Pacific oceans into our enemies? Indeed we can. We're already doing it with our collective idiocy, thanks to President Trump and the GOP, on climate change. We're literally drowning in our own stupidity.
6
If DJT actually wanted to create jobs, he would jack up the corporate tax rate and hand the money out to the poor, who would immediately spend it.
Businesses would create jobs to offer products and services to the newly enriched poor.
Everyone wins.
See, e.g., California.
On the other hand, Trump wants to cut corporate tax rates, so businesses can distribute more money to their owners. If you have spare capital to own businesses, you probably aren't awaiting your next dividend check to buy the groceries.
Meanwhile, since there are no new customers, businesses continue to work the efficiency angle, using robotics, etc., to produce their product with less employees. Former employees get shifted over to the minimum wage / welfare state economy. The market for goods and services shrinks, and businesses look to squeeze ever more blood from the turnip as their markets ever shrink, shrink, shrink.
Tax revenues shrink, and conservatives argue the safety net isn't affordable. More and more poor people buy less and less, and business shrinks.
See, e.g., Kansas.
Businesses would create jobs to offer products and services to the newly enriched poor.
Everyone wins.
See, e.g., California.
On the other hand, Trump wants to cut corporate tax rates, so businesses can distribute more money to their owners. If you have spare capital to own businesses, you probably aren't awaiting your next dividend check to buy the groceries.
Meanwhile, since there are no new customers, businesses continue to work the efficiency angle, using robotics, etc., to produce their product with less employees. Former employees get shifted over to the minimum wage / welfare state economy. The market for goods and services shrinks, and businesses look to squeeze ever more blood from the turnip as their markets ever shrink, shrink, shrink.
Tax revenues shrink, and conservatives argue the safety net isn't affordable. More and more poor people buy less and less, and business shrinks.
See, e.g., Kansas.
2
The Soviet Union tried SAI's idea so well they had to close up shop.
Ask Venezuela. Rob the rich and they leave,
Rob businesses and they close.
You really need the most basic economics education a single decent book would provide you. Free to Choose, by Milton Friedman would really help.
Ask Venezuela. Rob the rich and they leave,
Rob businesses and they close.
You really need the most basic economics education a single decent book would provide you. Free to Choose, by Milton Friedman would really help.
2
All these lies on campaign trail to fool the ignorant conservative crowd. Empty promises. All we got instead is something like the more realistic Clinton's platform on trade, with some tweaks to existing trade agreements, and typical republican/establishment tax cuts as if there was no tomorrow. Millionaires rejoice, and sadly, people in rural America will only wake up at the next great recession.
Trump claims to be a graduate of the Wharton School at Penn, one of the best business schools in the country, yet he seems to be completely ignorant of the basics of economics and finance. In addition, he seems to be completely ignorant of how the government works and of cultures other than ours. Every issue seems to be met with a "who knew it could be so complicated..." statement. Perhaps instead of watching "the shows", jetting off to play golf every weekend, and savoring the "beautiful" chocolate cake at Mar-a-Lago, Trump could spend some time and effort learning about the things of which he is so ignorant.
3
Or, better yet, just quit.
What? Trump is a college graduate?
Disarray in trade and other policies is not surprising.
He always relied on bluff and bluster without any
substance. Too bad 63million american voters didn't
see his shortcomings and pushed him into the oval
office. Not only his suppoters but all of us would
suffer the consequences of bad policies. Hopefully,
in mid term election they vote democrats into the
majority to handcuff the president to thwart any
further damage he would otherwise inflict.
He always relied on bluff and bluster without any
substance. Too bad 63million american voters didn't
see his shortcomings and pushed him into the oval
office. Not only his suppoters but all of us would
suffer the consequences of bad policies. Hopefully,
in mid term election they vote democrats into the
majority to handcuff the president to thwart any
further damage he would otherwise inflict.
"Economists say that’s exactly what happened in the 1980s when the Reagan administration and Congress drove up the federal deficit through tax cuts and increased military spending."
But the GOP is amazingly unwilling to learn from their mistakes. Hasn't the rolling disaster in Kansas proved that the tired old "unleash job creators" trope about tax changes is, truly, part of Voodoo Economics 101?
But the GOP is amazingly unwilling to learn from their mistakes. Hasn't the rolling disaster in Kansas proved that the tired old "unleash job creators" trope about tax changes is, truly, part of Voodoo Economics 101?
Ask the people of Kansas how well slashing taxes on business works to stimulate the economy. Governor Brownback who drank the Kool-Aid of Laffer has managed to nearly bankrupt the state with no appreciable benefit to the economy except more take-home pay for business. It is possible that this benefit is cynically what it is all about because there are ample examples of how this theory does not work if legislators cared to look. The people of Kansas will be paying off the deficit and the additional cost of borrowing money to the state (since banks can read the bottom line) for many years ahead. So now the federal government thinks it is a good idea again?
Sure, ask the people of Kansas who re-elected Brownback.
Go Canada Go!
Without Canada and its economy for the last 150-years, the U.S.A.'s economy would nowadays be a fraction of what it is. If you take out all of the natural resources, lumber, manufactured goods, agricultural produce and hydro-electricity that has come from Canada, a whole lot of the U.S.A. wouldn't ever have prospered so much - New York state included. No two nations in world history have traded more than Canada and the U.S.A. It is now more than a billion dollars PER DAY! I am confident that many American businesses don't want Trump's current swipes at Canada to stay so fierce. That's because the Canadians might strike back. It's too important a neighbor for American businesses to have angry at them. Trump and his crew are desperate to have something to claim as success in their first 100 days. Canada is an easy target - and may be many times to come. I am no fan of Canada's PM Justin Trudeau whatsoever, but I wish him and his government well in these coming struggles in trade. The negotiations are the key, but don't get "loudmouthed" while you are dealing with this truly obnoxious American President. The world - and Americans - will likely be viewing things quite closely.
P.S. For his own sake, Trump shouldn't make any state visits to Canada's capital city Ottawa. That is because the masses will pouring into the streets to protest against a foreign leader. Tens of thousands. Something never seen before.
Without Canada and its economy for the last 150-years, the U.S.A.'s economy would nowadays be a fraction of what it is. If you take out all of the natural resources, lumber, manufactured goods, agricultural produce and hydro-electricity that has come from Canada, a whole lot of the U.S.A. wouldn't ever have prospered so much - New York state included. No two nations in world history have traded more than Canada and the U.S.A. It is now more than a billion dollars PER DAY! I am confident that many American businesses don't want Trump's current swipes at Canada to stay so fierce. That's because the Canadians might strike back. It's too important a neighbor for American businesses to have angry at them. Trump and his crew are desperate to have something to claim as success in their first 100 days. Canada is an easy target - and may be many times to come. I am no fan of Canada's PM Justin Trudeau whatsoever, but I wish him and his government well in these coming struggles in trade. The negotiations are the key, but don't get "loudmouthed" while you are dealing with this truly obnoxious American President. The world - and Americans - will likely be viewing things quite closely.
P.S. For his own sake, Trump shouldn't make any state visits to Canada's capital city Ottawa. That is because the masses will pouring into the streets to protest against a foreign leader. Tens of thousands. Something never seen before.
1
There was several facts omitted in the mention of the previous disputes with Canada over softwood. Canada is 5 and 0 in front of the tribunal that adjudicates trade disputes and that the US does not return of all of the illegally collected tariffs. 5 billion collected in the last round, only 4 billion returned. Canadian softwood is an easy punching bag for the orange one and a convenient distraction.
2
The progressive Democrats are absolutely petrified that a genuine America-loving President is going to free up the workplace and employ millions of people that the previous administration wished would just go away.
While Barack Obama seemingly could never hold two thoughts in his mind at once, this President can actually hold freer trade with Asia important and at the same time offer to deal with China to get front-burner Korea dealt with.
The wonder here is that Donald Trump is free from allegiance to either the Democratic ideas that he agreed with for decades or the firm conservatism held by the people he defeated to gain the nomination a year ago.
No wonder the socialists have no answer for this godsend.
While Barack Obama seemingly could never hold two thoughts in his mind at once, this President can actually hold freer trade with Asia important and at the same time offer to deal with China to get front-burner Korea dealt with.
The wonder here is that Donald Trump is free from allegiance to either the Democratic ideas that he agreed with for decades or the firm conservatism held by the people he defeated to gain the nomination a year ago.
No wonder the socialists have no answer for this godsend.
1
I don't know if Donald Trump ever learned the game of chess. But I doubt it. Thinking beyond the move at hand to consider the consequences and how the opponent can respond are not in his skill set. Even if he understood how the pieces move and how to use them, he would lose at the turf war that is chess.
But in the real world of trade policy, not understanding the "game" - the rules and consequences of each trade agreement and how they impact our economy and the economies of our trading partners - leads to disarray far worse than the disconnected pieces on a chess board.
But in the real world of trade policy, not understanding the "game" - the rules and consequences of each trade agreement and how they impact our economy and the economies of our trading partners - leads to disarray far worse than the disconnected pieces on a chess board.
This doesn't surprise me because he can't seem to be consistent on anything, but this is the big issue he campaigned on, you might think that on this file at least he would have some go forward strategies.
There are winners and losers in trade arrangements. On the positive side a greater variety of goods can be purchased at a lower price. On the negative jobs are lost in traditional industries. The workers in those industries and the towns they live in are all affected.
It is a societal choice of what is most important. It appears that those who have lost will continue to be ignored.
There are winners and losers in trade arrangements. On the positive side a greater variety of goods can be purchased at a lower price. On the negative jobs are lost in traditional industries. The workers in those industries and the towns they live in are all affected.
It is a societal choice of what is most important. It appears that those who have lost will continue to be ignored.
We should bolster Mexico at the expense of China. NAFTA was designed to bring Mexico into rough equilibrium with the US and Canada over time. Instead, even as the agreement was being negotiated, US multinationals were looking for a way to "engage" China and bring into "normal" trade relations. They succeeded, Mexico stumbled and the huge increase in illegal immigration began.
Our corporate titans, such as they are, deliberately strengthened an odious regime across the Pacific at the expense of a struggling democracy right on our doorstep.
It was, and is, the single most egregious example of our politicians, of most stripes, willingly abdicating the responsibility of statecraft over to narrow, amoral corporate interest.
Cutting our nominal corporate tax rate, if achieved, will bring a flood of foreign takeover money which will result in a huge increase of foreign money into our already horrible lobbying and campaign industries.
Our corporate titans, such as they are, deliberately strengthened an odious regime across the Pacific at the expense of a struggling democracy right on our doorstep.
It was, and is, the single most egregious example of our politicians, of most stripes, willingly abdicating the responsibility of statecraft over to narrow, amoral corporate interest.
Cutting our nominal corporate tax rate, if achieved, will bring a flood of foreign takeover money which will result in a huge increase of foreign money into our already horrible lobbying and campaign industries.
1
“As he seems to be finding out about so many things, trade policy is a lot more complicated than Mr. Trump ever imagined.”
Trump can’t blame his total lack of knowledge on various issues, except TV ratings and real estate, on Washington and the bureaucracy. The president’s lack of progress on his agenda, 100-day or not, is because he has encountered a steep learning curve on almost every issue he promised to resolve. He is the classic non-politician, who has been mugged by reality and will soon run out of excuses and people to blame.
The tariff on lumber was a gimme that he can use to tick off an item on a checklist of achievements that is so far embarrassingly short. Hence his lashing out at the 100-day milestone, as a “ridiculous standard,” which it wasn’t when he was campaigning about it quite bombastically? Ah, Trump – the entertainment never stops – it would be funny, only if it weren’t the nation’s future at stake.
Trump can’t blame his total lack of knowledge on various issues, except TV ratings and real estate, on Washington and the bureaucracy. The president’s lack of progress on his agenda, 100-day or not, is because he has encountered a steep learning curve on almost every issue he promised to resolve. He is the classic non-politician, who has been mugged by reality and will soon run out of excuses and people to blame.
The tariff on lumber was a gimme that he can use to tick off an item on a checklist of achievements that is so far embarrassingly short. Hence his lashing out at the 100-day milestone, as a “ridiculous standard,” which it wasn’t when he was campaigning about it quite bombastically? Ah, Trump – the entertainment never stops – it would be funny, only if it weren’t the nation’s future at stake.
Will the author explain the current Republican South as being part if his resurection in this so called populist agenda? The State legislatures captured by Republicans who don't fit in with the authors conclusions. He missed out on counting Jesse Helms as part of his esteemed party. A party who who created the Tea Party in response to RINO's. I thought Republicans only truly cared about Supreme Court appointments. The authors eyes must be glazed over in contemplating his revelry. The party that hates government interference unless the markets require being bailed out, their agenda to control the reproductive rights of private citizens and we can count on Republicans supporting consumer rights since they are so populist in their agenda. Government bad. The author is lost day dreaming about a fantasized past that never occured.
All of The Donald's seemingly erratic behavior is actually his scheme to move attention away from all the disastrous liaisons his family, friends, and that recently fired person have with Russia. Change the subject. Attack Canada since the attack on Mexico failed. Next he will attack the bees in the trees.
At least in France a photo of the meeting between Putin and that way-over-on-the-right-woman-who-may fall-off-the earth was readily available.
Putin is far smarter than the current poseur as US President.
While the preceding comment suggests we are all laughing here in Canada, I beg to differ. Living close to the US border folks here are worried and fearful of ongoing retaliations: loss of jobs in the forest industry, threats to all our dairy producers.
Time for the US media to ignore the diversions and focus on the extreme influence Russia is having in elections in the US, Holland, France and next
Germany. It is all about money, honey!
At least in France a photo of the meeting between Putin and that way-over-on-the-right-woman-who-may fall-off-the earth was readily available.
Putin is far smarter than the current poseur as US President.
While the preceding comment suggests we are all laughing here in Canada, I beg to differ. Living close to the US border folks here are worried and fearful of ongoing retaliations: loss of jobs in the forest industry, threats to all our dairy producers.
Time for the US media to ignore the diversions and focus on the extreme influence Russia is having in elections in the US, Holland, France and next
Germany. It is all about money, honey!
As I read the columns and readers comments daily, I find that they all have once thing in common. They are well written reactions to Trump's latest idiocies.
At this point, we all know why his version of "Trickle Down Economics", won't work and never worked, why his "Wall Rhetoric" can't and will never do what he claimes, why we're never going back to a "coal based" economy" as we converted to oil a century ago and that the world is now converting to natural gas and exploring healthier sources.
We also know that these Trump tweets and assertions are meant to involk anger and fear, which distracts us he dismantles education, environmental protections, health care and so many other policies which had defined us as a nation. To keep us continually confused, he flips on his promises daily.
Worse of all the Trump team has been slowly but surely chipping away at our civil and constitutional rights. We have Gorsuch on the bench and its almost a sure bet that Trump will appoint another Justice and possibly two. This is what scares me the most.
I'm tired of living with this anxiety and fear, it's not healthy for me mentally and physically. I fell like I'm Howard Beal (Network 1976 Paddy Chafefsky film) listening to the network head Arthur Jenssen rale about the world being global, it's give and take and I not only can't but will not be allowed to interfere.
I don't have any answers, hopefully others do and cooler heads in Washington will prevail. We will see.
At this point, we all know why his version of "Trickle Down Economics", won't work and never worked, why his "Wall Rhetoric" can't and will never do what he claimes, why we're never going back to a "coal based" economy" as we converted to oil a century ago and that the world is now converting to natural gas and exploring healthier sources.
We also know that these Trump tweets and assertions are meant to involk anger and fear, which distracts us he dismantles education, environmental protections, health care and so many other policies which had defined us as a nation. To keep us continually confused, he flips on his promises daily.
Worse of all the Trump team has been slowly but surely chipping away at our civil and constitutional rights. We have Gorsuch on the bench and its almost a sure bet that Trump will appoint another Justice and possibly two. This is what scares me the most.
I'm tired of living with this anxiety and fear, it's not healthy for me mentally and physically. I fell like I'm Howard Beal (Network 1976 Paddy Chafefsky film) listening to the network head Arthur Jenssen rale about the world being global, it's give and take and I not only can't but will not be allowed to interfere.
I don't have any answers, hopefully others do and cooler heads in Washington will prevail. We will see.
6
Really, they're all "well written" reactions are they? I find them to be shameless partisan propaganda of the lowest sort, long on idiotic generalizations, character assassination, and innuendo.The one thing they have in common is lack of any basis in facts. Anyone who bases their judgement on what they read here is a fool not worthy of the title citizen of a free country.
Go watch TV.
Yes, the Gop and Fox News and now Trump have been setting the issues agenda and the parameters of media coverage and opinion. Trump is an insult to America, and just furnishes the media with 24/7 outrage. It's getting intolerable, day after day. Where are the positive, specific proposals instead of just the anti Trump -trash?
Trump is so awful he makes the Dems and the outraged Times columnists/editorials look great
.
Thus the Dems will be in a position to rustle up more billions from corporate donors to beat Trump, and then seem sane and rational, with policies better than his, but still not adequate in jobs policy, plus health care, education funding, etc.
Dems will get votes, and win media approval-- in fact, exaltation. The Times and it's opinion writers aren't going to stick their necks out beyond what the Dems propose. So big money campaign donors will direct policy, and will still constrict Americans' living standards and financial security.
Trump is so awful he makes the Dems and the outraged Times columnists/editorials look great
.
Thus the Dems will be in a position to rustle up more billions from corporate donors to beat Trump, and then seem sane and rational, with policies better than his, but still not adequate in jobs policy, plus health care, education funding, etc.
Dems will get votes, and win media approval-- in fact, exaltation. The Times and it's opinion writers aren't going to stick their necks out beyond what the Dems propose. So big money campaign donors will direct policy, and will still constrict Americans' living standards and financial security.
Alas, as trickle-down has failed us three times since it was introduced in 1981 by the clueless Reagan, one thing that has become clearly evident. This is never been about improving the lives of the middle class. Reagan's first budget director, David Stockman, warned his boss that the trickle-down theory would give the middle class nothing more than "pizza toppings" while making the rich richer thus, creating a major recession by the end of the 1980s.
Stockman was right, of course. So if the theory keeps failing, why to do the Republi-cons keep bringing it back? The reason is simple. It keeps the conservatives in the Congress re-elected. It is also an incentive to "retire" to a seven-figure job with one of those corporations who pushed for their own trickle-down benefits. This all about self-enrichment for members of the House and Senate.
The pictorial argument for trickle-down economics came from arch-conservatice economic professor, Arthur Laffer, in the late 1970s. George H.W. Bush exposed it as "voodoo economics." But after a sweetheart offer from Reagan to be his running mate, he back away and endorsed the theory.
But it was the libertarian economist Alan Greenspan who formed his Greenspan Commission for Reagan to end the recession. Roaring out of the gate with recommendations for deregulation in all sectors, the mergers and hostile takeovers took off like a plague of locusts.
This is the legacy of trickle-down economics.
Stockman was right, of course. So if the theory keeps failing, why to do the Republi-cons keep bringing it back? The reason is simple. It keeps the conservatives in the Congress re-elected. It is also an incentive to "retire" to a seven-figure job with one of those corporations who pushed for their own trickle-down benefits. This all about self-enrichment for members of the House and Senate.
The pictorial argument for trickle-down economics came from arch-conservatice economic professor, Arthur Laffer, in the late 1970s. George H.W. Bush exposed it as "voodoo economics." But after a sweetheart offer from Reagan to be his running mate, he back away and endorsed the theory.
But it was the libertarian economist Alan Greenspan who formed his Greenspan Commission for Reagan to end the recession. Roaring out of the gate with recommendations for deregulation in all sectors, the mergers and hostile takeovers took off like a plague of locusts.
This is the legacy of trickle-down economics.
4
Good historical summary.
And do you agree not many Dems opposed Trickle Down strongly enough, just allowing some of it to seem plausible to voters and even some of those it was hurting? And why?
Because our unique campaign financing system, with unlimited big money legitimized by the Supreme Court, makes both parties dependent on corporations and the rich to run for office. No public financing or limits on political ads as in other democracies' which gives a more level playing field to competing political policies for their voters.
Here, the very forces that hurt the citizen majority are the ones that finance both parties. When will the Times op ed page write about this directly?
" without fear or favor" --- to quote the NYT found, Adolph Ochs.
And do you agree not many Dems opposed Trickle Down strongly enough, just allowing some of it to seem plausible to voters and even some of those it was hurting? And why?
Because our unique campaign financing system, with unlimited big money legitimized by the Supreme Court, makes both parties dependent on corporations and the rich to run for office. No public financing or limits on political ads as in other democracies' which gives a more level playing field to competing political policies for their voters.
Here, the very forces that hurt the citizen majority are the ones that finance both parties. When will the Times op ed page write about this directly?
" without fear or favor" --- to quote the NYT found, Adolph Ochs.
That Trump's trade policy is in disarray should come as no surprise.
In the 90-plus days we have been subjected to Trump's dystopian vision of government, we have witnessed disputes with America's other largest trading partners (Mexico, the European Union, China, and now Canada). But the disarray is not just limited to trade, it extends to foreign and domestic policy as well. Think about these policy gaffes and what they have in common: the health care debacle; the Syria and North Korea crises; the immigration/travel bans and the executive order to withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities. One quickly understands that the commonality of these disparate events is the disorganized, uniformed mind of Donald Trump.
To Trump, the world is a series of transactions in which he must always be seen as emerging with the best deal, the "win". To date, these "wins" have proved elusive and follow no informed pattern of thought, analysis or action; they do, however, represent a pattern of undisciplined thinking that is sporadic and, ultimately, dangerous.
"After three months of dithering and drifting, Mr. Trump is eager to show voters that he can score a major policy win." As the anti-candidate, Trump basked in his status of not being a serious reader or student of history.
So, to argue that Trump's trade policy is in disarray is to take a rather narrow view of the totality of his uninformed and increasingly disorganized and disastrous presidency.
In the 90-plus days we have been subjected to Trump's dystopian vision of government, we have witnessed disputes with America's other largest trading partners (Mexico, the European Union, China, and now Canada). But the disarray is not just limited to trade, it extends to foreign and domestic policy as well. Think about these policy gaffes and what they have in common: the health care debacle; the Syria and North Korea crises; the immigration/travel bans and the executive order to withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities. One quickly understands that the commonality of these disparate events is the disorganized, uniformed mind of Donald Trump.
To Trump, the world is a series of transactions in which he must always be seen as emerging with the best deal, the "win". To date, these "wins" have proved elusive and follow no informed pattern of thought, analysis or action; they do, however, represent a pattern of undisciplined thinking that is sporadic and, ultimately, dangerous.
"After three months of dithering and drifting, Mr. Trump is eager to show voters that he can score a major policy win." As the anti-candidate, Trump basked in his status of not being a serious reader or student of history.
So, to argue that Trump's trade policy is in disarray is to take a rather narrow view of the totality of his uninformed and increasingly disorganized and disastrous presidency.
1
How much more evidence is required to confirm that President Trump is an incompetent empty suit that is the epitome of arrogance and entitlement self-imposed by his narcissism and supported by his many years of successful bullying and self-dealing of suppliers and vendors?
Republicans currently control the major branches of government (Congress, Senate, Supreme Court soon); Republicans clearly put party before country and are eager to follow the dictates of their economically elite overlords.
President Trump's inability to understand anything complicated and lack of intellectual curiosity and stamina fits well with Republican strategy. The American people, including Trump's base supporters, will have to collectively vote Republicans out of control of the Congress and Senate in 2018 in order for our country to prevent the real damage that is coming.
This is a critical time for the future of the American people directly and citizens of the world indirectly. Its time for the American people to start a dialog with each other; especially with Trump supporters; its time to help them better understand what the impact on their families and their futures will be if America continues on its current path.
Republicans currently control the major branches of government (Congress, Senate, Supreme Court soon); Republicans clearly put party before country and are eager to follow the dictates of their economically elite overlords.
President Trump's inability to understand anything complicated and lack of intellectual curiosity and stamina fits well with Republican strategy. The American people, including Trump's base supporters, will have to collectively vote Republicans out of control of the Congress and Senate in 2018 in order for our country to prevent the real damage that is coming.
This is a critical time for the future of the American people directly and citizens of the world indirectly. Its time for the American people to start a dialog with each other; especially with Trump supporters; its time to help them better understand what the impact on their families and their futures will be if America continues on its current path.
Of all the shoddy thinking that propels the policy diection of the GOP, the idea that handing businesses and wealthy individuals extra money creates jobs is the most ridiculous.
Does the GOP think that CEOs get to where they are by creating jobs that their company does not need to create? By paying wages that they do not need to pay? Do they think that when profits go up, leadership declares "Oh goody! We have extra money and can hire a bunch of new people this month"?
When there is no extra cash sitting around, do they think companies sit on their hands when there is money to be made by hiring, because they don't know what a bank loan is?
Extra money in the hands of the wealthy goes into the stock market and real estate. And maybe to hire an extra house keeper or two.
Extra money in the hands of companies is reported as profit on company ledgers to boost their stock price, not squandered on jobs that are not needed.
But by all means, empty the treasury to "boost job creation". What morons.
Does the GOP think that CEOs get to where they are by creating jobs that their company does not need to create? By paying wages that they do not need to pay? Do they think that when profits go up, leadership declares "Oh goody! We have extra money and can hire a bunch of new people this month"?
When there is no extra cash sitting around, do they think companies sit on their hands when there is money to be made by hiring, because they don't know what a bank loan is?
Extra money in the hands of the wealthy goes into the stock market and real estate. And maybe to hire an extra house keeper or two.
Extra money in the hands of companies is reported as profit on company ledgers to boost their stock price, not squandered on jobs that are not needed.
But by all means, empty the treasury to "boost job creation". What morons.
14
Sorry, but the very things that may be keeping you up at nights WORKED for Warren Harding, Harry Truman, John Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.
Having a belief system is fine as long as it actually relates to the real world. Does yours?
Having a belief system is fine as long as it actually relates to the real world. Does yours?
The zombie Laffable Curve lives!
6
The "Laffable" curve rises again!
6
Of course he is a laughing stock everywhere. He is NOT building a wall. He still let's Muslims in. He doesn't stop illegals. We seem to have wasted our votes on him. Shame on you Democrats who gave us Hillary. Someone else and you might have won.
1
It was obvious that Trump was nothing but a bigot who was counting on the uneducated to vote for him. You made your bed now lie in it!
Chris - you are going to blame Democrats because you voted for T Rump? That would be laughable if it wasn't so pathetic. If you can't tell the difference between personality and policy, own up to your own laziness, stupidity & ignorance. Look in the mirror first.
Of course it is the dems fault...
His entire administration can be summed up in his comment on health care. "Who knew this was so complicated." It is like watching Gomer Pyle, without the humor. Shazam!
19
Trump mis-spoke when he said that Mexico would pay for the wall. He meant to say that CANADA would pay for it through soft wood tarrifs. Of course, we are yet to find out who will reap the profits from sending Canadian tar sand oil to Louisiana for refining and export.
8
Donald Trump's presidency is in disarray. Trade is but one symptom of that disarray. Foreign policy and domestic policy show no signs of stability or focus. For those who believed that Trump, the business man' would be a 'job creator' really don't understand job creation nor do they understand the significance of a well-designed, explained and implemented set of policies regarding our global goals regarding trade, domestic policies and foreign policy. This presidency is a mirror of the man himself; erratic, vengeful and based only on the needs of Trump and his family. No one should be shocked. What we have to do is continue to contain the damage he continues to inflict on our foreign trade partners, allies and citizens of this country.
13
I understand that it is hard to chastise faceless actors in the farce playing out in the U.S these days, but Trump is merely a scapegoat in the sense that he is willing to take the heat for forces that benefit from the policies that his administration breathes life into. If interest rates rise does anyone think corporations flush with cash will suffer? There will be losers and winners under the trade policies discussed in the article, and there will be few middle class earners among them. Ignore Trump and reveal who the faceless, nameless actors are.
5
Canadians are an easy people to ignore. Canadians don't seem particularly war-like, seem polite, wait in lines without hostility, and in general cause no fuss. 158 Canadians died in Afghanistan guarding Hellmand province.
Canada has the largest unguarded border with the US. They have entered both World Wars years earlier than the US.,and they fought in Korea.
Obviously,this makes them a good target. Once again, America begins to re introduce the. Ugly American concept world wide by starting with their best friends. To all our citizens buying a new house, brace yourself for the 4.2% increase your builder will add to the price because of the softwood traffic. cheers.
Canada has the largest unguarded border with the US. They have entered both World Wars years earlier than the US.,and they fought in Korea.
Obviously,this makes them a good target. Once again, America begins to re introduce the. Ugly American concept world wide by starting with their best friends. To all our citizens buying a new house, brace yourself for the 4.2% increase your builder will add to the price because of the softwood traffic. cheers.
13
Is it "the Ugly American" was to do something about a trade policy that doesn't comply with the terms and conditions of a mutual trade agreement?
Is the United States, after years of fruitless negotiation, not entitled to do something about the willful disregard that is damaging American industry on a daily basis?
What is the point of having powers for relief if they are not to be used?
Your argument, friend, starts with a false premise and ends up with an illogical, absurd conslusion.
Is the United States, after years of fruitless negotiation, not entitled to do something about the willful disregard that is damaging American industry on a daily basis?
What is the point of having powers for relief if they are not to be used?
Your argument, friend, starts with a false premise and ends up with an illogical, absurd conslusion.
Trump's Trade Policy? When did Trump get a trade policy? All I've seen is a bunch of random unsupported accusations misdeeds by our closest trading partners, richly laced with insults. This has been blended with all sorts of Reaganomic fantasies, and we all remember how well those worked.
10
Those trade infractions by the Canadians are well documented
Here's one from 2015 that sets the tone:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/01/14/canada-sued-investor-state-dispu...
And it being from the Huffington Post should cut down on the attacks of "conservative cherry picking".
For more do a Google search for: CANADIAN NAFTA VIOLATIONS
Here's one from 2015 that sets the tone:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/01/14/canada-sued-investor-state-dispu...
And it being from the Huffington Post should cut down on the attacks of "conservative cherry picking".
For more do a Google search for: CANADIAN NAFTA VIOLATIONS
1
Recently, it was acknowledged that the transition team should not have dumped Chris Christie's Transition Plan. Maybe that might have helped the trump (with a little t) get his cabinet established earlier, define his policies earlier, describe his plans coherently, in general, look like an administration that walks and talks with one voice.
Instead, chaos is king. Now we have an administration that is, in all likelihood, run much like trump's businesses: trump bellowing orders and threats (tweeting), changing his mind or reversing agreements on project details (backing away from campaign promises), derailing laws at high costs (defunding ACA, education, etc), pursuing ideas that are money pits (the wall), and stiffing the vendor (the American public).
And trump supporters continue to support trump. The more we rail at, the harder they fight, for him. An in sight into 2018.
Instead, chaos is king. Now we have an administration that is, in all likelihood, run much like trump's businesses: trump bellowing orders and threats (tweeting), changing his mind or reversing agreements on project details (backing away from campaign promises), derailing laws at high costs (defunding ACA, education, etc), pursuing ideas that are money pits (the wall), and stiffing the vendor (the American public).
And trump supporters continue to support trump. The more we rail at, the harder they fight, for him. An in sight into 2018.
6
We're to breathe a sigh of relief that he's too stupid to get anything done? This is what we've come to? We are a joke to the rest of the world, thanks, dumbph voter.
9
Tax revenues are too low to support the critical public sector, a recipe for middle class disaster. Corporations do NOT invest to reap tax benefits, they invest to exploit demand, to reduce costs, to fatten the bottom line and to increase share prices. Demand is directly tied to middle and working class wages and income. Corporations are having NO difficulty in meeting current demand (hence the low inflation rate despite stimulus over the last 10 years), when they DO decide to invest they will spend on automation that will reduce their costs (jobs, wages). Only when public sector spending increases will demand pick up, will competition for workers lift wages, will critical human and infrastructure investments be made.
5
Word has it the Canucks will stop exporting Hockey players.
10
And this lack of a coherent policy regarding trade differs from the rest of his actions and 'policies?' I am waiting for some substance but think we have all the proof we need to conclude that our tweeter in chief is clearly out of his comfort zone, far beyond his level of competence running a handful of overpriced properties catering to the brand conscious wealthy or newly rich. He is the Being There POTUS, addicted to TV, polls, and sound bites.
10
Perhaps there are only dichotomies, and everything in between is nuance. There is dictatorship or democracy. There is globalism or protectionism. War or peace. Bullying or compassion. Cooperation or rivalry. Smart or stupid. Facts or feelings. And on and so forth...and the rest is all nitty-gritty nuance and complexities and (most of all) competing interests.
It's not always easy to tell which side of a given dichotomy Trump is on, but for the most part it is VERY easy. Regardless, what we know for sure is that he can't handle the nuance and complexity, and so it will be easy to tell whether he lands on success or failure
It's not always easy to tell which side of a given dichotomy Trump is on, but for the most part it is VERY easy. Regardless, what we know for sure is that he can't handle the nuance and complexity, and so it will be easy to tell whether he lands on success or failure
7
Trump's trade policy is in disarray? No! There is no trade policy!
8
It takes a a somewhat broader view of the world, NI, than you exhibit with your comment to understand Trump's trade policy.
So far as I can tell, the policy is: Abide by you treaty obligations or accept the consequences.
Not a bad policy to have in my thinking.
So far as I can tell, the policy is: Abide by you treaty obligations or accept the consequences.
Not a bad policy to have in my thinking.
Seriously....all we can really do for Delusional Donald (everything he does is the greatest of all time) is remind him of the classic quote attributed to the late great 'Lonesome George' Gobel....Mr. President, "Did you ever get the feeling that the world's a tuxedo and you're a pair of brown shoes?"
13
There is more than just this screwball's trade policy
in disarray, drastically dragging down America.
in disarray, drastically dragging down America.
9
I guess it's a case of the right hand not knowing what the right hand is doing. Not that Faux-Prez Frump particularly cares about knowing. The sort of batter who thinks if he swings enough maybe he'll hit something. Most likely it will be the American public on the head.
12
The softwood lumber tariff is a bullying tactic by a weak man. Gang up on the nice kids next door to impress your buddies, until the WTO comes along and gives him another bloody nose.
11
When a sitting President can propose, with a straight face, a tax plan that will directly and obscenely benefit himself and his family, and no one in Congress seems to give a damn, our nation's leadership has sunk to a new low, surpassing even the venality of the 1870-era of the robber barons.
22
Congressional Repugnant-cans love tax cuts because their campaign donors tell them to. You won't see a single democrat vote for this stupidity so to be clear, it is not all of Congress.
So it's back to 'trickle down' wealth under President Trump. Finally! Except it won't be a trickle, we'll be standing under a waterfall of cash spilling over the edge of the falls making us so rich so quickly we'll become sick of winning. US companies invested overseas will abandon their foreign outposts and come running home in what could only be described as a stampede. The sheer volume of US job openings will choke online classified websites. Exports will soar - China will shrink - US steel mills will fire up once more and their smoke stacks will belch clean-coal particulate and dollar bills. Healthcare and meals-on-wheels will become 20th Century relics because nobody will have any reason to get sick or be hungry. Many many tremendously smart people have told the President the oceans will recede and the Arctic will ice up like never before. Fish stocks will rebound, polar bears will breed like rabbits, the dams will fill with a thousand year supply of pure rainwater and the entire planet will submit to American will. This morning, in appreciation, I fell to my knees and thanked the Lord for the coming of Donald J. Trump...and then I woke up.
74
That was wonderful, thank you! The NYT should hire you !
2
Dear Neighbours: no doubt it will come as little surprise that up here your President has become a laughing stock. I was watching a panel (of Canadian and international commentators) discussing all things Trump (i.e. tweets, threats, here and there statements . . . well, you know what I mean) and most could barely keep a straight face at the many absurd and out-from-left-field stuff (China is a currency manipulator - and then it is not; NATO is obsolete, and then it is very important). Fairly soon, and it has been barely been 100 days, no one will take him seriously . . .
82
Hear, Hear!
From a fellow-Canadian. I'd be worried about "stability" in Washington if I was American.
From a fellow-Canadian. I'd be worried about "stability" in Washington if I was American.
2
We'd laugh too - if only it weren't happening to us!
Please can we seek refuge?
Please can we seek refuge?
1
Tariffs imposed on Canada’s lumber in the past were challenged at the WTO and every time, Canada won. The Grifter, Liar and Crook in Chief is a failed individual and he knows it.
56
I would have suggested a different title for this article, "Trump in Total Disarray"
This fool is a total buffoon. I tried to read a word for word interview he gave to the AP recently and after several paragraphs had to stop. He won't speak in full sentences, can't finish a thought and when he does say something it sounds like gibberish. Pitiful.
This fool is a total buffoon. I tried to read a word for word interview he gave to the AP recently and after several paragraphs had to stop. He won't speak in full sentences, can't finish a thought and when he does say something it sounds like gibberish. Pitiful.
The tariffs imposed on Canadian wood are illegal. The WTO has ruled in the past that our government was not subsidising the industry.
Your president is acting illegaly towards a ally and friend. He's hurting small towns and our middle class.
Nobody in your country cares about people losing their job because of the actions of your government.
Your president is acting illegaly towards a ally and friend. He's hurting small towns and our middle class.
Nobody in your country cares about people losing their job because of the actions of your government.
35
Understand, Canadian friend, how ashamed many of us are about all of this.
Hear! hear! And that goes from Mexico, too!
Unfortunately, his environmental policy will ruin the environment. His idea of the outdoors is a gold course and his son's idea of the outdoors is killing animals. What a bunch.
28
Love your typo..gold course! To trump, golf courses are a form of gold, gold paid back to him.
2
When will republicans finally realize that tax cuts do nothing but destroy our economy. The joke about cuts in corporate rates creating benefits is getting old. When they lower the tax rate, the owners and stock holders take all the profits, leaving nothing for 'jobs'. The damage this administration will do to our country is going to be phenomenal, stupendous, the greatest ever. Sad!
33
Spot on! Alas, as trickle-down has failed us three times since it was introduced in 1981 by the clueless Reagan, one thing that has become clearly evident. This is never been about improving the lives of the middle class. Reagan's first budget director, David Stockman, warned his boss that the trickle-down theory would give the middle class nothing more than "pizza toppings" while making the rich richer thus, creating a major recession by the end of the 1980s.
Stockman was right, of course. So if the theory keeps failing, why to do the Republi-cons keep bringing it back? The reason is simple. It keeps the conservatives in the Congress re-elected. It is also an incentive to "retire" to a seven-figure job with one of those corporations who pushed for their own trickle-down benefits. This all about self-enrichment for members of the House and Senate.
Stockman was right, of course. So if the theory keeps failing, why to do the Republi-cons keep bringing it back? The reason is simple. It keeps the conservatives in the Congress re-elected. It is also an incentive to "retire" to a seven-figure job with one of those corporations who pushed for their own trickle-down benefits. This all about self-enrichment for members of the House and Senate.
" realize that tax cuts do nothing but destroy our economy"
They know it but prefer laughing at us (the workers) all the way to the bank.
They know it but prefer laughing at us (the workers) all the way to the bank.
I hear Mexico just won a complaint about tuna against the US. Apparently the US was unfairly blocking Mexican tuna. Can anyone get Trump to comment on that?
9
How can he be said to have a trade policy when everything he thinks he knows on the subject is nonsense, complete non-knowledge?
'Course he can think he has a policy since he has a Secretary of Commerce who shares his 17th-century, pre-Adam Smith, mercantilist foolishness.
There is one thing to be said in their defense. What they believe is all based on common sense. That's the sense that tells us the Earth is flat. By Adam Smith's time we had all learned that it's round.
10
Your headline can apply to anything Trump touches. His trade policy is in disarray. His foreign policy is in disarray. His domestic policy is in disarray. The problem is the use of the term "policy." By definition a policy is a set of principles carried out by supporting practices. Donald Trump operates in a policy-free vacuum fueled by impulses and reversals on everything he has said. He railed against Obama's use of executive orders and uses them ad nauseum. He was caustic in his attack on the Electoral College until his "landslide" of 306 electoral votes. He pontificated that anyone who requests immunity must be guilty but supported Flynn's immunity plea. He has no grasp of the past and no plan for the future. I'm not an expert on presidential history but I would assume that none of Trump's predecessors were as incompetent as he is, and we've had our share of incompetent presidents. What distinguishes Trump is his colossal capacity for lying and shifting blame for any of his failures. The one positive I see in Trump is that he has supplied wonderful material for Colbert, Fallon, Kimmel, Oliver, Noah, and Maher.
26
Wonderful summary! Wish it weren't necessary.
1
With each numbing day, it gets harder and harder to state the obvious in a new and meaningful way, but you did it. Cheers.
It's not just this persons trade policy that's in disarray. He acts like a child with ADD and this has an affect on everything. He flits from one policy to another without really achieving anything. The one thing he will achieve when he leaves office is that he will be the wealthiest former president.
12
Trump's an old man and he can't take it with him when he goes.
he has no coherent plan for anything, most amazing thing about 45 is the number of bankruptcies are less than a dozen. Many sources have reported that his inheritance would be essentially the same had he invested in index funds.
Amazing thing about a swath of America is they prove PT Barnum's sucker is alive, voting and sticking with 45.
less than 100 days 45 has insulted allies and thrown open the doors to others they now know that for a few bobbles of Ivanka junk 45 can be distracted enough to perhaps permanently sell our values, conscientious, everything that use to make our country a beacon.
Amazing thing about a swath of America is they prove PT Barnum's sucker is alive, voting and sticking with 45.
less than 100 days 45 has insulted allies and thrown open the doors to others they now know that for a few bobbles of Ivanka junk 45 can be distracted enough to perhaps permanently sell our values, conscientious, everything that use to make our country a beacon.
12
i am praying, so to speak, our Canadian government continues to refuse to allow american milk into our country.
Farmers in the US use growth hormones and antibiotics in the cattle used for milk production, and who knows what else goes on in the factories where the animals are wrung dry for maximum production. We do not want your overproduced, dumped and questionably safe products, thankyou. very much.
Farmers in the US use growth hormones and antibiotics in the cattle used for milk production, and who knows what else goes on in the factories where the animals are wrung dry for maximum production. We do not want your overproduced, dumped and questionably safe products, thankyou. very much.
25
You have my total sympathy! Wish I were there...
3
This article could be a lot shorter: "Trump doesn't know what he is doing". Of course, the article offers more concrete examples of that point, so still worth reading!
15
"He hasn't no coherent plan ... ". Just leave it at that.
Emperor Donnie has no coherent plan for anything. That is how he ran his mom and pop businesses. Why would anyone expect anything different from this incoherent mind? 70 years of history should tell anyone who inquires how this fool thinks (or more correctly, fails to think).
Emperor Donnie has no coherent plan for anything. That is how he ran his mom and pop businesses. Why would anyone expect anything different from this incoherent mind? 70 years of history should tell anyone who inquires how this fool thinks (or more correctly, fails to think).
Let's go over it all gang....say it three times....Trump is a idea bankrupt, ego maniac demagogue.
I know the NY Times editorial board can say it because they are too professional and have to deal with this demagogue but that is what we are facing here.
While there are always issues with trade re Canada, Europe, Japan, NZ or the Aussies, by and large they are not the problem.
The problems are slave labor countries like China, Vietnam, Mexico etc. that we cannot compete against because of low wages.
If the demagogue Trump was really interested in this issue, he can start by bringing back his and Ivanka's factories back to the USA from slave labor countries like China.
I don't know why the NY Times and the democrats are not harping on Trump to do this.
Otherwise, shut up demagogue Trump.
I know the NY Times editorial board can say it because they are too professional and have to deal with this demagogue but that is what we are facing here.
While there are always issues with trade re Canada, Europe, Japan, NZ or the Aussies, by and large they are not the problem.
The problems are slave labor countries like China, Vietnam, Mexico etc. that we cannot compete against because of low wages.
If the demagogue Trump was really interested in this issue, he can start by bringing back his and Ivanka's factories back to the USA from slave labor countries like China.
I don't know why the NY Times and the democrats are not harping on Trump to do this.
Otherwise, shut up demagogue Trump.
4
"in disarray for lack of a clear strategy or vision." This seems to describe everything about this administration.
8
"After three months of dithering and drifting..." Only 45 more to go.
6
It's a dangerous time when a narcissistic and entirely incompetent U.S. president, fishing for the biggest applause lines, can affect markets and jobs around the world.
25
Corporations are already off-shoring billions yearly. Why does Trump think (I know, an oxymoron) that further corporate tax cuts will magically result in increased domestic investment. Fool me once.....
" ... it is becoming clearer that he has no coherent plan to lower the trade deficit or bring back lost manufacturing jobs."
Mr. Trump's entire administration lacks any coherence on any front. His only policy principle seems to be to dismantle the roughly eighty (80) years of social and economic progress we have made since FDR's "New Deal." Mr. Trump may have built buildings in the past, but his current new family business might as well be named "Trump Demolition."
Mr. Trump's entire administration lacks any coherence on any front. His only policy principle seems to be to dismantle the roughly eighty (80) years of social and economic progress we have made since FDR's "New Deal." Mr. Trump may have built buildings in the past, but his current new family business might as well be named "Trump Demolition."
9
He is clueless just like his supporters and every republican living in denial of all reality in order to get richer and selectively more ignorant.
4
Nobody knew complicated things could be so complicated.
9
If only we could see Presidential Apprentice Mar-a-Lago Donnie Trump's personal, family and corporate income tax returns along with personal, family and corporate business records, holdings, deals, contracts and debts then we would know how well Trump's trade policy is arrayed to benefit his corrupt crony capitalist corporate plutocrat oligarch family interests as his prime directive.
9
It's much worse than you say here, although it may take years to fully blossom into the malignant flower Trump has nurtured in his First One Hundred Days.
For a nanosecond, stop listening to what he says and look at what he's done.
1) He has offended if not outright alienated every one of our most significant trading partners while currying favor with all those who wish us ill, and are willing to invest heavily to accomplish their desires.
2) He has demonstrated conclusively that, far from remaining as a reliable steadying hand, the U.S. is now among the most unreliable and duplicitous of of economic, military, and political partners. The world has begun to deal with us on that basis. When as the last hope we might come to our senses is finally extinguished, the full impact of Trump's 'let's put on a show' government will become painfully evident.
3) In the process, and in just The First One Hundred Days, Trump has decimated the credibility of every institution that made our former lives possible. We haven't seen it yet, but when people have been fully convinced that their courts, media, education system, their very government, exists upon a tissue of lies, civil society will take a big hit and severe ugliness will ensue.
4) Trump has demonstrated convincingly that the American Presidency has succumbed to the "only money matters", "profit is God's ultimate goal for all mankind", "I'm rich so I'm good" ethos. Now it's every man for himself.
For a nanosecond, stop listening to what he says and look at what he's done.
1) He has offended if not outright alienated every one of our most significant trading partners while currying favor with all those who wish us ill, and are willing to invest heavily to accomplish their desires.
2) He has demonstrated conclusively that, far from remaining as a reliable steadying hand, the U.S. is now among the most unreliable and duplicitous of of economic, military, and political partners. The world has begun to deal with us on that basis. When as the last hope we might come to our senses is finally extinguished, the full impact of Trump's 'let's put on a show' government will become painfully evident.
3) In the process, and in just The First One Hundred Days, Trump has decimated the credibility of every institution that made our former lives possible. We haven't seen it yet, but when people have been fully convinced that their courts, media, education system, their very government, exists upon a tissue of lies, civil society will take a big hit and severe ugliness will ensue.
4) Trump has demonstrated convincingly that the American Presidency has succumbed to the "only money matters", "profit is God's ultimate goal for all mankind", "I'm rich so I'm good" ethos. Now it's every man for himself.
14
hear, hear.
Contrary to what you say, Trump is not following the script of previous governments. Previous governments did not issue ignorant tweets as a vehicle for pursuing disagreements over international trade practices. There are accepted legal avenues of recourse for negotiating trade disputes. Issuing threats and ultimatums on Twitter, followed by aggressive protectionist measures don't resolve anything; they just create ill-will and mistrust.
The US actually has a plausible case on softwood lumber that the concerned Canadian provinces haven't successfully managed to overturn in the roughly three decades that this disagreement has been running. If the dissatisfaction over softwood lumber isn't going away, perhaps it is time to warm-up negotiations rather than behaving like bulls in a China shop and destroying the mutual expectation of adult behaviour that lies at the foundation of robust trading relationships between countries.
I'm not taking a position here on who's right about the issues underlying this particular dispute; I'm more concerned about preserving the integrity of established processes of dispute resolution, on which the Trump Administration sees fit to trample, regardless of the resulting negative impacts on both mutual confidence and the development of constructive approaches to win-win resolutions of disagreements. Are there no adults in the room?
The US actually has a plausible case on softwood lumber that the concerned Canadian provinces haven't successfully managed to overturn in the roughly three decades that this disagreement has been running. If the dissatisfaction over softwood lumber isn't going away, perhaps it is time to warm-up negotiations rather than behaving like bulls in a China shop and destroying the mutual expectation of adult behaviour that lies at the foundation of robust trading relationships between countries.
I'm not taking a position here on who's right about the issues underlying this particular dispute; I'm more concerned about preserving the integrity of established processes of dispute resolution, on which the Trump Administration sees fit to trample, regardless of the resulting negative impacts on both mutual confidence and the development of constructive approaches to win-win resolutions of disagreements. Are there no adults in the room?
7
Well said, Mark. To answer your question about "adults," the answer is NO!
Yes, but they're the ones from Canada.
A swipe at Trump based upon some economic conjectures. A critique with more substance would help the Trump opposition come to grips more than this pandering to the unhappy by patting them on the hand.
1
i find it odd that trump claims the usa is the only free trader in the world. there must be many examples of other countries' thinking the usa is not. for example, if i remember correctly, the states refused to even discuss sugar when pressed in their negotiations with australia. the usa tried to punish other countries' steel industries a number of years ago because, apparently, america's aging steel businesses hadn't updated technologically so fell behind. it seems if any country has a trade surplus with the usa, it's because they're nefarious furriners taking advantage of poor, not terribly bright, helpless, incompetent and passive americans.
7
Donald Trump is in disarray. Polite, brief and accurate.
5
Trade: well 2 can play at that game.
If you think that Canada and Mexico haven't looked at the implications of this presidency on their exports, think again.
Yes, borders conveniently shared, but
hello, other parts of the world. Hopefully.
If you think that Canada and Mexico haven't looked at the implications of this presidency on their exports, think again.
Yes, borders conveniently shared, but
hello, other parts of the world. Hopefully.
6
The NY Times could do a valuable service to its readers by carefully examining the practices in other countries that cause economic harm to US workers and/or farmers.
This would involve, for instance, the deployment of a reporter to come to Canada (a flight from New York City to Toronto takes an hour) to investigate the dairy industry and the "managed" market that exists here - and which has made most dairy farmers millionaires, by holding valuable quotas.
By being informed itself, the NY Times could then properly inform its readers.
Wake up.
Daily diatribes against the new President that are unthinking and ill-informed serve no purpose.
This would involve, for instance, the deployment of a reporter to come to Canada (a flight from New York City to Toronto takes an hour) to investigate the dairy industry and the "managed" market that exists here - and which has made most dairy farmers millionaires, by holding valuable quotas.
By being informed itself, the NY Times could then properly inform its readers.
Wake up.
Daily diatribes against the new President that are unthinking and ill-informed serve no purpose.
4
Trump's proposed tax cuts will result in less capital in the economy, an increased deficit and curtailment of essential government services. It's Republican economic nonsense to think that corporations will automatically take their tax savings and go out and hire a new bunch of employees. They will hire only as many employees as they need to meet product demand, just like before.
4
Strategy and vision - from a clueless, selfish and vindictive individual? Trump is a typically clueless overly wealthy individual who thinks too highly of himself and the reason for his wealth. The ONLY expertise he has is in playing the "Monopoly" game in real life.
His loud mouth and Tweets are nothing more than wreckage that attracts rubbernecking reporters and citizens. That does not make him gifted! While we're all distracted, the GOP is doing their shenanigans.
How do we know there was no quid pro quo between the dozens of new trademarks the Chinese gave the Donald and daughter in return for not calling them a currency manipulator? As for North Korea, he doesn't need China's help - he wants to show the world "who's the man?!" NAFTA and the Iran deals are the worst - because he hasn't personally benefited from either - yet.
Tax cuts for business and where does the money go? - the stock market, as is already plain to see. Tax cuts are just added profit, nothing more. It will certainly not go to job creating investment or boost wages - the "market demand" does that. So why the tax cut? To increase the debt while enriching the rich richly?
His loud mouth and Tweets are nothing more than wreckage that attracts rubbernecking reporters and citizens. That does not make him gifted! While we're all distracted, the GOP is doing their shenanigans.
How do we know there was no quid pro quo between the dozens of new trademarks the Chinese gave the Donald and daughter in return for not calling them a currency manipulator? As for North Korea, he doesn't need China's help - he wants to show the world "who's the man?!" NAFTA and the Iran deals are the worst - because he hasn't personally benefited from either - yet.
Tax cuts for business and where does the money go? - the stock market, as is already plain to see. Tax cuts are just added profit, nothing more. It will certainly not go to job creating investment or boost wages - the "market demand" does that. So why the tax cut? To increase the debt while enriching the rich richly?
4
Trump, with his chaotic "administration" is doing nothing but perpetuating the same smoke and mirrors and bait and switch rhetoric we saw through the campaign.
He continually throws substances at the walls to see what sticks and what may rally his supporters then that becomes the tweet of the day and results in a new executive order that may be challenged in court thus throwing the light on the "activist" judiciary and removing any blame from him.
His definition of trade policy and tax cuts is alarming and may harm this country more than it helps. Yet, he and his minions and courtiers keep the carnival show going-to our detriment.
He continually throws substances at the walls to see what sticks and what may rally his supporters then that becomes the tweet of the day and results in a new executive order that may be challenged in court thus throwing the light on the "activist" judiciary and removing any blame from him.
His definition of trade policy and tax cuts is alarming and may harm this country more than it helps. Yet, he and his minions and courtiers keep the carnival show going-to our detriment.
2
Donald Trump's brain is in disarray, so it's really no great surprise that this trade policy would be as well.
And since when is it just "becoming clearer that he has no coherent plan"? Wasn't that always glaringly clear to all but the most gullible or ill-informed voters?
And since when is it just "becoming clearer that he has no coherent plan"? Wasn't that always glaringly clear to all but the most gullible or ill-informed voters?
2
His entire administration is in disarray. We have a president in hiding. A VP that is doing the job of the president. A son-in-law who is VP. A daughter who is first lady. And every one of them is getting rich off of us.
4
The progressive brain can't understand those who actually can and do modify their plans as conditions change, and they can't tell the difference between getting elected and actually governing. And a deal with China might still be better for us than no deal. Just more bias by the chief progressive bias news paper.
Trump has no policies at all. A policy requires thought, details, rational explanation. His view of government is in sound bites and flip flops regularly. The only consistent theme is the reverse Robin Hood approach. Cruelty towards all but the rich. His tax plan will follow the same theme. Instead of Government spending in this country on healthcare, social programs, wage & job safety, environmental protection that benefit the majority, his tax cut will be spent by Corporations on expansion overseas where labor is cheaper and in this country on executive and board bonuses widening the wealth gap. It is Trumpian nonsense to think US economic growth will increase and trickle down to average people.
5
This is good. I like to see the radicalized left Editors go after the president...it's how I know he's on the right track. Thank you for this article. I'll sleep better knowing you are unhappy with what he is doing.
In the headline for this opinion piece, the Board can just leave the word space for "trade" as a blank. Then the sentence will apply to most all the things he and the Republicans are "putting over" on us, the taxpayers. Trump is in "disarray", not just his policies.....
1
Then why did income inequality skyrocket under Obama?
The only policy that counts is working well - making Trump famous. That was the reason he wanted to be President.
3
It is odd that the Times does not mention the impact on Americans of U.S. tariffs on Canadian lumber: It’s going to make U.S. homes, renovations and furniture more expensive.
The price of lumber has increased by 22 per cent since January, adding roughly $3,600 (U.S.) to the price of a typical new home, according to the U.S. National Association of Home Builders. This was before any new tariff was imposed, but in anticipation of one.
The possible tariff is based on a perennial complaint lodged by US lumber producers. But it is not that they are being forced out of the market. In fact, the US has no additional lumber resources and relies on imports for roughly a third of its lumber needs, almost all of that coming from Canada. Iow, Canadian lumber is not putting US lumberjacks out of work. Rather by getting the US government either to impose a tax on Canadian lumber or to restrict imports though a quota, US lumber producers can in effect manipulate the price of lumber: they won't sell more lumber because they don't have more to sell, but they can sell what they have at a higher price.
The dupes in this are US lumber consumers, which means everyone who want to build or renovate a home.
Let me mention that US lumber producers raise these complaints on a regular basis. In the past, they have always been dismissed by the WTO and by independent trade panels. But this usually takes years to settle. In the meantime, US lumber producers are fleecing the US public.
The price of lumber has increased by 22 per cent since January, adding roughly $3,600 (U.S.) to the price of a typical new home, according to the U.S. National Association of Home Builders. This was before any new tariff was imposed, but in anticipation of one.
The possible tariff is based on a perennial complaint lodged by US lumber producers. But it is not that they are being forced out of the market. In fact, the US has no additional lumber resources and relies on imports for roughly a third of its lumber needs, almost all of that coming from Canada. Iow, Canadian lumber is not putting US lumberjacks out of work. Rather by getting the US government either to impose a tax on Canadian lumber or to restrict imports though a quota, US lumber producers can in effect manipulate the price of lumber: they won't sell more lumber because they don't have more to sell, but they can sell what they have at a higher price.
The dupes in this are US lumber consumers, which means everyone who want to build or renovate a home.
Let me mention that US lumber producers raise these complaints on a regular basis. In the past, they have always been dismissed by the WTO and by independent trade panels. But this usually takes years to settle. In the meantime, US lumber producers are fleecing the US public.
10
I am no Trump fan and did not vote for him, but take some exception to what is posited here.
Spiking the Trans-Pacific Partnership was a good thing. Negotiated in secret, larded with a wish list of corporate wants that could not pass Congress on their own merit, allowing Foreign firms to undermine US, State and Local Laws with WTO Tribunals, etc. It all smelled of special interests- not the national interest.
As to Taxes, few, if any, large corporations pay the full quoted tax rate and the compliance burden for our Byzantine Tax system is significant and burdensome. A 15% rate with stronger enforcement and few exemptions would be better for the Treasury and make compliance far less burdensome for companies large and small. A more significant change would be to push small business off of the Individual Rates and onto corporate rates at 15%.
Democrats should engage the President on Tax reform to get some much needed change and hopefully simplification of the system. Our current system benefits Tax Lawyers, CPAs, Lobbyists and Congressmen- who get campaign donations for carve-outs to the overly complex code. By working with Republicans on taxes, Democrats can help shape reform and mitigate some of the harsher intent of Republicans.
Spiking the Trans-Pacific Partnership was a good thing. Negotiated in secret, larded with a wish list of corporate wants that could not pass Congress on their own merit, allowing Foreign firms to undermine US, State and Local Laws with WTO Tribunals, etc. It all smelled of special interests- not the national interest.
As to Taxes, few, if any, large corporations pay the full quoted tax rate and the compliance burden for our Byzantine Tax system is significant and burdensome. A 15% rate with stronger enforcement and few exemptions would be better for the Treasury and make compliance far less burdensome for companies large and small. A more significant change would be to push small business off of the Individual Rates and onto corporate rates at 15%.
Democrats should engage the President on Tax reform to get some much needed change and hopefully simplification of the system. Our current system benefits Tax Lawyers, CPAs, Lobbyists and Congressmen- who get campaign donations for carve-outs to the overly complex code. By working with Republicans on taxes, Democrats can help shape reform and mitigate some of the harsher intent of Republicans.
2
Economic prosperity obviously matters in many ways. But I don't think it matters all that much in terms of Trump's popularity. Remember that Putin is his role model, and under Putin the Russian economy has tanked. But Putin's military and foreign policy has been successful (so far at least), and he seems to be very popular because of that. If Trump can have success in standing up to China and/or North Korea (or other such examples), he will rightly claim to have "Made America Great Again". And, whatever the state of the economy, that will make him popular.
There are two key mind boggling and endlessly frustrating misconceptions when it comes to corporate tax.
The first is that it prevents business investment - if a company takes its free cash flow (pre-tax profit) and invests it in more capacity or workers it becomes an operating or depreciable expense and is not taxed, reducing the tax rate doesn't change this calculus. Businesses aren't investing free cash flow in added capacity due to lack of demand, not lack of cash flow or fear of tax.
The second is that businesses should be taxed at all. Any distribution of free cash flow from a business to either to its employees or shareholders is taxed as income, any re-investment of free tax flow is expensed/depreciated and not subject to tax (point above). Actual profit that large business retain is easily offshored (US companies are sitting on approx $2 trillion in profit). As a result the only businesses adversely impacted by corporate taxes are small businesses who don't have the scale to offshore profits and are penalized for leaving money in their business.
An ambitious tax policy would eliminate the corporate tax all together (approx $300 billion/year in Federal revenue) and offset it with contingent offsets in spending that can be reinstated as a result of any subsequent growth (which has a low chance of happening based on empirical evidence of tax cuts having little impact on economic growth).
The first is that it prevents business investment - if a company takes its free cash flow (pre-tax profit) and invests it in more capacity or workers it becomes an operating or depreciable expense and is not taxed, reducing the tax rate doesn't change this calculus. Businesses aren't investing free cash flow in added capacity due to lack of demand, not lack of cash flow or fear of tax.
The second is that businesses should be taxed at all. Any distribution of free cash flow from a business to either to its employees or shareholders is taxed as income, any re-investment of free tax flow is expensed/depreciated and not subject to tax (point above). Actual profit that large business retain is easily offshored (US companies are sitting on approx $2 trillion in profit). As a result the only businesses adversely impacted by corporate taxes are small businesses who don't have the scale to offshore profits and are penalized for leaving money in their business.
An ambitious tax policy would eliminate the corporate tax all together (approx $300 billion/year in Federal revenue) and offset it with contingent offsets in spending that can be reinstated as a result of any subsequent growth (which has a low chance of happening based on empirical evidence of tax cuts having little impact on economic growth).
1
Trade policy and its enforcement has been in disarray for a long time and Trump is just spotlighting it.
1
Corporate income that is reinvested in the business is already tax exempt. Profits are not. A lower corporate tax rate means less investment and more profit taking.
2
The stock market is at record highs! The top 0.1% have never had it so good!
Raise taxes on these already rich and ultra-rich so they don't develop profligate and wasteful spending habits.
They already have so much what more do they need? For their own sakes don't let their walk-in closets morph into drive-in closets!
Use the tax money to build the 21st century infrastructure that everyone needs. High speed rail, structurally safe bridges and tunnels, advanced and resilient electrical grids, high speed internet and wireless systems everywhere. Increase clean renewable energy. Lower the costs of higher education and training.
Spread the money in a virtual cycle to grow the economic middle class and economic lower class whose people will spend the extra money to buy goods from other Americans. Increased demand by many people will "grow" the economy!
Who thought Economics 101 could be so easy?
Raise taxes on these already rich and ultra-rich so they don't develop profligate and wasteful spending habits.
They already have so much what more do they need? For their own sakes don't let their walk-in closets morph into drive-in closets!
Use the tax money to build the 21st century infrastructure that everyone needs. High speed rail, structurally safe bridges and tunnels, advanced and resilient electrical grids, high speed internet and wireless systems everywhere. Increase clean renewable energy. Lower the costs of higher education and training.
Spread the money in a virtual cycle to grow the economic middle class and economic lower class whose people will spend the extra money to buy goods from other Americans. Increased demand by many people will "grow" the economy!
Who thought Economics 101 could be so easy?
4
Neuroscience and cognitive psychologists report that humans think with their emotions first and reason after the fact. Exhibit A is the Trump voter. Had Sanders been elected president, I'm sure I and others would be exhibit A for that same hypothesis.
When Trump proclaimed he would not remove the dangerously bumbling Sean Spicer from his post because he gets great ratings on TV, it solidified, without equivocation, that which matters most to Trump: widespread media popularity. His other concern is increasing the net worth of Trump Industries, and what better way than to decrease corporate taxes.
Every move he makes is to benefit himself and by extension, his entitled offspring. Nobody else matters. The government has become his personal bank account, and his 24 hour media coverage is his life-long fantasy come true.
Every move he makes is to benefit himself and by extension, his entitled offspring. Nobody else matters. The government has become his personal bank account, and his 24 hour media coverage is his life-long fantasy come true.
2
Trump refers to HIS cabinet, His military, HIS generals. what's next? a personal oath instead of to the constitution? we've been to this movie before.
Only his trade policy ?......The entire Trump way of thinking, governing, priorities, virtually everything is the very definition of the word disarray - maybe a tragic opera would better describe this ongoing debacle
1
Trumps disarray is the result of a disorganized mind. The complexities are well beyond his ability to deal with. His off the cuff statements which center largely around right wing political rhetoric designed purely to satisfy an ill informed extremely partisan base. The man has never had to deal in real world complexities which can affect a broad spectrum of people negatively. We do indeed have a true apprentice in the White House. A person who to put it mildly was and is grossly unprepared and probably incapable of dealing with such complex matters in any sort of responsible manner.
The Editorial Board really wanted the big trade deals and neo-liberal economics it expected from Hillary.
It is disheartening that stasis, failure to do anything, is good enough to produce that.
It is disheartening that stasis, failure to do anything, is good enough to produce that.
1
As usual the Times finds ground for criticism of Trump in his trade policy but has nothing constructive to offer itself. The fact is that the US has long been in a trade war and has been losing. The trade deficit in goods is almost $750B, of which about $350B is with China (this has not been reduced as China switched the direction of its obvious currency manipulation). Will the Times, which passes for a liberal paper, ever have a "clear strategy or vision" on international trade which does not simply approve the way that trade has been developed for the benefit of international capital and to the detriment of American workers?
3
"As usual the Times finds ground for criticism of Trump in his trade policy but has nothing constructive to offer itself."....The NYT didn't run for President by making a lot of promises.
33
The Times is a newspaper, note a government. Not their job to develop policy.
1
So if we have a $350 trade deficit with China, why pick a trade war with Canada? Because our blusterer-in-chief needs a target to justify his bluster, but needs China for his ties and for help with North Korea.
5
Trump has a trade policy? I thought it was part of his tirade against everything.
23
Just, “… like with his failed attempt at getting Congress to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the president’s trade policy is in disarray for lack of a clear strategy or vision.” Trump’s first 100 days can be defined by his, “…lack of a clear strategy or vision.” It seems his policy initiatives resemble an arcade pinball machine with the silver ball bouncing about from bumper to bumper.
43
"Policy" and "Donald Trump" should never appear in the same sentence. If there isn't a deal on the table, Trump hasn't a clue what to do.
As for his proposed tax cuts - the country is awash in cheap clothes, cheap food, cheap furniture and electronics - there is no shortage of supply. What is needed is an increase in demand, which requires a transfer of funds from the hoarders (the very wealthy) to the spenders (the common folk).
Why is this so difficult to understand?
As for his proposed tax cuts - the country is awash in cheap clothes, cheap food, cheap furniture and electronics - there is no shortage of supply. What is needed is an increase in demand, which requires a transfer of funds from the hoarders (the very wealthy) to the spenders (the common folk).
Why is this so difficult to understand?
Saying that Donald Trump has a trade policy which is in disarray is like saying that a maniac has an untidy personality.
President Trump has no trade policy. Everything done is ad hoc or completely improvised.
The only commonality of the things done or rejected is Trump’s effort to appear tougher than our trade competitors and smarter than the Washington experts.
President Trump has no trade policy. Everything done is ad hoc or completely improvised.
The only commonality of the things done or rejected is Trump’s effort to appear tougher than our trade competitors and smarter than the Washington experts.
28
We've seen this tragedy before. Tax cuts for the rich create speculative bubbles that then burst causing a recession or depression. We should have learned that lesson from the Calvin Coolidge-Andrew Mellon tax cuts that led to the Great Depression or the Ronald Reagan-George W. Bush tax cuts that led to the Great Recession. As an old college math professor of mine said, "How many examples do you want to accept the proof?" It's not just "trade policy," but economic policy where Republicans keep on insisting that tax cuts for the wealthy--both individual and corporations--are the solution to every problem despite the harsh contrary evidence of recent history.
Trump has not meat on any of his policies. Great is not a sufficient strategy for most Americans. Thoughtful policy requires hard work, diplomacy, leadership and strategy. Where's the beef? There is none!
21
The "disarray" you speak of is because there is no policy.
Policies take effort, thought, reasoning snd planning- all of which are absent from this administration.
It is not surprising that DJT has not passed a single piece of legislation, trade or otherwise.
This is a president who did not think he would actually win (publicly admitting it multiple times) and I also contend that he never wanted the job to begin with.
Now we are stuck with an administration that cannot govern and shows no interest in doing so.
Policy comes from those who care! Don't look for it from DJT.
Policies take effort, thought, reasoning snd planning- all of which are absent from this administration.
It is not surprising that DJT has not passed a single piece of legislation, trade or otherwise.
This is a president who did not think he would actually win (publicly admitting it multiple times) and I also contend that he never wanted the job to begin with.
Now we are stuck with an administration that cannot govern and shows no interest in doing so.
Policy comes from those who care! Don't look for it from DJT.
81
The GOP traditionally uses the Federal government as an ATM machine for wealthy interests. As such Trump spends more time strategizing his own financial gain than focusing on the public good. His continued violation of the Emoluments clause is his economic policy. The public's continued ignorance of his tax returns renders us unable to truly judge his intentions and motivations. We are being played for suckers. Under Trump the rule of law is the art of obfuscation. It's no surprise that his policies and performance are muddled and contradictory. Trump indicated he likes to "wing it" but reality is forcing him to concede to conventional wisdom. The bull in the China shop is getting nowhere. Let's not call greed, ignorance, incompetence, and malfeasance governance. There are no policies here other than the 'art of the steal.'
Well said. Easier just to say this man has absolutely no idea what he is talking about. And Little Stevie Mnuchin has exposed himself as a petty, corner cutting fraud with his repetition of the "supply side economic" fraud meme. Wilber Ross, intelligent and shrewd as he might be, should know better on the ramification of beggaring our neighbor Canada over a $1 billion in lumber sales. What this really comes down to is the Dumpster does not want to take on China or Mexico. Better to go after the polite Canadians. The price of the lumber can be buried in an extra $10,000 of a house. But don't remind people, an extra $10k = over a 30 year loan at 4% is about $17647. Oh, forgot, Ross and Mnuchin are financiers. They gotta be lovin that.
45
Job-creating investment. So companies will automatically take the money from tax savings and build factories, start more businesses etc. The problem is of course that they won't do that if they don't have a potential market for whatever those factories or businesses are producing. Apple, Google etc. are sitting on so much cash they really don't know what to do with it. Self driving and flying cars? This is the next big thing that consumers will demand? Maybe, but they will need enough consumers who can afford to buy those products. And tax cuts alone will not provide a difference.
20
Tax cuts do not work, alone or otherwise, and never make the difference for all the reasons you state. Big Corporations are sitting on large amount of monies, in this regard stocks soar seeing PROFIT., but will not invest in either factories or workers.
The 1% as well, sit on their monies but will not invest in either businesses or workers. The only ones who immediately spend the monies are the poor and the middle class, but those tax cuts in reality are small.
Just look at Kansas, a wonderful example of huge tax cuts.
The Republicans have insisted, over numerous decades, that tax cuts are good, all the evidence does not convince them or their voters otherwise.
The 1% as well, sit on their monies but will not invest in either businesses or workers. The only ones who immediately spend the monies are the poor and the middle class, but those tax cuts in reality are small.
Just look at Kansas, a wonderful example of huge tax cuts.
The Republicans have insisted, over numerous decades, that tax cuts are good, all the evidence does not convince them or their voters otherwise.
2
I'm with you but seriously, what was the last thing that consumers actually demanded?
It is difficult to imagine how it could be any clearer now than it was prior to the election that Mr. Trump lacks a coherent policy perspective. In fact, Mr. Trump appears merely reactive -- to the last person he speaks with, the last tweet he receives or the last thing he sees on cable television. Attempting to ascribe reason to irrationality is not going to yield a better picture of policy under this administration. If anything, rationalizing Mr. Trump's incapacity to formulate consistent and logical policy goals serves to normalize the existential danger he poses to this country.
14
Clearly, Mr. Trump never learned Economics 101, you know, Comparative Advantage and such. For that matter, he never learned anything about economic history and the effect that protectionism had on the Great Depression.
Economic history would instruct Mr. Trump that huge tax cuts for business will transfer money from the treasury to off-shore accounts.
Ignorance is one thing, willful stupidity is something else.
For a bit of humour, the Toronto Star's caricature depicted Mr. Trump's Axis of Evil - ISIS, Kim Jong Un, and Daisy, a Canadian dairy cow.
Economic history would instruct Mr. Trump that huge tax cuts for business will transfer money from the treasury to off-shore accounts.
Ignorance is one thing, willful stupidity is something else.
For a bit of humour, the Toronto Star's caricature depicted Mr. Trump's Axis of Evil - ISIS, Kim Jong Un, and Daisy, a Canadian dairy cow.
You can not achieve anything organized from a mind in constant chaos and constant disarray.
Let's just hope he doesn't start a nuclear "incident" .
Let's just hope he doesn't start a nuclear "incident" .
10
It's almost certain that HRC would have taken the same action on the Canadian lumber imports. Negotiations on a new agreement to replace the expired one took place during the Obama administration and failed to reach an agreement.
5
kwb
In a vain attempt to rescue your credibility, and to be fair, let's recall that The Great Canadian Softwood Lumber Dispute was begun under your now-discredited hero, Ronald Reagan. And that it continued under the sage leadership of Bush the Elder and Bush the Questionable.
Your knee-jerk blame of Mr. Obama reveals the paucity of your argument and the disorienting magnitude of your bias. It makes your gossamer HRC prediction laughable.
In a vain attempt to rescue your credibility, and to be fair, let's recall that The Great Canadian Softwood Lumber Dispute was begun under your now-discredited hero, Ronald Reagan. And that it continued under the sage leadership of Bush the Elder and Bush the Questionable.
Your knee-jerk blame of Mr. Obama reveals the paucity of your argument and the disorienting magnitude of your bias. It makes your gossamer HRC prediction laughable.
1
And every time Canada has taken this issue to the WTO or other arbitration panel, the US has been found not to have a case. But apparently the lumber lobby is srong and keeps push9ng the same thing over and over.
Hopefully this will finally force us (Canada) to,take action on the need to move away from the US market like we have been talking about for years. China and South Asia is a huge and growing market and the logical place for Canada to focus its efforts. But since those markets demand product dimensioned in metric, it will require some retooling. But once that is done, the US market will no longer be worth returning to product dimensioned in imperial. Thankfully, since Trump wants to tear up NAFTA, we will no longer be required to supply the US over other markets in any of our resources. We've been good friends, but if we are at risk of being swatted by any president who wants to assert his manliness but doesn't have the guts to go after the real problems, we are best not to be wedded to supplying the US anymore.
Hopefully this will finally force us (Canada) to,take action on the need to move away from the US market like we have been talking about for years. China and South Asia is a huge and growing market and the logical place for Canada to focus its efforts. But since those markets demand product dimensioned in metric, it will require some retooling. But once that is done, the US market will no longer be worth returning to product dimensioned in imperial. Thankfully, since Trump wants to tear up NAFTA, we will no longer be required to supply the US over other markets in any of our resources. We've been good friends, but if we are at risk of being swatted by any president who wants to assert his manliness but doesn't have the guts to go after the real problems, we are best not to be wedded to supplying the US anymore.
2
No more of what Hillary would or wouldn't do, please. If people had a lick of sense in this nation we would not have to wonder.
Americans wake up! (Although in writing in this space it's not these readers the rest of the world needs to reach.) Trump's ignorant duty on Canadian softwood lumber affects far more Americans than it does Canadian workers. True, our lumber comes primarily from public lands, so the costs to produce are lower than US privately held lands. But, in the end, the market needs Canadian wood to meet your demand and the 20%+ duty only raises prices for US builders and consumers. For Canadians -- we'll go looking for other markets and as we do, prices on softwood will increase for US markets.
As for milk -- this is NOT a Canadian made problem. The problem is much more basic -- all markets are consuming less milk products and suppliers continue to overproduce for their own markets. There are also subtleties that augment the issue - milk product is split between fat and skim (protein). As demand for one or the other changes, it doesn't necessarily mean equal change for the other, so it's inevitable that excess production gets dumped. It happens in the US, and yes, it happens in the Canadian managed milk market as well. But to think that the US's $400B trade surplus in milk with Canada is Canadian's fault -- ludicrous! Again, the US sells $400B more milk product to Canada than is exported. Sounds like the US is doing pretty well.
These issues of trade are not so much of unfair practices of trading nations, but the effects of automation in production. That's the issue.
As for milk -- this is NOT a Canadian made problem. The problem is much more basic -- all markets are consuming less milk products and suppliers continue to overproduce for their own markets. There are also subtleties that augment the issue - milk product is split between fat and skim (protein). As demand for one or the other changes, it doesn't necessarily mean equal change for the other, so it's inevitable that excess production gets dumped. It happens in the US, and yes, it happens in the Canadian managed milk market as well. But to think that the US's $400B trade surplus in milk with Canada is Canadian's fault -- ludicrous! Again, the US sells $400B more milk product to Canada than is exported. Sounds like the US is doing pretty well.
These issues of trade are not so much of unfair practices of trading nations, but the effects of automation in production. That's the issue.
27
I think Canada should give Trump a taste of his own medicine. Make America pay for its own dairy tariff wall by putting an extra tax on the oil that flows south into the hungry refineries in Texas.
If that doesn't work, sent Trump a bill for all the free accommodation extended to Americans when Canada took in stranded airline passengers in Newfoundland during 9/11.
After all, this is how we treat our friends and allies when we know they probably can't or wouldn't fight back. Make America hated again.
If that doesn't work, sent Trump a bill for all the free accommodation extended to Americans when Canada took in stranded airline passengers in Newfoundland during 9/11.
After all, this is how we treat our friends and allies when we know they probably can't or wouldn't fight back. Make America hated again.
20
No, Canadians are much too polite for that. What they will do isto take it to the WTO, for the fifth time, and likely win, for the fifth time.
I am surprised that BC and Quebec don't simply increase their stumpage fees, forcing the US to back off. That way Canadians can take the money, rather than Mr. Trump.
I am surprised that BC and Quebec don't simply increase their stumpage fees, forcing the US to back off. That way Canadians can take the money, rather than Mr. Trump.
1
"Donald Trump's Trade Policy" is like all of his policies- headline generators without substance, goals, or in most cases, reality.
' “maybe the biggest tax cut we’ve ever had,” which ... would pay for itself by raising economic growth.'
The BIG Republican con is back, more bigly than ever. While this is yelled loudly, and Kennedy and Reagan are used as examples as proof, times are different now. The marginal tax rates then were 90% and 70% respectively. The Reagan era created its own financial crisis. The world is a very different place - of apps and the cloud, robots, money changers, and it is global.
This tax cut plan was rightly identified as "voodoo economics" by the first President Bush and relies on a fairy called "Rosie Scenario" - a crystal ball to predict the future.
The wizards behind the White House curtains are all about politics, not making the lives of average Americans better, or America "great".
To the average voter looking to improve his life, it is another Trump promise which will deliver little. It is no more than calling the estate tax a "death tax" even though 98% of Americans will never pay it but they know they will die. This, of course, will also be a part of the Trump plan to save the fortunes of billionaires from estate taxes.
In the meantime, the money the government has to spend will be borrowed, to be repaid by our children with limited opportunities and impoverished lives.
The world knows Trumps knows nothing, cares about no one but himself and uses "America" - flags and all - as a prop, pretending to be king. But he has no clothes on. Only slogans.
The BIG Republican con is back, more bigly than ever. While this is yelled loudly, and Kennedy and Reagan are used as examples as proof, times are different now. The marginal tax rates then were 90% and 70% respectively. The Reagan era created its own financial crisis. The world is a very different place - of apps and the cloud, robots, money changers, and it is global.
This tax cut plan was rightly identified as "voodoo economics" by the first President Bush and relies on a fairy called "Rosie Scenario" - a crystal ball to predict the future.
The wizards behind the White House curtains are all about politics, not making the lives of average Americans better, or America "great".
To the average voter looking to improve his life, it is another Trump promise which will deliver little. It is no more than calling the estate tax a "death tax" even though 98% of Americans will never pay it but they know they will die. This, of course, will also be a part of the Trump plan to save the fortunes of billionaires from estate taxes.
In the meantime, the money the government has to spend will be borrowed, to be repaid by our children with limited opportunities and impoverished lives.
The world knows Trumps knows nothing, cares about no one but himself and uses "America" - flags and all - as a prop, pretending to be king. But he has no clothes on. Only slogans.
21
While running on a protectionist "plan", Trump has no trade policy in office. His purported plan to "get tough" with China on trade and currency manipulation disappeared when China expeditiously granted dozens of valuable trademarks to Trump and Ivanka, and rubberstamped a $400 million Kushner trade deal. Coincidence?
It is all very simple. A tax cut for businesses means they have more money to manipulate. There are three choices.
1. Invest in greater efficiency in production to reduce the manpower needed. This means that there are fewer people able to buy things. There is no profit in producing things that are not sold.
2. Increase dividends to shareholders. Shareholders can then buy more luxury goods which is no help to the producers of normally required items. Alternatively they can hide the money offshore to avoid tax.
3. Pay employees more. No business wants to pay more than it has to so there is a race to the bottom on wages.
I have lived long enough to remember the good days when employees got a fair wage (usually by union action) and the middle class came into existence. Under Republicans the third choice will not happen so the present misery will continue.
1. Invest in greater efficiency in production to reduce the manpower needed. This means that there are fewer people able to buy things. There is no profit in producing things that are not sold.
2. Increase dividends to shareholders. Shareholders can then buy more luxury goods which is no help to the producers of normally required items. Alternatively they can hide the money offshore to avoid tax.
3. Pay employees more. No business wants to pay more than it has to so there is a race to the bottom on wages.
I have lived long enough to remember the good days when employees got a fair wage (usually by union action) and the middle class came into existence. Under Republicans the third choice will not happen so the present misery will continue.
The Times' editorial board ended this highly informative editorial by
stating: ". . . the president’s trade policy is in disarray for lack of a clear strategy or vision." Trump's lack of strategy AND vision is consistent with his campaign rhetoric. He is not a strategic visionary, nor is he well-read nor well-versed in areas where presidents need to be well-read and well-versed. He relies on the wrong "news" sources and he has surrounded himself with people who, like himself, are not well-read nor well-versed in important issues. He picked, in most cases, loathsome far right-wing cabinet secretaries who have no experience in government and who have their own agendas regarding the departments that they are supposed to direct.
The editorial starts out by stating: ". . . Mr. Trump’s promise of huge tax cuts might actually increase the trade deficit and hurt the very workers he says he supports." In many cases, such as his promise to do away with the ACA, his campaign promises are likely to hurt the very workers who voted for him in the first place. While many of us foresaw disaster in a Trump presidency, his supporters saw and still see hope and trust in a man whose career was built on lies, false promises and hurting many of his vendors and sub-contractors and the workers who helped build his monuments to himself. The best way to have his a one-term presidency is for him to hurt the very people who supported him.
stating: ". . . the president’s trade policy is in disarray for lack of a clear strategy or vision." Trump's lack of strategy AND vision is consistent with his campaign rhetoric. He is not a strategic visionary, nor is he well-read nor well-versed in areas where presidents need to be well-read and well-versed. He relies on the wrong "news" sources and he has surrounded himself with people who, like himself, are not well-read nor well-versed in important issues. He picked, in most cases, loathsome far right-wing cabinet secretaries who have no experience in government and who have their own agendas regarding the departments that they are supposed to direct.
The editorial starts out by stating: ". . . Mr. Trump’s promise of huge tax cuts might actually increase the trade deficit and hurt the very workers he says he supports." In many cases, such as his promise to do away with the ACA, his campaign promises are likely to hurt the very workers who voted for him in the first place. While many of us foresaw disaster in a Trump presidency, his supporters saw and still see hope and trust in a man whose career was built on lies, false promises and hurting many of his vendors and sub-contractors and the workers who helped build his monuments to himself. The best way to have his a one-term presidency is for him to hurt the very people who supported him.
8
I think Mr. Trumps idea to fix the corporate tax rate at 15% is a good one. Seeing as US Corporation's effective tax rate is around 12%, with tax credits, exemptions and off-shore havens taken into account, this could be revenue positive.
Yes, all US Corporations to pay a flat 15% and abandon all tax dodges so skillfully applied by large US Corporations.
A very good idea.
Yes, all US Corporations to pay a flat 15% and abandon all tax dodges so skillfully applied by large US Corporations.
A very good idea.
More inaccurate reporting. President Trump is not up to the "infrastructure" since he has not had one break from taking office. A corporate tax reduction would get money and jobs back for the U.S. Companies here would invest in their businesses and industries; we would reap GROWTH. Certainly nothing like it during the quiet, nothing, Obama years. Tax cuts for the public to three would greatly help people instead of always "giving unwilling" to the fraud and waste of big government.
1
Money that is used used "invest in their businesses and industries" is NOT currently taxable. Your rationale for cutting corporate taxes again?
You do remember that the economy was in freefall when Obama took office during what should be called the Great Depression, Round 2, and this Great Depression was ignited by the Republicans' tax cuts and the deregulation of the financial industry? And if corporate tax reduction is so effective, why does the evidence show the opposite result every time and lead deeper financial problems? Bush I had to raise taxes to get us back to sanity after Reagan's tax cuts, and even Reagan himself raised taxes when it was clear the federal deficit would go further out of control. Taxes are the price we pay for civilization.
1
Trickle down economics didn't work before and it won't work now.
His chances of success would increase if he understood anything involved with the job of president.
Your sentence "Donald Trump's Trade Policy Is in Disarray" is too long.
Should read, "Donald Trump is in Disarray". More accurate.
Should read, "Donald Trump is in Disarray". More accurate.
2
There is no need to worry about the disarray in Trump's trade policy. Like everything else, he may very well change it by this afternoon. I would not be surprised to see him sign an Executive Order revoking the Law of Gravity. He stands at the helm of his ship of state calling for flank speed on the ship's telegraph while the rudder has fallen off the vessel. What could possibly go wrong?
The unicorn strategy of Republicans on tax policy, known as the Brownback blunder, is a shared fantasy that has absolutely no credibility in fact or theory. It enriches the unworthy, and impoverishes the unable--where's the good news in that? A simple examination of our delightful Southern states should be sufficient--they have pursued a low tax policy in order to continue to starve poor folk and keep opportunity away from African Americans. And the result has been very slow growth, low wages, poor schools, limited capability workforce, and rapacious industries taking advantage of poorly prepared states. In other words a low tax policy has not fostered economic growth it has created our own China, a low wage-low skill empire.
For the owners plantations looked like a great economic model, with its own ideology and political class even to the point of conducting a war for wealth. Have we learned absolutely nothing from the last 200 years?
The evidence for DJT's mendacious ignorance continues to mount.
For the owners plantations looked like a great economic model, with its own ideology and political class even to the point of conducting a war for wealth. Have we learned absolutely nothing from the last 200 years?
The evidence for DJT's mendacious ignorance continues to mount.
7
Trump is in so far over his head, his ineptitude so staggering, his stupidity so glaring, it's a wonder his massive and massively fragile ego can tolerate the ridicule he receives on a daily basis. I find myself in the peculiar position of almost feeling sorry for this man I despise. But not quite.
8
Yesterday Wilbur Ross answered a reporter's question on whether the tariff on soft wood imports would substantially increase house prices, he stated lumber as a percentage of a house's content was minimal and the impact would be negligible. Really? According to the National Assoc. of home builders, framing the typical home is 60-70% of the total cost.
7
Based on your info, ross is either a dumbell or a liar. I'm going for liar since that appears to be job skill number one in the trump administration.
So, Trump wants to punish the Canadian lumber industry based on the fact that the industry receives provincial subsidies? Hope he realizes just how many key American exports, everything from grain...farm subsidies...to pharmaceuticals and medical devices.....NIH funding for basic and clinical research... are heavily supported by our tax dollars. Be careful what precedents you set!
14
Bingo. Does he know that US energy independance relies heavily on Canadian gas and oil and hydro? Oh how we would like to turn those taps off and see how he reacts when gas at the pump hits $6 a gallon.
1
An expanding deficit, tax cuts, increased military spending, border walls, etc can only signal pain on the middle class while Trump expands entitlements for his 1%.
Watch out for ACA cuts, Medicare cuts, SS cuts, social benefit cuts, with the exception of Trump's own meals on wheels Florida program.
Watch out for ACA cuts, Medicare cuts, SS cuts, social benefit cuts, with the exception of Trump's own meals on wheels Florida program.
8
The US has elected a buffoon. His entire life was surrounded by yes men (few women) who always agreed with him. The result is that Trump believed his own absurdities and propaganda. Then he found his way into the elderly FOX News audience and believed. A good education squandered but what a salesman for absurdities.
13
"And last week he said that his administration would deliver “maybe the biggest tax cut we’ve ever had,” which Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says would pay for itself by raising economic growth."
Has Mnuchin's claim ever come true in the long term in the history of trickle down economics? It certainly hasn't worked in the states with ALEC inspired governors, some of the most unpopular in the country like Brownback and Christie. Certainly it has short term effects that enrich the investment and banking industry, wealthy investors and the politicians they fund, but as we most recently saw with the Bush Administration it does nothing significant in terms of employment, which depends on all kinds of other measures.
In fact, I think a good measure of the tax cut argument is closet and shelf space -- if you build more room for storage as you do by creating more space for money by cutting taxes, does it necessarily mean that you will use that space to be better organized or does it simply encourage you to buy and pile up more junk you don't need on top of the excess you already own? That excess is further encouraged by the removal of regulations or metaphorically, no parents to insist that you take what you don't need and find productive things to do with it, like distribute it to the people who need it most.
Has Mnuchin's claim ever come true in the long term in the history of trickle down economics? It certainly hasn't worked in the states with ALEC inspired governors, some of the most unpopular in the country like Brownback and Christie. Certainly it has short term effects that enrich the investment and banking industry, wealthy investors and the politicians they fund, but as we most recently saw with the Bush Administration it does nothing significant in terms of employment, which depends on all kinds of other measures.
In fact, I think a good measure of the tax cut argument is closet and shelf space -- if you build more room for storage as you do by creating more space for money by cutting taxes, does it necessarily mean that you will use that space to be better organized or does it simply encourage you to buy and pile up more junk you don't need on top of the excess you already own? That excess is further encouraged by the removal of regulations or metaphorically, no parents to insist that you take what you don't need and find productive things to do with it, like distribute it to the people who need it most.
1
Voodoo economics to disguise enriching Trump and has fellow fraudsters.Lets focus on the Russian file, the tax returns and the conflicts of interest and put this mafia back where it belongs: in prison.
3
This buffoon of a sorry excuse for a president and human being is doing what he has always done: making rash and crazy decisions through an abundance of ignorance and greed. His primary goal is to enrich himself and his family at the expense of this American people who, correctly, despise him. His allied daughter is as greedy and ignorant as he is: when asked why her clothing line was still being made in China, she said she no longer controls the business. Like father, like daughter. And we are also stuck with a dunce of a son in law who seemingly bought his way into Harvard. Elections have consequences and when a fool is elected, the consequences will be policies promoted by a fool. We, and the world will pay a high price for his buffoonery.
3
Isn't the state of Kansas a perfect example of how tax cuts hurt the economy?
Three months into his tenure Trump is still able to point to the solid economic conditions he inherited from his predecessor and claim credit for every built in uptick. And his supporters grouse he got no honeymoon!
7
Disarray would assume he has a policy. Trump has whims, not policies. His whims are in disarray, his policies non existent!
5
"Show me the money" there isn't any way to massively cut taxes, and keep us from going into a depression unless all entitlements are gutted.
Let's hope that those economic forces along with pragmatic politicians keep our President away from implementing his chaotic economic policies. Perhaps we will get lucky and he will be impeached for his alleged treasonous Russian connections, which is looming as a real possibility
Let's hope that those economic forces along with pragmatic politicians keep our President away from implementing his chaotic economic policies. Perhaps we will get lucky and he will be impeached for his alleged treasonous Russian connections, which is looming as a real possibility
1
Who knew being a REAL leader "was so complicated"? DJT is what he always was - a con man, whose act worked in real estate but doesn't work on the national stage. How he reacts to losing on his brag-worthy programs will be "interesting".
2
Why would you expect competence in this complex field from a 70, obese man who is incurious, unschooled, impulsive, prone to feelings of persecution, has little impulse control, seems unable to process new information or adapt to changing circumstances and who, under pressure tires very easily and becomes incoherent?
Rather than looking for economic wisdom from this old guy, someone should be calling the Doctor.
Rather than looking for economic wisdom from this old guy, someone should be calling the Doctor.
7
trump has no strategic vision except rake in more money. That's it. He's out there with his 3-card-monte table and you are still betting on where the card is. From time to time, he might say things which seem like a policy but it's not. He just wants more money and applause from crowds. Governing is not his thing. He's just a confidence man, scam artist and crook and from what I read not a day goes by when the press reports on more crimes. But, lucky for him and his, our vaunted, tried and true institutions like the DOJ, FBI, Congressional oversight committees, which keep our government officials honest are entirely gone. 100%. We are like Wiley Coyote running off a cliff with his legs still moving but when we hit the ground, none of us will be laughing.
2
Trump is not a Strategic thinker he is pure tactical and knee jerk (some say entrepreneurial) whatever it's just a bigger word. The biggest problem that posses for the US is that trump can walk away from a Hotel deal in Istanbul, and go try one in Columbia. When Trump opens a Trade Negotiation with Mexico, or Canada, or Chins their is no walking away. Walking away could create Economic Chaos in both countries and the world. When a dog wags his tail, that nice. When an alligator wags his tail watch out. You could really get hurt.
True, business owners could use their tax break windfalls to invest in their companies by hiring additional workers. Or they could use the cash to buy back stock and indulge in other book keeping tricks to artificially increase earnings, pump up share prices and further enrich themselves. I'm betting on the latter. Meanwhile, under our "King of Debt" president, the country's ever-growing budget deficit will relentlessly increase, interest payments on the national debt will become unsustainable and the economy will eventually implode. If I (a person who was barely able to scrape by with a C in Economics 101) can understand this, why can't our "I'm very smart, okay" president? C'mon Donald, is it really that complicated or are you just a dolt? Sorry, rhetorical question.
2
And of course things were perfect under Obama, and the TTP and other trade deals were just the best thing for the US. Right Editorial Board?
No, That is one of the reasons Trump was elected - to manage fair trade, not just trade for the multinationals, globalists and elite.
Let's face it. There is no condition under which this paper, either in news, or in opinion would ever agree with the voters who have valid issues, or with Trump who addressed them and didn't ignore or belittle them, like the NYT and MSM.
Trump is trying. That is all we ask. At least try. This paper can't stand that with every action that Trump takes it makes their favored son look like a loser and slacker, who didn't care at all about the needs of US citizens and businesses.
No, That is one of the reasons Trump was elected - to manage fair trade, not just trade for the multinationals, globalists and elite.
Let's face it. There is no condition under which this paper, either in news, or in opinion would ever agree with the voters who have valid issues, or with Trump who addressed them and didn't ignore or belittle them, like the NYT and MSM.
Trump is trying. That is all we ask. At least try. This paper can't stand that with every action that Trump takes it makes their favored son look like a loser and slacker, who didn't care at all about the needs of US citizens and businesses.
1
Of course things weren't perfect under Obama but you are wrong about him not caring about the needs of US citizens and businesses. Things might have been better if the Republican leadership had made any effort to work with the Administration instead of, as Mitch McConnell stated, making every effort to make sure Obama had a "failed Presidency". That "just say no policy" of the Republicans in Congress, in my mind, is the ultimate in not caring about US citizens and businesses.
What world are you living in? Trump will continue most of the trade and economic policies of the Obama Administration because it made him and his kind even richer. If you voted for him you got suckered. Face it.
Post-Clinton Far-Left is in disarray and it is slowly going insane. Progress!
1
It is no surprise that President Trump is running our government like that scary runaway train in "The Fugitive" into a catastrophic ditch. Trump's trade policy is just another of his campaign promises gone awry, like his "first day" repeal and replacement of President Obama's Affordable Care Act. No vision, no strategy, strange and confusing as his campaign promises and lies that were believed by his low-info supporters and very rich money-bags loyalists. Trump - with the collusion of his "strategic advisers", his "alternative facts" mouthpieces and the totally unqualified coterie he has assembled in his Cabinet - is going nowhere fast. His first 100 days have proven that he is not a qualified leader and somehow we Americans - who are resisting him and his presidency - must figure out a way to oust him and his entire cabal from office in Washington, DC. Trump's real estate deal-making and ignorance clothed as savvy (like the emperor's new clothes) have brought our country to the edge of catastrophe. And what about his yuge tax cuts and vaunted "first 100 days"? Our President is damaging the very workers who voted for him and who still believe in his lies and promises, notwithstanding evidence to the contrary. Trump's promised tax cuts and military spending will drive up interest rates and drive down income for the poor. No strategy and no vision - braggardry, bushwah and mendacity - is this any way to run our government?
119
Actually, I find Mr. Trump's tax and economic policy quite rational.
Take from the poor, and give to the rich. Leave the poor so friendless and hopeless that they will never form unions or rise against their betters.
Reagan did it, and delighted in mocking the poor for disputing his words of wisdom, that cutting business taxes and personal taxes for the rich would leave us all rich and happy.
If Barack Obama hadn't come along, and somehow the Republicans were able to continue George W. Bush's insane economic thrill ride, with McCain and Palin in office, we still would be mired in a horrible depression. I wonder if we are destined for the Trump depression? Republicans cannot be trusted to be anything but greedy suckups to the oligarch class.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
Take from the poor, and give to the rich. Leave the poor so friendless and hopeless that they will never form unions or rise against their betters.
Reagan did it, and delighted in mocking the poor for disputing his words of wisdom, that cutting business taxes and personal taxes for the rich would leave us all rich and happy.
If Barack Obama hadn't come along, and somehow the Republicans were able to continue George W. Bush's insane economic thrill ride, with McCain and Palin in office, we still would be mired in a horrible depression. I wonder if we are destined for the Trump depression? Republicans cannot be trusted to be anything but greedy suckups to the oligarch class.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
205
So Trump discovers he couldn't bully Mexico, now he is going to bully Canada.
Sadly, the struggling housing market will take a hit with a 24% hit of Canadian soft wood.
People think there is a simplistic formula to go after the big companies, foreign countries, multinationals etc for the benefit of domestic companies benefitting from exports are greatly mistaken. Canadian wood will further aggravate the affordability of the mass housing market. Investors will buy up the mega and multifamily. They could raise rent now that rent control has fast become a relics. Builders, contractors will suffer margin problems. Renters will eat out less to service the rents, so on and so forth
Neither the free marketeers nor the extreme socialist type can address the hip bones joining the leg bones dilemma. Centrists are better equipped to modulate the various factors.
Sadly, the struggling housing market will take a hit with a 24% hit of Canadian soft wood.
People think there is a simplistic formula to go after the big companies, foreign countries, multinationals etc for the benefit of domestic companies benefitting from exports are greatly mistaken. Canadian wood will further aggravate the affordability of the mass housing market. Investors will buy up the mega and multifamily. They could raise rent now that rent control has fast become a relics. Builders, contractors will suffer margin problems. Renters will eat out less to service the rents, so on and so forth
Neither the free marketeers nor the extreme socialist type can address the hip bones joining the leg bones dilemma. Centrists are better equipped to modulate the various factors.
1
"Disarray" is Donald Trump's specialty. Perpetual chaos and division. He is the accident waiting to happen. Loose lips sink ships.
He seems to "shoot from the hip" and doesn't feel it's necessary or important to take the time to do his homework, in this case, Trade Policy.
"We, the people" are at the mercy of an angry child in a grown man's body. Not only does Trump want a "wall", but, as I'm about to explain, I sincerely believe there would be a general consensus agreement that not only is a wall needed, it is, in fact, highly desirable. Let me explain if I may.
There is a substantial difference of opinion on where this wall should be built. Trump wants it spanning the Mexican border, but "We, the people" would insist that it be built around the perimeter of the White House, itself!
Why, you ask? Well, the answer to that is simple: to protect "We, the people" from that smoldering volcanic furnace inside his red-hot head that continuously churns out dark clouds of lies and threats that are the progeny of ignorance, hatred, and blatant stupidity.
Trump is, quite literally, a man without a conscience. He doesn't seem to care who his lies hurt or the reputations he destroys. Yes, we need to keep Trump segregated from the population, not only for our own safety and wellbeing, but for the world-at-large as well.
So Mr. Hothead, we are in agreement that a wall must be built, but we want an impenetrable wall built around YOU! ...You will have our full support. Make it so.
He seems to "shoot from the hip" and doesn't feel it's necessary or important to take the time to do his homework, in this case, Trade Policy.
"We, the people" are at the mercy of an angry child in a grown man's body. Not only does Trump want a "wall", but, as I'm about to explain, I sincerely believe there would be a general consensus agreement that not only is a wall needed, it is, in fact, highly desirable. Let me explain if I may.
There is a substantial difference of opinion on where this wall should be built. Trump wants it spanning the Mexican border, but "We, the people" would insist that it be built around the perimeter of the White House, itself!
Why, you ask? Well, the answer to that is simple: to protect "We, the people" from that smoldering volcanic furnace inside his red-hot head that continuously churns out dark clouds of lies and threats that are the progeny of ignorance, hatred, and blatant stupidity.
Trump is, quite literally, a man without a conscience. He doesn't seem to care who his lies hurt or the reputations he destroys. Yes, we need to keep Trump segregated from the population, not only for our own safety and wellbeing, but for the world-at-large as well.
So Mr. Hothead, we are in agreement that a wall must be built, but we want an impenetrable wall built around YOU! ...You will have our full support. Make it so.
69
May I add to your wall concept? It must include a barrier to prevent any "real" tweets or "real" phone calls from reaching the outside world. Nor any "real" communications reaching through the wall. So, no "real" TV, telephone or any type of communication that exists or might exist able to flow in. Instead, a row of fake news, fake tweets must be constantly devised. Ideally making him think the populace is thrilled with his "fake" efforts to reach us. This will require teams of people day and night.
We will likely need robots to impersonate his cronies and sycophants. Also a fake Mar Illusion with impersonating robots. Or maybe just ...
Oh, heck... would it not be easier to impeach or remove him from office?
We will likely need robots to impersonate his cronies and sycophants. Also a fake Mar Illusion with impersonating robots. Or maybe just ...
Oh, heck... would it not be easier to impeach or remove him from office?
2
A wall around Trump? Like a jail cell? What a good idea. Like for swindling victims of Trump University? Assaulting women? Cheating in business? And profiting from his office? What are laws for, anyway?
The country needs protection from him, plus his imprisonment would be an 'example' for other criminals waiting to run for office. Isn't that the usual purpose of putting people in jail?
The country needs protection from him, plus his imprisonment would be an 'example' for other criminals waiting to run for office. Isn't that the usual purpose of putting people in jail?
1
Well, EXCUUUUSE Trump. We’ve been giving away the store in trade for decades, seeking to use it as a facilitator for foreign policy aims having nothing to do with it otherwise and despite the gathering evisceration of our middle-classes … and Trump hasn’t been able to solve this fundamental problem in 100 days.
Place him in the stocks and pelt him with rotten fruit. (Oh … the editors already have done that, haven’t they?)
Leave it to the editors to find bad things to write about economic growth. But increased borrowing to service higher deficits born of lower taxes is a problem only if spending is kept at current levels – cut ObamaCare subsidies and you could get a felicitous wash, while jump-starting job creation. And if we’re not going to a have a wall or a major war anywhere (and particularly if we FINALLY get the heck out of Afghanistan), we could have the money to increase general military preparedness without resorting to higher deficits that need servicing. In any event, driving around America, I’ve become convinced that every single construction worker already is out every day working and hopelessly complicating our traffic patterns – just look at Bayonne.
Trump’s strategy on trade always was not to transform it but to make it fairer to American middle-class workers. If he can manage to do that without re-writing every trade agreement from the ground-up, then that’s hardly “disarray” but effective governance.
Place him in the stocks and pelt him with rotten fruit. (Oh … the editors already have done that, haven’t they?)
Leave it to the editors to find bad things to write about economic growth. But increased borrowing to service higher deficits born of lower taxes is a problem only if spending is kept at current levels – cut ObamaCare subsidies and you could get a felicitous wash, while jump-starting job creation. And if we’re not going to a have a wall or a major war anywhere (and particularly if we FINALLY get the heck out of Afghanistan), we could have the money to increase general military preparedness without resorting to higher deficits that need servicing. In any event, driving around America, I’ve become convinced that every single construction worker already is out every day working and hopelessly complicating our traffic patterns – just look at Bayonne.
Trump’s strategy on trade always was not to transform it but to make it fairer to American middle-class workers. If he can manage to do that without re-writing every trade agreement from the ground-up, then that’s hardly “disarray” but effective governance.
1
Who will pay for the tariff on Canadian softwood. The American middle class as the cost of housing will inevitably rise.
1
Tax the "Global Investors" that are financing the export of American jobs, manufacturing and wealth.
16
Here's hoping today's the day President Queeg finds out who stole the strawberries.
19
unfortunately not a lot of folks are going to get that reference with respect to both herman woulk and humphrey bogart
dennis: Well, at 9:29 EST 11 of us did. :)
1
The key is the "lack of clear strategic vision" that would be the base to build the public policies to conduct the country.
I would settle for just a clear vision that could provide the president with the tools to deliver some of the campaign promises to working America. The problem is that Trump wants to be everything to everybody and he measures the impact of his actions as a reflection of himself.
Wanting to be a populist while protecting his and his friends' network is the result of what we see. There is no way to serve God and the devil at the same time.
I would settle for just a clear vision that could provide the president with the tools to deliver some of the campaign promises to working America. The problem is that Trump wants to be everything to everybody and he measures the impact of his actions as a reflection of himself.
Wanting to be a populist while protecting his and his friends' network is the result of what we see. There is no way to serve God and the devil at the same time.
103
You mean it's "Complicated. Very complicated."?
1
History will show what happens when the country elects a political neophyte to the Presidency. Hopefully we will be able to weather the abject incompetency being displayed so far in government. In due course Americans and Congress will need to stop giving giving a pass to Donald J. Trump's inadequacies and lack of true leadership with respect to the office he holds.
In the meantime the GOP will go about their agenda of lowering taxes on the wealthy while letting things fall apart for everyone else. The job we elected Congress to fulfill on trade, the environment, civil rights, affordable health care, defense of the nation, and a host of other issues important to most Americans get left behind in pursuit of the GOP's agenda of party before people.
There is a practical solution available to eliminating a do nothing Congress, it's called voting. Cynically speaking, it seems many Americans like things just the way they are.
In the meantime the GOP will go about their agenda of lowering taxes on the wealthy while letting things fall apart for everyone else. The job we elected Congress to fulfill on trade, the environment, civil rights, affordable health care, defense of the nation, and a host of other issues important to most Americans get left behind in pursuit of the GOP's agenda of party before people.
There is a practical solution available to eliminating a do nothing Congress, it's called voting. Cynically speaking, it seems many Americans like things just the way they are.
241
Your last sentence is the problem. When Americans somehow learn to think again and quit making decisions based upon empty feel good promises like Trump made, then maybe there's hope for us.
The lumber dispute with Canada shows the bankruptcy of Trump trade policy. He says he will replace multilateral trade pacts with bilateral deals, yet his revisiting of this decades old issue already settled in Canada's favor at the WTO without any notice shows his administration cannot be trusted to deal fairly even with close friends. After striking out with China, the bully picks on an easy mark for a 96th day headline.
And for what purpose is US credibility sacrificed? Nonexistent rust belt tree factories and lumberjacks? Housing construction workers facing layoffs? Strategically important elements of our economy like services, intellectual property and access to pacific rim markets?
And for what purpose is US credibility sacrificed? Nonexistent rust belt tree factories and lumberjacks? Housing construction workers facing layoffs? Strategically important elements of our economy like services, intellectual property and access to pacific rim markets?
183
Bingo. This will go back to the Tribunals and Courts and he will lose again. Meanwhile, how many tens of thousands of jobs on both sides of the border will be lost while we wait for that ruling? How many consumers will put off buying a home becasue of the increased cost to build it? A huge part of Canada's economy is US owned - particularly when it comes to resources. Makes me wonder if the lumber companies affected are actually US subsidiaries. Now that would be a dark irony.
Plus the self-inflicted milk crisis. Plus, ummm, Trump: neither milk products or softwood lumber are part of NAFTA.
What I find baffling is that Trump can't really do those things; he can't simply tear up international treaties and agreements - the co-equal branch of government - Congress - has to be on side as well and neither the Senate or House is lock-step with many of his pet projects or populist rants. Yes, many in the House and Senate are toadies, but there is a fair number of sensible folks in those chambers as well . . .
1
"Lack of a clear strategy or vision."
That's basically the tag line for the first 100 days.
It goes well beyond his flip flop on trade.
That's basically the tag line for the first 100 days.
It goes well beyond his flip flop on trade.
24
This will be the fifth time that Canada has appealed to the WTO regarding American imposed duties to Canadian softwood lumber. Canada has won the previous four.
These duties will only benefit American producers because of higher consumer costs resulting in higher profits.
Right now U.S. softwood production is operating at 100% capacity and prices have been the highest they have been in 20 years.
The U.S. Homebuilders Association says that for every $1000.00 increase in house prices - due to higher lumber costs - 153,000 U.S. families are priced out of the housing market and that a 25% lumber duty will cost 8,000 construction jobs.
These duties will only benefit American producers because of higher consumer costs resulting in higher profits.
Right now U.S. softwood production is operating at 100% capacity and prices have been the highest they have been in 20 years.
The U.S. Homebuilders Association says that for every $1000.00 increase in house prices - due to higher lumber costs - 153,000 U.S. families are priced out of the housing market and that a 25% lumber duty will cost 8,000 construction jobs.
68
Now there is an unbiased source........
The conclusion that puts Reagan's supply-side economic policies in the best light that I have read is, in effect, there was no significant increase in jobs. Despite the history, it is the apparent mindset of a hatred of taxes and government (and purposeful ignorance of the needs of the American people) that drives Republican legislators and administrations to do the same thing over and over and expect different results. Trusting these tax cuts will pay for themselves when the GDP increases to 3%, IF there is 3% growth, is disingenuous. This is pie-in-the-sky thinking that appeals to the greedy and the narrow-minded. There is no law or rule that large corporations to small businesss turn their tax relief into investment in labor.
Denial by Republicans on cable news yesterday of historical facts hinged on the justification that these are "different times". The recent deregulations and promised repeal of Dodd-Frank, however, do not inspire confidence.
Most Americans should realize that pinning their hopes on GOP nearly giddy anticipation of large tax cuts will end with average working Americans footing the bill. We, or our children and grandchildren, will pay.
Denial by Republicans on cable news yesterday of historical facts hinged on the justification that these are "different times". The recent deregulations and promised repeal of Dodd-Frank, however, do not inspire confidence.
Most Americans should realize that pinning their hopes on GOP nearly giddy anticipation of large tax cuts will end with average working Americans footing the bill. We, or our children and grandchildren, will pay.
15
"The Treasury Department has decided not to label China a currency manipulator and Mr. Trump said he would cut a favorable trade deal with Beijing if it agreed to help him with North Korea."
There are several problems with that.
The promise was: "On Day One of a Trump administration, the U.S. Treasury Department will designate China a currency manipulator."
Obviously, it was not conditional on China doing anything to help with North Korea or anything else.
On Day One, Trump did sign a couple of executive orders but neither had to with China.
China did caution both sides to show restraint. North Korea responded by conducting a missile test that failed, threatening to sink the US aircraft carrier and conducting the largest ever military drill with live artillery fire.
Because of Trump’s business interests, it is hard to tell if his decision not to label China a currency manipulator and promise to “cut a favorable trade deal” is because of the favorable Trade Mark deals that he and his daughter received from China or not.
Lastly, on a lighter note, Trump’s various promises and threats remind me of the “would you believe” jokes that was a staple of the “Get Smart” TV series, such as this one:
Smart: I think it's only fair to warn you, this facility is surrounded by a highly trained team of 130 Black Op Snipers.
Siegfried: I don't believe you.
Smart: Would you believe two dozen Delta Force Commandos?
Siegfried: No.
Smart: How about Chuck Norris with a BB gun?
There are several problems with that.
The promise was: "On Day One of a Trump administration, the U.S. Treasury Department will designate China a currency manipulator."
Obviously, it was not conditional on China doing anything to help with North Korea or anything else.
On Day One, Trump did sign a couple of executive orders but neither had to with China.
China did caution both sides to show restraint. North Korea responded by conducting a missile test that failed, threatening to sink the US aircraft carrier and conducting the largest ever military drill with live artillery fire.
Because of Trump’s business interests, it is hard to tell if his decision not to label China a currency manipulator and promise to “cut a favorable trade deal” is because of the favorable Trade Mark deals that he and his daughter received from China or not.
Lastly, on a lighter note, Trump’s various promises and threats remind me of the “would you believe” jokes that was a staple of the “Get Smart” TV series, such as this one:
Smart: I think it's only fair to warn you, this facility is surrounded by a highly trained team of 130 Black Op Snipers.
Siegfried: I don't believe you.
Smart: Would you believe two dozen Delta Force Commandos?
Siegfried: No.
Smart: How about Chuck Norris with a BB gun?
5
"the president’s trade policy is in disarray for lack of a clear strategy or vision."
I mean how am I supposed to comment to this Editorial? Trump doesn't have a clue, or he's really just on a learning curve, or he's incurious, or he forgot what he said earlier, or there are more pressing issues, or he doesn't give two hoots about trade, or........
"State of Flux-means a state of uncertainty about what should be done (usually following some important event) preceding the establishment of a new direction of action."
Welcome to the United States of Flux!!
I mean how am I supposed to comment to this Editorial? Trump doesn't have a clue, or he's really just on a learning curve, or he's incurious, or he forgot what he said earlier, or there are more pressing issues, or he doesn't give two hoots about trade, or........
"State of Flux-means a state of uncertainty about what should be done (usually following some important event) preceding the establishment of a new direction of action."
Welcome to the United States of Flux!!
12
No, there is no disarray here. Just think -- everyone hearing about lower tax rates and a higher standard deduction is already planning on what to do with their extra money. They are not thinking about future deficits and higher interest rates. Come 2018 they will vote to keep their lower taxes. (The unemployed will not vote).
The Republicans will stay in power, maybe appointing another Supreme Court justice or two. These tax benefits might even extend to 2020 leading to another term for Trump. By the time Trump's second term ends the negatives will begin to show up, big league. Too late!
A Democrat will come in and have to do the big lifting, as Obama did, to clean up the mess that had further enriched a bunch of rich folks. We taxpayers will bail out the big companies and their execs who made out like bandits, and Trump will go back to his then greatly expanded businesses laughing at the fools who voted for him. Nice system we have!
The Republicans will stay in power, maybe appointing another Supreme Court justice or two. These tax benefits might even extend to 2020 leading to another term for Trump. By the time Trump's second term ends the negatives will begin to show up, big league. Too late!
A Democrat will come in and have to do the big lifting, as Obama did, to clean up the mess that had further enriched a bunch of rich folks. We taxpayers will bail out the big companies and their execs who made out like bandits, and Trump will go back to his then greatly expanded businesses laughing at the fools who voted for him. Nice system we have!
65
Did the Dems really clean up the mess? Obama put Wall St in his cabinet. The Recovery has been weak for the majority of citizens, great for the top few. One economist on MSNBC said the US has created a higher percentage of low wage jobs than any other 1st world country. Sure Trump will do more damage, but what are our standards?
Obama and the Dems let Wall St off the hook and we still needed financial reform. The Dems and Hillary said no to updating and reinstating the bank regulations Bill C had repealed with Gop support---their big donors are big banks. And the corporations who outsource our jobs to low wage countries.
Obama and the Dems let Wall St off the hook and we still needed financial reform. The Dems and Hillary said no to updating and reinstating the bank regulations Bill C had repealed with Gop support---their big donors are big banks. And the corporations who outsource our jobs to low wage countries.
It's not the economy stupid, it's profits - corporations are in business to make profits. Where those profits are made and taxed is the issue. Under the current international practice, corporations are allowed to legally decide for themselves where, in which countries, those taxable profits are "placed." So, of course, multinational corporations report that their US taxable profits are low or non-existent but their profits in tax haven countries are very high. The rate of tax doesn't mean much if the tax base is a fiction.
Britain's corporate tax rate is 20%. Why would any multinational corporation pay a 20% tax on its British profits if it can move those profits to another country, turn those British profits into Dutch profits or Luxembourg profits where the tax is much lower or zero? Watch the YouTube video "The Town that Took on The Taxman" (58.58 minutes) to see how easy it is to shift profits from one country to another country.
Lowering the US corporate income tax rate to 15% is no solution if the tax base has been moved to another country. This is why so many foreign corporations operate in the US and why US corporations want to move to a foreign country. It's not the economy - it's all about the profits stupid.
Britain's corporate tax rate is 20%. Why would any multinational corporation pay a 20% tax on its British profits if it can move those profits to another country, turn those British profits into Dutch profits or Luxembourg profits where the tax is much lower or zero? Watch the YouTube video "The Town that Took on The Taxman" (58.58 minutes) to see how easy it is to shift profits from one country to another country.
Lowering the US corporate income tax rate to 15% is no solution if the tax base has been moved to another country. This is why so many foreign corporations operate in the US and why US corporations want to move to a foreign country. It's not the economy - it's all about the profits stupid.
8
Like health insurance, international trade is a bit more complicated than it seemed on the campaign trail.
8
Health insurance, suppressing Muslims, trade policy, tax policy, walling off Mexico, rounding up and deporting America's illegal-immigrant slave laborers, getting republicans, who control the House, Senate, Supreme Court and White House, to behave like adults....who knew it could be so difficult? Governing is a lot more complicated than the "best negotiator" with a "very good brain" ever imagined.
This man-child, who is in love with himself, who thinks he knows more than the generals, who has lived his life with an over-inflated ego, who thinks he is smarter than the experts, who can never admit he is wrong, is now on full display to the world as The Emperor With No Clothes. (Sean Spicer, please explain the meaning of that idiom to the Donald.)
This man-child, who is in love with himself, who thinks he knows more than the generals, who has lived his life with an over-inflated ego, who thinks he is smarter than the experts, who can never admit he is wrong, is now on full display to the world as The Emperor With No Clothes. (Sean Spicer, please explain the meaning of that idiom to the Donald.)
24
Marry ignorance to incompetence to fantasy and you get what passes for "policy" in Trump world.
11
Marry a "progressive" education system that tells Rodger he's a genius to his actual pedestrian stupidity and you get a general comment not worth using as toilet paper in the real world.
We should quit deluding ourselves that djt's talking points and campaign sound bites were anything coherent, when they were mostly just ad hoc tweets.
Nothing about the business sense of someone whose empire had to be taken over by bankers and him placed on an allowance:
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/08/29/deutsche-banks-10-billion-s...
and serial bankruptcies in the casino biz (where the house always wins) presages him to be an economic policy wonk.
Nothing about the business sense of someone whose empire had to be taken over by bankers and him placed on an allowance:
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/08/29/deutsche-banks-10-billion-s...
and serial bankruptcies in the casino biz (where the house always wins) presages him to be an economic policy wonk.
24
Prices on Canadian cedar were already high because of diminishing supplies. Will Canada just sell overseas? Probably. The U.S. loses a resource. Locally it will cost construction and renovation jobs. Brilliant (s/) to announce it at the beginning of construction season in the northeast. I may cancelled a renovation locally but I will compensate cost wise by hiring guys from Nova Scotia who come down in winter to work. Much cheaper (don't have the overhead of high U.S. heath insurance costs) and great workers. Trump has no command of details. Amateur hour.
19
When America was "Great" (1950's) the corporate tax rate was near 50%
Make America Great Again!!!
Make America Great Again!!!
149
Let's not forget that during the Eisenhower years, the highest marginal income tax rate was about 90%. I'd be willing to go back to *those* good old days! Other stuff in the 50s......not so much.
The Indiana steel mills I live downwind from will continue to do their work of finishing imported raw materials. That is what the American steel industry has evolved into, away from its former role of producing from raw materials to finished product. Nothing that Trump has proposed or could possibly initiate by way of anti-dumping/countervailing duties will change the steel industry's infrastructure or functionality. Clearly anyone here who voted for Trump and expected those 4 bygone mills in my city to reappear with thousands of union-scale paychecks is sadly deluded. Because Trump has no true idea of the complexity of trade issues, nor how to manage them.
25
He rules as if the dining room at Mar-a-Loco was a chamber of deep thought. Waiters bring cocktail napkins with notes written by guests and Trump calls them profound. Everyone around the table agrees. Job done. World won. More fun.
22
maybe not a big deal.i assume trump is not going to visit mexico in the next 4 years.i would say to a person we do not want him to visit Canada.probably a first for a u.s. president.
17
Time to brush off the old "Deficits don't matter" chestnut. Welcome to the new boss, same as the old boss.
What is galling about his breaking his promises is not that it would have been a good thing for him to keep them. Rather it reveals that he was talking smack without having a clue. And people in his position who don't have a clue tend to drift back into old failed ways, mesmerized by those who promoted those failed ideas to their own benefit.
What is galling about his breaking his promises is not that it would have been a good thing for him to keep them. Rather it reveals that he was talking smack without having a clue. And people in his position who don't have a clue tend to drift back into old failed ways, mesmerized by those who promoted those failed ideas to their own benefit.
12
"He has said he wants to slash the corporate tax rate to 15 percent, from 35 percent, to free up money for job-creating investment. And last week he said that his administration would deliver “maybe the biggest tax cut we’ve ever had,” which Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says would pay for itself by raising economic growth."
It is a real stretch for me to believe that the 20% cut in corporate taxes will be reinvested to promote job growth. No, history has proven that a bulk of that 20% will line the pockets of the club members of corporate hierarchy. Greed is alive and well.
It is a real stretch for me to believe that the 20% cut in corporate taxes will be reinvested to promote job growth. No, history has proven that a bulk of that 20% will line the pockets of the club members of corporate hierarchy. Greed is alive and well.
37
Increase deficits through bad policy then cut social programs. Starve the beast
We never learn
We never learn
15
Enormous tax cuts that benefit Trump himself and his family businesses as well as all his corporate and lobbyist administrators. They will balloon the national deficit and jeopardize the economy.
This is corporate raiding of government. It does not benefit American citizens or society. It does not invest in the future or the public good. Like corporate raiders who deplete the pensions of workers and the coffers for future development and financial stability of a company and leave behind an empty bankrupt shell, Trump will bankrupt America while personally enriching himself, his businesses, his family, his wealthy donors, and the greedy corporate interests that have been raking in record profits for years.
McConnell will again break Senate rules and deny Democrats a voice although they represent millions more American citizens than Republicans do.
Cashing in fast, the corrupt Trump administration installed by Russia and the fanatic right will leave behind a devastated American economy, international trade turmoil and raped environment.
Where are the checks and balances? Where are the FBI and state and federal investigations? Isn't anyone protecting Americans citizens from the predators?
Where are Trump's tax returns? What business and criminal contacts are in them, and what is he hiding?
This is corporate raiding of government. It does not benefit American citizens or society. It does not invest in the future or the public good. Like corporate raiders who deplete the pensions of workers and the coffers for future development and financial stability of a company and leave behind an empty bankrupt shell, Trump will bankrupt America while personally enriching himself, his businesses, his family, his wealthy donors, and the greedy corporate interests that have been raking in record profits for years.
McConnell will again break Senate rules and deny Democrats a voice although they represent millions more American citizens than Republicans do.
Cashing in fast, the corrupt Trump administration installed by Russia and the fanatic right will leave behind a devastated American economy, international trade turmoil and raped environment.
Where are the checks and balances? Where are the FBI and state and federal investigations? Isn't anyone protecting Americans citizens from the predators?
Where are Trump's tax returns? What business and criminal contacts are in them, and what is he hiding?
55
Everyone is focused on taxing profits outside the country and products coming in. The "Global Investors have been and are financing the exodus. Penalize them and encourage national investing. Differentiate between those that invest in America and those that export American wealth.
4
I'm as liberal as the next guy, but I don't see what's wrong with lowering taxes on corporations.
I think as much as possible we should be taxing "bads", and I'm not sure all corporations are bad, or that taxes are the best way to control the bad ones. After all, corporations mostly pass the cost of taxes on to their customers or employees.
I think we should be encouraging the growth of responsible corporations, and to that extent lowering the taxes on them.
As for increased Government borrowing, I think we need to reconsider why the Fed Gov borrows at all.
Take the NY subway system when it used tokens. Did it ever have to "borrow" it's own tokens in order to issue more?
The NY subway system constantly ran deficits in terms of its tokens. That's to say, it constantly issued more into circulation than it collected. Was this ever a problem for the system? Did it have "less tokens" when it issued more?
That's nonsense.
The NY subway system traded tokens for dollars, while the Fed Gov trades dollars for labor, but otherwise it's the same thing.
Riders had to pay their "tax" in tokens if they wanted to ride the subway, just like citizens have to pay taxes with dollars if they want to live in a society governed by the Federal Government.
I think as much as possible we should be taxing "bads", and I'm not sure all corporations are bad, or that taxes are the best way to control the bad ones. After all, corporations mostly pass the cost of taxes on to their customers or employees.
I think we should be encouraging the growth of responsible corporations, and to that extent lowering the taxes on them.
As for increased Government borrowing, I think we need to reconsider why the Fed Gov borrows at all.
Take the NY subway system when it used tokens. Did it ever have to "borrow" it's own tokens in order to issue more?
The NY subway system constantly ran deficits in terms of its tokens. That's to say, it constantly issued more into circulation than it collected. Was this ever a problem for the system? Did it have "less tokens" when it issued more?
That's nonsense.
The NY subway system traded tokens for dollars, while the Fed Gov trades dollars for labor, but otherwise it's the same thing.
Riders had to pay their "tax" in tokens if they wanted to ride the subway, just like citizens have to pay taxes with dollars if they want to live in a society governed by the Federal Government.
4
The man is a bully in a school yard: acting out due to his limited intellect, targeting the weak and dis-empowered, spurred on by rich kids with nothing to lose and all without a recess attendant to stop any of it.
This will be a do-nothing-but-drop-bombs presidency and it will greatly damage the world (socially, politically, economically and environmentally).
This will be a do-nothing-but-drop-bombs presidency and it will greatly damage the world (socially, politically, economically and environmentally).
15
Nobody knew that trade was so complex.
7
Job creation stems from a need to ramp up production and not just because there's more money laying around. It makes more sense to cut the tax rates for consumers so that demand would rise. The proposed drastic tax cut for business may goose investment in the short term as sort of a political tip to Trump, a payoff that is a way of saying thanks for shoveling more money our way. And that might be enough for supporters and surrogates to deem it successful.
3
It is very clear by now that the "president" really has no plan, he just has sound bites that are designed to make a crowd cheer.
6
....and the "crowd" is a highly vetted, hand-picked group drawn from his "base."
Disarray?
Trump's trade policy seems exactly what America needs right now.
America needs a "pro-America" trade policy. Just like every other nation on Earth protects their workers, and their jobs, why shouldn't the US be allowed to do that as well?
For example, look how fast Canada was to condemn Trump's actions on our new policy on Lumber and Milk? That's what a Nation is supposed to do. Canada condemning another nation's trade practices to protect Canadian workers. And Trump is now setting a new policy to protect American workers.
For 8 years we had President Obama who saw himself as a Global Citizen and not the AMERICAN President. He didn't care about the American worker at all. And that is why nations like China and Canada have run roughshod over our Nation and have been able to establish very unfair trade with us without any consequences.
Thank you President Trump for saving American jobs and protecting American workers. Thanks you.
Trump's trade policy seems exactly what America needs right now.
America needs a "pro-America" trade policy. Just like every other nation on Earth protects their workers, and their jobs, why shouldn't the US be allowed to do that as well?
For example, look how fast Canada was to condemn Trump's actions on our new policy on Lumber and Milk? That's what a Nation is supposed to do. Canada condemning another nation's trade practices to protect Canadian workers. And Trump is now setting a new policy to protect American workers.
For 8 years we had President Obama who saw himself as a Global Citizen and not the AMERICAN President. He didn't care about the American worker at all. And that is why nations like China and Canada have run roughshod over our Nation and have been able to establish very unfair trade with us without any consequences.
Thank you President Trump for saving American jobs and protecting American workers. Thanks you.
4
The US has a $400M dairy trade surplus with Canada. It's true that Canada has lowered prices for ultra-filtered milk, thus making US, and particularly New York, imports less competitive. Trump, as usual, is jumping into the fray with no knowledge or context, misleading the American people, and failing to make any positive change. He sees everything as a conflict, an enemy encampment to be blown up. What happened to the deal maker?
4
the planet is too small for this type of thinking
The Border Adjustment Tax is only a tax on consumers. It's the government skimming off trade. It is no incentive for companies to return as is does not create competition, it merely distributes pain across all companies that will just pass on the tax to consumers.
Companies must be penalized before they move out of the country. Estimate their savings by leaving, add on another few percentage points of financial pain, and they will stay here.
Force the parent companies to leave the country as well as the manufacturing, take away their legal incorporation here in America, and tax the investors that financed the exodus of a company. They won't do it again.
Put the brakes on American investors who finance "Global Investing".
Companies must be penalized before they move out of the country. Estimate their savings by leaving, add on another few percentage points of financial pain, and they will stay here.
Force the parent companies to leave the country as well as the manufacturing, take away their legal incorporation here in America, and tax the investors that financed the exodus of a company. They won't do it again.
Put the brakes on American investors who finance "Global Investing".
2
We should not delude ourselves that there is anything coherent about djt's regime - he had a bunch of campaign talking points and applause lines that made good sound bites for TeeVee fodder or Rushbo, but they were all ad hoc, and djt had utterly no track record anywhere anytime of ever fulfilling a campaign promise.
When it comes to directing the budget policies of the U.S., and the major financial effects that has across the planet, it behooves us all to remember that djt is a trust-fund baby who was a serial bankruptee in the casino business (a business where the house always wins) who had his businesses taken over by bankers and was placed on a monthly allowance by the bankers so that they could run his businesses themselves so they didn't have to write off their loans to him:
http://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/26/business/quick-who-d-have-trouble-livi...
When the fiasco was over, most major American banks have refused to lend to djt again, so he has borrowed from the Bank of China, and Deutsche Bank, who just paid a U.S. fine of more than half-a-Billion$ for being a conduit for Russian oligarch money-laundering:
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/08/29/deutsche-banks-10-billion-s...
Any pretense of actual ' policies ' from a regime headed by someone with such a track record, who exists in a personality-cult atmosphere, is simply smoke and mirrors - part of the con.
When it comes to directing the budget policies of the U.S., and the major financial effects that has across the planet, it behooves us all to remember that djt is a trust-fund baby who was a serial bankruptee in the casino business (a business where the house always wins) who had his businesses taken over by bankers and was placed on a monthly allowance by the bankers so that they could run his businesses themselves so they didn't have to write off their loans to him:
http://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/26/business/quick-who-d-have-trouble-livi...
When the fiasco was over, most major American banks have refused to lend to djt again, so he has borrowed from the Bank of China, and Deutsche Bank, who just paid a U.S. fine of more than half-a-Billion$ for being a conduit for Russian oligarch money-laundering:
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/08/29/deutsche-banks-10-billion-s...
Any pretense of actual ' policies ' from a regime headed by someone with such a track record, who exists in a personality-cult atmosphere, is simply smoke and mirrors - part of the con.
13
Although it often said that history never repeats, you can learn a lot from the past. The erratic measures of the Trump administration will generate much more problems than the U.S. have today and will solve nothing. As mentioned in this article, the Trump supporters will most likely being hurt by them. Regarding the “protection” of U.S. businesses just look what the Smoot–Hawley Tariff of 1930 did with the world economy. Will the “greatest tax reform of all times” really have a positive impact on the tax revenue in general? Or is it just the means to the end of enabling large corporations (and the persons behind them) to avoid even more taxes than with the current complicated tax code? Which large corporation really pays 35% tax? Aren’t these corporations the ones who use tax shelters around the world to stockpile profits for which they paid almost no taxes in other countries (i.e. Apple just 0,005 % for their profits within the EU)? To believe the Laffer curve is a valid prediction is just the evidence of greatest stupidity. It was and it still is voodoo economics, which will make the rich even richer and the poor even poorer. The only thing which is sure is that the deficit will increase. Just look at the glorified Reagonomics and its inheritance. History may give some advice, but the present generation need to think themselves and made the right decisions.
7
Trump's trade policy is in disarray. Trump's foreign policy is in disarray. Trump's healthcare policy is in disarray. Trump's immigration policy is in disarray. Trump's jobs policy is in disarray. But the chocolate cake at Mar-A-Lago is delicious.
295
Yes, but you forgot that the kitchen in Mar-a-Lago is in disarray so the chocolate cake may make you sick.
1
It's so delicious, it's the best YOU have ever had. Trump is sure of that.
Donald Trump precapitalist ideas about trade --good for foreigners bad for Americans-- proves an important point.
Trump is a risk taker real estate mogul turned politician clueless on modern macroeconomic policies.
A few classes with professor Paul Krugman --Nobel prize winner for his academic contribution to trade theory-- would eventually-- illuminate Trump's thinking to the level required to be a US president.
Trump is a risk taker real estate mogul turned politician clueless on modern macroeconomic policies.
A few classes with professor Paul Krugman --Nobel prize winner for his academic contribution to trade theory-- would eventually-- illuminate Trump's thinking to the level required to be a US president.
8
I wouldn't advise this, clueless senility and being wrong on every major issue could be catching.
Disjointed trade policies?!!! What do you expect?
He can't punish the Chinese, they may stop trying to assist with North Korea and they could retaliate with economic policies that could hurt US financial interests. And even worse, they could cancel Mr. Trump's newly granted trademarks which has the potential to make him millions.
He can't really threaten Mexico that much.....if he imposes tariffs, it would have significance impact on supply chains and would hurt thousands if not millions of American job holders, plus corporate bottom lines. Moreover, Mexico could really open the flood doors to Central American illegal immigrants.
NOPE....He can't beat up on Putin. Much too tough, has a really big armed force and may have some nasty information on Trump which could humiliate him or worse...........
But Canada...no big military force..... CHECK
Can't really fight back because it has limited economic to punish the US..... CHECK
Most likely to acquiesce...CHECK
This is nothing more than bullying behavior to make Mr. Trump seem like he is fighting against unfair trade deals without actually doing anything .
In other words, Trump just took lunch money from the puniest preschool kid on the playground and then declared that he fought Andre the Giant
He can't punish the Chinese, they may stop trying to assist with North Korea and they could retaliate with economic policies that could hurt US financial interests. And even worse, they could cancel Mr. Trump's newly granted trademarks which has the potential to make him millions.
He can't really threaten Mexico that much.....if he imposes tariffs, it would have significance impact on supply chains and would hurt thousands if not millions of American job holders, plus corporate bottom lines. Moreover, Mexico could really open the flood doors to Central American illegal immigrants.
NOPE....He can't beat up on Putin. Much too tough, has a really big armed force and may have some nasty information on Trump which could humiliate him or worse...........
But Canada...no big military force..... CHECK
Can't really fight back because it has limited economic to punish the US..... CHECK
Most likely to acquiesce...CHECK
This is nothing more than bullying behavior to make Mr. Trump seem like he is fighting against unfair trade deals without actually doing anything .
In other words, Trump just took lunch money from the puniest preschool kid on the playground and then declared that he fought Andre the Giant
68
"...puniest preschool kid on the playground..."
Hey, that hurts!
Hey, that hurts!
Tax cut advantages are a slight of hand. They only change the total measure of economic activity from government to private hands. It only looks good to the bean counters. All those trillions of national wealth still get spent, but by who is all that changes.
5
It was plain throughout the campaign that Mr. Trump had not "clear strategy or policy vision," but only crowd pleasing lines along with empty promises ("It's going to be great; you're going to love it; it'll be the best plan ever"). We are now seeing that play out. There is no there there.
179
This opinion says that American trade issues are more complex than what trump can imagine! One has to have an imagination to begin with!
9
If taxes are the price of civilization then less taxes must ultimately mean less civilization.
I can see that happening here.
I can see that happening here.
79
The Times Email, ”What We’re Reading” (2017-04-26) led me to an article about tax policy that will quickly help you understand the difference between carefully constructed public policy and what Donald Trump’s thought-of-the day approach might be.
Times strategist Anna Dubenko writes: Read how the right and left are grading President Trump (and the Democratic Party) after the first 100 days, why Americans should embrace the Swedish tax system, and the group hoping to run independent candidates for the 2018 midterms.
The link she gives us @ http://www.vox.com/2016/4/8/11380356/swedish-taxes-love
takes you to
Tom Heberlein's "Here are six reasons I have come to love Swedish taxes." He divides his time between living in Sweden and in Wisconsin and I agree completely with what he presents. Swedish policy makes things easy, American - not so. And, while I am at it I add that a Swedish journalist who divides her time between the US and Sweden wrote a masterful report in Dagens Nyehter on Monday on the absolutely hopeless American banking system for private persons, another example of American policy to make things as difficult as possible.
Do not expect anything like this from Trump whether about Trade or anything else.
Let's hope the Democratic Party looking ahead to 2018 with Bernie Sanders already showing the way can consider making America a bit more like Sweden.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen-US SE
Times strategist Anna Dubenko writes: Read how the right and left are grading President Trump (and the Democratic Party) after the first 100 days, why Americans should embrace the Swedish tax system, and the group hoping to run independent candidates for the 2018 midterms.
The link she gives us @ http://www.vox.com/2016/4/8/11380356/swedish-taxes-love
takes you to
Tom Heberlein's "Here are six reasons I have come to love Swedish taxes." He divides his time between living in Sweden and in Wisconsin and I agree completely with what he presents. Swedish policy makes things easy, American - not so. And, while I am at it I add that a Swedish journalist who divides her time between the US and Sweden wrote a masterful report in Dagens Nyehter on Monday on the absolutely hopeless American banking system for private persons, another example of American policy to make things as difficult as possible.
Do not expect anything like this from Trump whether about Trade or anything else.
Let's hope the Democratic Party looking ahead to 2018 with Bernie Sanders already showing the way can consider making America a bit more like Sweden.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen-US SE
8
Lets not overdo and jump the shark quite yet with going all the way Sweden. More evolutionary approach, for example with public option in ACA first, would allow for the smoother transition to a new and better maintained economy that would reduse poverty and work better for the middle class. American public would not support a sweeping revolutional change quite yet.
"...the president's trade policy is in disarray for lack of a clear strategy or vision."
President Trump is vacuous; empty. He has no idea what he is doing He has surrounded himself with similarly unqualified people as he continues his pathetic fantasy ego trip and offense against the American people. He must be resisted at all costs.
President Trump is vacuous; empty. He has no idea what he is doing He has surrounded himself with similarly unqualified people as he continues his pathetic fantasy ego trip and offense against the American people. He must be resisted at all costs.
117
If we want to ensure that the Republicans will prevail in 2018 and 2020, just make sure you hitch your wagon to Bernie Sanders and his delusional rantings. He and his followers put Trump in the White House last year, and they're striving to do the same now. Division is the only math they know, and they've shown extraordinary skill at dividing the Democratic Party.
2
There is no such thing as a domestic economy. We are part of a global economy whether Trump wants to admit it or not. Our massive economy is tightly interlinked with every other nation we do business with. We all rise and fall together to some extent.
His new retreaded tax policy is infuriating. The Republicans heard the words "tax cuts" and they are all running over each other like a bunch of hungry hogs at the feeding trough. They can't there there fast enough and don't care what other pigs they injure on the way. They don't care what they are eating just so long as they get to eat it.
Corporate profits are at all time highs. The Dow is breaking new records. The economy is moving, it's just not moving for all. There are potentially millions of unfilled jobs because there are no skilled workers to fill them. Wages are too low because profits are going to shareholders, not workers. What percentage of his new corporate tax cuts will go to wages? Zero!
I own a small business. If my tax rate is cut in half, I just got a big raise for doing nothing. Why should I risk that money? It's easier to just stick in in my pocket. Why reinvest it and put it at risk? Just keep it. Tax cuts are like welfare. They lull you into complacency.
Actually, adversity motivates risk and investment. Since Trump, my sales have tanked and I am forced to invest in a new market in order to survive. Trump is creating investment through adversity not opportunity.
His new retreaded tax policy is infuriating. The Republicans heard the words "tax cuts" and they are all running over each other like a bunch of hungry hogs at the feeding trough. They can't there there fast enough and don't care what other pigs they injure on the way. They don't care what they are eating just so long as they get to eat it.
Corporate profits are at all time highs. The Dow is breaking new records. The economy is moving, it's just not moving for all. There are potentially millions of unfilled jobs because there are no skilled workers to fill them. Wages are too low because profits are going to shareholders, not workers. What percentage of his new corporate tax cuts will go to wages? Zero!
I own a small business. If my tax rate is cut in half, I just got a big raise for doing nothing. Why should I risk that money? It's easier to just stick in in my pocket. Why reinvest it and put it at risk? Just keep it. Tax cuts are like welfare. They lull you into complacency.
Actually, adversity motivates risk and investment. Since Trump, my sales have tanked and I am forced to invest in a new market in order to survive. Trump is creating investment through adversity not opportunity.
115
One of my favorite commenters. But not sure how to interpret the closing paragraph.
It does make me recall the frequent harping of John Boehner and the Republicans during the Obama years that business wanted an environment of certainty by which to guide investment. Sounds good until one recalls that they had also always wanted to encourage and reward the business risk takers who challenged uncertainty.
Life has challenges.
It does make me recall the frequent harping of John Boehner and the Republicans during the Obama years that business wanted an environment of certainty by which to guide investment. Sounds good until one recalls that they had also always wanted to encourage and reward the business risk takers who challenged uncertainty.
Life has challenges.
Thank you for this insight into the struggles of the small business owner. And for what it's worth, I wish you the best in your new market.
1
For most small businesses that are family owned (c-corp) tax cut is meaningless. Those businesses under 10 employees usually operate on balanced budgets, with whatever profit is projected, it is usually dispensed by Dec 31 as an investment, as bonuses for employees, or as dividents for owners.
1
All those failed business ventures come to mind.
Nowadays perception has become reality.
I see an ignorant man surrounded by selfish men.
What do you see ?
Nowadays perception has become reality.
I see an ignorant man surrounded by selfish men.
What do you see ?
84
The Editorial's opening paragraph highlights the hypocrisy. The remainder of the article suggests a presidency plagued by confusion and guided by political expediency.
Protectionism, especially from a nation dependent on imports, is a double-edged sword but with the sharper edge threatening the deficit nation's well-being more than the welfare of nations with trade surpluses. Why? Because strong manufacturing nations like Germany will always find alternative outlets or solutions through innovation. The U.S., on the other hand, has neglected its manufacturing base for so many decades that it could not possibly replace goods imported cheaply and with high quality. It would need a multi-decade investment and training programme to redress the manufacturing imbalance.
So the workers who voted for Trump are doomed to suffer massive consumer inflation, retail outlets will continue closing across the nation and the seeds will be sewn for a severe Depression that will be far lengthier than the relatively brief 2008-9 crash. The writing is on the wall.
Protectionism, especially from a nation dependent on imports, is a double-edged sword but with the sharper edge threatening the deficit nation's well-being more than the welfare of nations with trade surpluses. Why? Because strong manufacturing nations like Germany will always find alternative outlets or solutions through innovation. The U.S., on the other hand, has neglected its manufacturing base for so many decades that it could not possibly replace goods imported cheaply and with high quality. It would need a multi-decade investment and training programme to redress the manufacturing imbalance.
So the workers who voted for Trump are doomed to suffer massive consumer inflation, retail outlets will continue closing across the nation and the seeds will be sewn for a severe Depression that will be far lengthier than the relatively brief 2008-9 crash. The writing is on the wall.
11
Hamid
"The U.S., on the other hand, has neglected its manufacturing base for so many decades that it could not possibly replace goods imported cheaply and with high quality."
To be clear, 'the U.S.' did not fail to modernize or maintain its manufacturing base; the brilliant minds and innovative thinkers of industry did. They opted to grab what they could in the moment, use the courts to sleaze out of retirement and health care commitments to life-long employees, and stash the cash overseas.
In the meantime other, better run economies improved methods of production, cornered markets on raw materials, and encouraged better production with fair pay and excellent (universal) benefits like health care, child care, sick leave, secure retirement, and good education.
The U.S. stands alone as a monument to greed, self-dealing, and a perverse Randian theory of how society works.
We placed ourselves at the mercy of an executive/investor class utterly devoid of morality or concern for their communities and the people who live there (and who made them rich in the first place).
This fiction that there is something superior, or anything at all to be honored or respected among those who run our corporations has placed us on a greasy slide to the third world.
Our courts, fully in the pockets of the rich and the irretrievably greedy, our legislators on the Right, concerned only with party, money and toadying up to those they want to grow up to be, have sold us far down the river.
"The U.S., on the other hand, has neglected its manufacturing base for so many decades that it could not possibly replace goods imported cheaply and with high quality."
To be clear, 'the U.S.' did not fail to modernize or maintain its manufacturing base; the brilliant minds and innovative thinkers of industry did. They opted to grab what they could in the moment, use the courts to sleaze out of retirement and health care commitments to life-long employees, and stash the cash overseas.
In the meantime other, better run economies improved methods of production, cornered markets on raw materials, and encouraged better production with fair pay and excellent (universal) benefits like health care, child care, sick leave, secure retirement, and good education.
The U.S. stands alone as a monument to greed, self-dealing, and a perverse Randian theory of how society works.
We placed ourselves at the mercy of an executive/investor class utterly devoid of morality or concern for their communities and the people who live there (and who made them rich in the first place).
This fiction that there is something superior, or anything at all to be honored or respected among those who run our corporations has placed us on a greasy slide to the third world.
Our courts, fully in the pockets of the rich and the irretrievably greedy, our legislators on the Right, concerned only with party, money and toadying up to those they want to grow up to be, have sold us far down the river.
5
John, I couldn't agree with you more. As an Iranian I was just trying to be polite! Actually, there are so many glaring similarities between the U.S. and Iran that the two nations often appear joined at the hip: Massive wealth gap, influence peddling, over-reliance on natural resources and total neglect of manufacturing, workers' misery, .............
I am totally opposed to the U.S. extremist form of Capitalism and totally in favour of the north European variety, which in my opinion is the 'least worst' option. Robber Baron Capitalism is no better than Communism: They both create, support and strengthen a privileged class. Part of the reason the U.S. has managed to prolong its pernicious form of capitalism is the extraordinary power of the lobbies and of the capitalist driven mass media, with a population brainwashed into thinking the U.S. is superior to every other nation in every way imaginable. The propaganda is ubiquitous, as is the Stars and Stripes, the patriotic lapel pins and the belligerent National Anthem (... the rocket's red flare, bombs bursting in air ....) that prevent logical discourse or introspection of any kind.
Successive Administrations can destroy their workers' base, bomb any nation that refuses to submit to U.S. enslavement, fuel terrorism, threaten allies and foes alike and then accuse objectors of being "jealous of our way of life". Poor, misunderstood nation.
I am totally opposed to the U.S. extremist form of Capitalism and totally in favour of the north European variety, which in my opinion is the 'least worst' option. Robber Baron Capitalism is no better than Communism: They both create, support and strengthen a privileged class. Part of the reason the U.S. has managed to prolong its pernicious form of capitalism is the extraordinary power of the lobbies and of the capitalist driven mass media, with a population brainwashed into thinking the U.S. is superior to every other nation in every way imaginable. The propaganda is ubiquitous, as is the Stars and Stripes, the patriotic lapel pins and the belligerent National Anthem (... the rocket's red flare, bombs bursting in air ....) that prevent logical discourse or introspection of any kind.
Successive Administrations can destroy their workers' base, bomb any nation that refuses to submit to U.S. enslavement, fuel terrorism, threaten allies and foes alike and then accuse objectors of being "jealous of our way of life". Poor, misunderstood nation.
4
Why dignify spur-of-the moment tweet rhetoric by calling it policy? I understand public policy to be a result of the collection of data, the analysis of alternatives and their consequences, a consideration of the publics affected, and much more.
These elements are not to be found in President Trump's approach. "No policy for the people" Trump, that's our pres.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
These elements are not to be found in President Trump's approach. "No policy for the people" Trump, that's our pres.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
27
The President has no trade policy—its absence defies and indicts the rhetoric of the campaign and shows the President's incompetence. He relies on fantasy and belligerence. He is incapable of governing from data—he cannot interpret it, cannot set numerical goals, cannot decipher counter-intuitive logic, cannot sit still for the details—preferring to discuss his inflated TV ratings.
The first action on trade issued tariffs averaging 20% against Canadian lumber (done without consultation with Canada), a slap at an important ally, esp. when contrasted with Exxon Mobil's request for sanction relief to pursue its half billion dollar accord with Russia (who, with cyber-strategy and tactics, deliberated interfered in the US election, using 100,000s of bots to create counter-narratives undermining democracy (some of these used by the President and his campaign officials) and to launch misleading and inflammatory attacks against one candidate. Are his decisions putting national interests or corporate interests first?
Not announced by the President was the US' loss before the World Trade Organization; it ruled the US must pay Mexico $163.23 million in annual sanctions for unfairly labeling Mexican tuna as not dolphin safe.
Finally, more important than trade, the new administration has no development policy. Tax cuts won't drive demand! Four elements are needed for new jobs: infrastructure, business clustering, specialized knowledge, fair regulations (See NC's Research Triangle).
The first action on trade issued tariffs averaging 20% against Canadian lumber (done without consultation with Canada), a slap at an important ally, esp. when contrasted with Exxon Mobil's request for sanction relief to pursue its half billion dollar accord with Russia (who, with cyber-strategy and tactics, deliberated interfered in the US election, using 100,000s of bots to create counter-narratives undermining democracy (some of these used by the President and his campaign officials) and to launch misleading and inflammatory attacks against one candidate. Are his decisions putting national interests or corporate interests first?
Not announced by the President was the US' loss before the World Trade Organization; it ruled the US must pay Mexico $163.23 million in annual sanctions for unfairly labeling Mexican tuna as not dolphin safe.
Finally, more important than trade, the new administration has no development policy. Tax cuts won't drive demand! Four elements are needed for new jobs: infrastructure, business clustering, specialized knowledge, fair regulations (See NC's Research Triangle).
157
Naughty boys have jumped the ship of state, cutlasses swinging, destroying the rigging to cripple the ship as they carry off the loot. Their image of action might appear heroic, but look close.
Will the deficit be reduced? No. The treasury is raided; its collected taxes on the rich are given back to wealthy hands, with a bonus to the companies. Will jobs return? The wrong question! Better: Will new jobs be created? Unlikely, pirates create a bad business climate. Only places like South Carolina, with the four elements for development: infrastructure, business clusters, specific knowledge, and certifying authority will prosper in magnitude--with Boeing, BMW, Volvo, and Daimler-Benz manufacturing instate, South Carolina is home to the new American auto industry and pirate safe!
Will the deficit be reduced? No. The treasury is raided; its collected taxes on the rich are given back to wealthy hands, with a bonus to the companies. Will jobs return? The wrong question! Better: Will new jobs be created? Unlikely, pirates create a bad business climate. Only places like South Carolina, with the four elements for development: infrastructure, business clusters, specific knowledge, and certifying authority will prosper in magnitude--with Boeing, BMW, Volvo, and Daimler-Benz manufacturing instate, South Carolina is home to the new American auto industry and pirate safe!
4
"In fact, Mr. Trump’s promise of huge tax cuts might actually increase the trade deficit and hurt the very workers he says he supports."
Yet another promise bites the dust, and actually worsens the very condition he railed against during the campaign.
"Biggest tax cut ever." Sure, for the GOP donor class, and for the Trump Organization. What I so marvel at with Donald Trump is how brazen he is in enriching himself and his family. No shame, ever, right?
Supply side economics didn't work in the 80s, or anytime since. When corporations get big tax breaks, they sure don't spend their savings on growing their businesses and hiring new workers--if this theory worked, Democrats would have pounced on it. What tax cuts do is reward management and shareholders, at the expense of workers.
Donald Trump got elected because of voters' belief he was the master of economics, building businesses, and becoming exceedingly rich. What we learned during the campaign was how he got rich by exploiting tax loopholes and letting others hold the bag during bankruptcy.
Now he runs our government. What he proposes will, as the Editorial Board points out, explode the deficit, crush the housing market, and stifle business investments if interest rates soar.
Then, the only thing left in the budget to gut to pay for Trump's tax cuts will be Social Security and Medicare.
How do you think that will play across Trump's base?
Yet another promise bites the dust, and actually worsens the very condition he railed against during the campaign.
"Biggest tax cut ever." Sure, for the GOP donor class, and for the Trump Organization. What I so marvel at with Donald Trump is how brazen he is in enriching himself and his family. No shame, ever, right?
Supply side economics didn't work in the 80s, or anytime since. When corporations get big tax breaks, they sure don't spend their savings on growing their businesses and hiring new workers--if this theory worked, Democrats would have pounced on it. What tax cuts do is reward management and shareholders, at the expense of workers.
Donald Trump got elected because of voters' belief he was the master of economics, building businesses, and becoming exceedingly rich. What we learned during the campaign was how he got rich by exploiting tax loopholes and letting others hold the bag during bankruptcy.
Now he runs our government. What he proposes will, as the Editorial Board points out, explode the deficit, crush the housing market, and stifle business investments if interest rates soar.
Then, the only thing left in the budget to gut to pay for Trump's tax cuts will be Social Security and Medicare.
How do you think that will play across Trump's base?
301
He's brazen because his core supporters just don't get it.
1
By the time the Trump "base" realizes what he has done, he will be long gone! Even before his first term ends because he will have signed some Executive Order about his so-called campaign promises. He will declare Mission Accomplished and turn over the office to the VP.
2
If you are part of a "base" who voted for returning to the coal mines versus education and job training for the twenty first century and decided that no health care was better than health care with the name Obama attached to it you probably don't care that Trump's tax cuts will do nothing to improve your life.
As time goes by I have discovered that there is absolutely nothing Trump and his band of crooks and cronies can do that will take away the base, and they know it. Most still believe that this administration will prevail in overturning Roe v. Wade, expanding their gun rights, and keeping them safe from lawless immigrants and ISIS. At this point, even if there was hard evidence found to connect Trump himself to Russian interference in the election, almost no Trump supporter would believe it. I am convinced that the nuances of economic policy and how these proposed tax cuts will possibly hurt rather than help Trump's base are of no concern to them at all. After four years of a Trump administration they will simply shrug their shoulders and say he tried-those Democratic obstructionists were the problem!
As time goes by I have discovered that there is absolutely nothing Trump and his band of crooks and cronies can do that will take away the base, and they know it. Most still believe that this administration will prevail in overturning Roe v. Wade, expanding their gun rights, and keeping them safe from lawless immigrants and ISIS. At this point, even if there was hard evidence found to connect Trump himself to Russian interference in the election, almost no Trump supporter would believe it. I am convinced that the nuances of economic policy and how these proposed tax cuts will possibly hurt rather than help Trump's base are of no concern to them at all. After four years of a Trump administration they will simply shrug their shoulders and say he tried-those Democratic obstructionists were the problem!
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