It is just another Trump covfefe.
Unfortunately all the American people must suffer for having a conman in the WH who is being aided by the vile GOP to take away healthcare from the neediest in order to give a $880 billion tax cut to Trump & the 1%.
America , what have you done to yourself !
Unfortunately all the American people must suffer for having a conman in the WH who is being aided by the vile GOP to take away healthcare from the neediest in order to give a $880 billion tax cut to Trump & the 1%.
America , what have you done to yourself !
1
Just wondering... Trump complained a lot about China until he garnered 78 trademarks there. Now, he is much quieter. Is he looking for consideration from Germany that will benefit his corporate businesses?
35
I hope that every corporate executive, trade representative, and policy maker in Europe and East Asia take long looks at Mr. Trump's favorite electoral map and make targeted trade and investment choices that make those who inflicted this monstrosity on the world pay a heavy, heavy price.
40
That German companies are building in the US South instead of in Germany or Mexico or Canada simply confirms that the South is now "third-world" labor market where global corporations relocate to to take advantage of cheap wages and inadequate safety and environmental regulations. That's what you get in right to work states, & Trump's policies are about to make it worse. How long before they allow child labor?
33
To Ted Pitts:
The person you voted for has been getting his facts crooked- i.e. far
from straight- and has been attacking anyone who dares
says otherwise FOR YEARS. This has been public knowledge
for an equally long time. WHY DID YOU NOT REALIZE THIS
LONG BEFORE NOW???? How can you possibly
express surprise at this at such a late date?
The person you voted for has been getting his facts crooked- i.e. far
from straight- and has been attacking anyone who dares
says otherwise FOR YEARS. This has been public knowledge
for an equally long time. WHY DID YOU NOT REALIZE THIS
LONG BEFORE NOW???? How can you possibly
express surprise at this at such a late date?
29
So, Ted Pitts, president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is "a little bit surprised and disappointed that the president has chosen to attack before he gets his facts straight." And he said this with a straight face? C'mon, this is Trump's modus operandi. Y'all didn't know this already? Loose cannon. And we're all along for the ride. Congress can't get to the bottom of this Russia business soon enough, and impeach this dangerous dolt. THEN we have Pence to deal with. Wishing for a "crisis of confidence" vote.
30
“The thing that concerns me more than anything else is what I view as a lack of understanding about the global economy,” he said. “I don’t profess to be an economist, but I know there has to be give and take.”
****
Really? I'll bet he voted for bloviating Trump and bought the snakeoil hook, line and sinker. Wonder when he'll finally smell the coffee? Maybe not until Trump has alienated all German business in the US, including in his very own home town.
Top 50 German employers in the US: http://www.gaccny.com/fileadmin/ahk_usa/publikationen/Top50/GA_Trade_Q2_...
****
Really? I'll bet he voted for bloviating Trump and bought the snakeoil hook, line and sinker. Wonder when he'll finally smell the coffee? Maybe not until Trump has alienated all German business in the US, including in his very own home town.
Top 50 German employers in the US: http://www.gaccny.com/fileadmin/ahk_usa/publikationen/Top50/GA_Trade_Q2_...
16
I am laughing at these idiots from the South and the Midwest who love Trump and are now finding that many of his "policies" will adversely affect them. I will not shed one tear for them, no matter how many jobs they lose. Shooting yourself in the foot should be painful.
45
So why it acceptable for Trump to pay little or no tax to the U.S.A, but not acceptable for the German's to also maximize their profits from the U.S.A.?
21
"I’m a little bit surprised and disappointed that the president has chosen to attack before he gets his facts straight,” said Ted Pitts, president and chief executive of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
What rock has this guy been living under for the past year???
What rock has this guy been living under for the past year???
29
I'm German and don't pretend to know much about regional U.S. politics, but one thing I can assure you: There's zero Schadenfreude here, only that feeling of utter helplessness. Most people of my generation (last of the baby boomers) love the US of A and their proud, stubborn and good, decent and unbelievably friendly and hospitable people that we've gotten to know upon visiting for pleasure or business. We consider the U.S. our friend. But this, your president and his hostile takeover of your country is so very painful to watch! Why are you doing this to yourself? What can we do to help? America, you're so, so, so much better than this, c'mon! Get up! Don't let that bully beat you into submission, where is your fighting spirit?
81
If you observe the way Trump speaks of the 'U.S. auto industry', he speaks as though it was just made up of the Big Three of Detroit. Like so much else about him, his ideas seem to be based on a stubborn nostalgia for the America of his youth. Whether this is due to genuine ignorance or just cognitive dissonance, we can't tell. But it does seem clear what he really wants: a world in which American-owned American car brands dominate the world. No amount of facts, about how 'Detroit' isn't even the 'Big Three' anymore, or how GM is retreating from Europe because they can't compete on quality and technology with the most advanced carmakers of the world outside North America, will convince him that the reality of the industry is very different from his imaginary version on 1959.
15
Trump, just letting you know that this country is not Communist and we don't just want to buy Made in USA. If you impose tariffs on German cars, which by the way I have been driving for 35 years, you'll be stabbing us in the eye. People want to drive quality and many of us feel we get what we pay for when we buy German cars, optics, tools, construction equipment, steel, appliances, etc. Keep your darn hands out of my pocket and reach into yours and pay your fair share in taxes first!
39
Am I the only one to notice that this so-called president is exceedingly good at undoing things, but disastrously poor at actually doing anything?
37
My guess is that our so-called president is so tone-deaf that, if he pulls the US out of the Paris Accord, he'll celebrate it with a party in the Rose Garden afterwards.
11
When the head of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce (the epitome of conservative business interests) criticizes a Republican, you know there is a real disconnect. The President doesn't even understand what it means to be represent Republicans, much less his own country's best interests.
And the voters of South Carolina now know what it means to vote against their own interests. The President doesn't represent good business and more jobs; he represents anti-immigrant, anti-foreign white power propaganda. Ya'll made your choice.
And the voters of South Carolina now know what it means to vote against their own interests. The President doesn't represent good business and more jobs; he represents anti-immigrant, anti-foreign white power propaganda. Ya'll made your choice.
17
Congratulations American south, once again you voted Republican. Once again you voted for someone who just can't wait to stab you in the back.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
51
Maybe Hillary did have it wrong when she referred to "deplorables," in or out of a basket. When Trump appeals to his base, it's base in at least two senses of the word, as in his and their baser instincts.
5
It's really hard for me to feel sorry for people in South Carolina (former resident) and Texas (where I live now) who vote for someone who declared their intent to disengage from the world, deny climate change and other ridiculous things. He of course is a liar and a cheat, now pushing tax cuts for the rich and cutting benefits from the poor, disabled and children. This should be no surprise to anyone given his history. All those jobs in Greer and Greenville are at risk (Michelin plant?)
Fortunately, clean energy is proving to be cost effective, and more corporations are going that way because the market forces lead there. The idiot Republicans in Congress and in southern and western state governments can keep their head in the sand, but they are on the wrong side of the market and of history.
Fortunately, clean energy is proving to be cost effective, and more corporations are going that way because the market forces lead there. The idiot Republicans in Congress and in southern and western state governments can keep their head in the sand, but they are on the wrong side of the market and of history.
39
Apparently, these voters weren't listening very well during Trump's campaign.
21
They build in Dixie for cheaper labor and lax regulations.
If Trump really cared about his blue collar base, he'd focus on improving those factors.
If Trump really cared about his blue collar base, he'd focus on improving those factors.
10
what factors ?
When Volkswagen in Chattanooga wanted bring in the UAW, it had been the Gov. Bill Haslam and Senator Bob Corker who scared the workers not to unionize.
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/04/business/volkswagen-workers-in-tennes...
BMW established an apprenticeship-program, that brought many low-skilled people back to work.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/01/business/where-factory-apprenticeship-...
Don't worry about the companies, it is the politicians, than want slaves, and not workers.
When Volkswagen in Chattanooga wanted bring in the UAW, it had been the Gov. Bill Haslam and Senator Bob Corker who scared the workers not to unionize.
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/04/business/volkswagen-workers-in-tennes...
BMW established an apprenticeship-program, that brought many low-skilled people back to work.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/01/business/where-factory-apprenticeship-...
Don't worry about the companies, it is the politicians, than want slaves, and not workers.
13
BMW is the U.S.'s largest auto exporter
https://www.bmwusfactory.com/bmw_articles/bmw-manufacturing-remains-larg...
https://www.bmwusfactory.com/bmw_articles/bmw-manufacturing-remains-larg...
I'll bet President Obama goes to bed every night both laughing and crying. Laughing at how ignorant Trump is, and crying at where he is taking this country while hurting Americans both here and on the world's stage!! Folks, elections have consequences!
18
Some South Carolinians wear shoes, have college and technical school degrees, recycle and drive electric cars, don't smoke, are happy the state capital flies only the US and state flags, and brag about three national championship college sports teams to whomever will listen long enough. And don't vote Republican.
19
Would be nice if there were more folks like you.
19
Note to South Carolina
Foreign investment is down - unless they let the saudis fund and tax out infrastructure - do you like $2000 water bills?
Foreign student acceptances is down- they are going to Canada
The brain drain is starting as we exit the world stage and allow others to lead.
We are a true oligarchy - walled compounds and armed guards for the wealthy - the poor get soylent green
Take a look at Argentina and let me know how you feel when people no longer fund the basic institutions that make a civil society civil.
You get the government you deserve.
Foreign investment is down - unless they let the saudis fund and tax out infrastructure - do you like $2000 water bills?
Foreign student acceptances is down- they are going to Canada
The brain drain is starting as we exit the world stage and allow others to lead.
We are a true oligarchy - walled compounds and armed guards for the wealthy - the poor get soylent green
Take a look at Argentina and let me know how you feel when people no longer fund the basic institutions that make a civil society civil.
You get the government you deserve.
47
Even if these workers realize that Trump endangers their jobs, the rest of the voters in their state will vote for Trump. As long as the Electoral College system is in place it won't matter if these people don't vote for Trump next time.
12
Not to mention all the excessive gerrymandering spinning out of control, wake up people , outlaw it once and for all and make it a more even playing field, that goes for the electoral college too. I smell something rotten and it's not in Denmark; the stench of corruption is overwhelming!
16
Trump has become the FOX News of politics, unfair and unbalanced.
12
“I’m a little bit surprised and disappointed that the president has chosen to attack before he gets his facts straight,” said Ted Pitts.
I guess you have not been listening to Trump at all.
I guess you have not been listening to Trump at all.
19
I voted for her and I worry about him but I seem to be a winner in his policy shuffle -kerfuffle so maybe I should stop complaining
I can pay for my children's education
I can pay for my daughters reproductive needs
I have corporate healthcare
I have a pension
I have equity in my home
Why am I voting for policies to help those people when they consistently vote against themselves?
Maybe I should be a republican....too bad they are so wrapped up in terribleness- I just can't do it
Maybe I shouldn't vote at all- but that goes against all I believe in
Maybe I should move to Canada
I can pay for my children's education
I can pay for my daughters reproductive needs
I have corporate healthcare
I have a pension
I have equity in my home
Why am I voting for policies to help those people when they consistently vote against themselves?
Maybe I should be a republican....too bad they are so wrapped up in terribleness- I just can't do it
Maybe I shouldn't vote at all- but that goes against all I believe in
Maybe I should move to Canada
12
Good luck with the latter, though I expect you're joking. People always say "I'll move to Canada." The fact is, you almost certainly can't, unless you are a) a refugee from a ravaged country; b) marrying a Canadian; c) a rich investor who will create jobs for Canadians; or d) in a very specialized occupation, such as a famous academic or a heart surgeon who is willing to go to a rural area, or something equally rare. I'm Canadian, and an academic dean, and I couldn't find work in my own darn country. I moved here 12 years ago.
9
Have considered that too , but being a realist not an option. Have traveled all over the world and will say that this is still the best country to live in , why do you think people will do anything, put their lives in peril, hide to stay here, in spite of the abusive attitudes of some of our citizens. Everyone who is a citizen should attend a ceremony and a swearing in of new citizens , it is very moving and the pride and seriousness is palpable. We just need to stop being so apathetic and do something about it and yes vote.
5
“I’m a little bit surprised and disappointed that the president has chosen to attack before he gets his facts straight,” says a South Carolinian Trump Supporter from a BMW plant which supports workers in that state.
Where was he (and other Red State voters) during the run up to the election?
Where was he (and other Red State voters) during the run up to the election?
11
Trump knows how to play in his own sandbox...
1. daddy gives you a deluxe sand box
2. sandbox appreciates value for decades
3. tax code lets you depreciate sandbox
4. banks let you take out massive loans againist sandbox
5. sandbox pays no taxes
6. sandbox toys: fraud,manipulation,litigation
7. sandbox shrinks due bankruptcies
8. invite new friends into sandbox: Russians
9. NYC sandboxes appreciate a lot
10.Donald declares himself brillant businessman
1. daddy gives you a deluxe sand box
2. sandbox appreciates value for decades
3. tax code lets you depreciate sandbox
4. banks let you take out massive loans againist sandbox
5. sandbox pays no taxes
6. sandbox toys: fraud,manipulation,litigation
7. sandbox shrinks due bankruptcies
8. invite new friends into sandbox: Russians
9. NYC sandboxes appreciate a lot
10.Donald declares himself brillant businessman
13
Do it. Let's see how bad this hurts. The only way to show the ignorance of ideas is to see the negative outcome and be sure to attribute it to the poor decision makers that caused it.
I just hope that I, and the rest of America, can mentally and financially ride out this "I told you so" phase so we can realize what intelligence looks like again.
I just hope that I, and the rest of America, can mentally and financially ride out this "I told you so" phase so we can realize what intelligence looks like again.
12
This administration is a complete and utter disaster. I have no stomach for the G.O.P. but I would take George W over this clown. And that's saying a lot!
8
" South Grimaces " - You mean buyer's remorse?
10
They voted for the man, they wanted the job-stealing foreigners out and now they are worried? Well, they should be as we all are, for the information about the man they chose as their president was out there all along, way before he got elected.
We have been living in Europe for the past 21 years and we hardly see US made cars on the roads. Plenty of Priuses, though, including ours and the other two parked down the street from us.
Our other car, is a Peugeot 308, a French made car. Very well made, as a matter of fact. It has over 100,000 US miles on it and it still is a great drive.
Americans buy German, Japanese and other foreign made cars because they are better than anything US auto manufacturers can put together these days.
And, while we're at it, pulling out of the Paris pact won't make America great again. Even the Chinese understand that, having just declared they are sticking with the pact. Pretty soon they will be building their own aircraft and won't need ours or the parts ours are built with. What is Trump going to do about that? Build another wall?
We have been living in Europe for the past 21 years and we hardly see US made cars on the roads. Plenty of Priuses, though, including ours and the other two parked down the street from us.
Our other car, is a Peugeot 308, a French made car. Very well made, as a matter of fact. It has over 100,000 US miles on it and it still is a great drive.
Americans buy German, Japanese and other foreign made cars because they are better than anything US auto manufacturers can put together these days.
And, while we're at it, pulling out of the Paris pact won't make America great again. Even the Chinese understand that, having just declared they are sticking with the pact. Pretty soon they will be building their own aircraft and won't need ours or the parts ours are built with. What is Trump going to do about that? Build another wall?
47
Once again Trump's ego and thin skin drives policy- if you don't think this is not as shallow as Trump trying to retaliate against Germany for them having call him out last week, you've got your head in the sand.
Poor little minded Trump - poor stupid America for putting this ignorance man in office.
Poor little minded Trump - poor stupid America for putting this ignorance man in office.
33
He can't seem to get his bogus misrepresentation in line... In March 2017 he bathes the German CEO's and Chancellor Merkel with his bogus ideas of untied in southern jobs and vocational training, and he doesn't seem to give any interest in what these people are getting paid. Increase minimum wage and train people in the future of our environment clean air and water! Polluting/dirty jobs like building more automobiles or digging for coal need to change to cleaner emissions. How can you survive if what you do for a living can cause problems with breathing but you have no health care.
For your reading pleasure... https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/17/remarks-president...
For your reading pleasure... https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/17/remarks-president...
1
Lay off those who voted for Trump. Excepting reasons of racism and bigotry Trump’s supporters made what they consider to be a rational choice. And it is not as if there was a great alternative. That choice may seem to some of us as jingoistic and selfish in the extreme but one doesn’t reach that political and philosophical point without reason.
Nobody (including Trump) addresses the underlying problems. Trump appeals to a couple of groups within the larger American population; it isn’t just white, male southerners—plenty of northerners, rich people, and people with advanced academic degrees voted for him too although the reasons for that support probably differ greatly.
Two major issues are in play here: The growing disparity between rich and poor and the head-butting between nationalism and globalization. Neither Trump, nor Clinton, nor Congress address these issues. Politicians are hell-bent on protecting their square of turf and that myopia ends up screwing all of us.
We, the people--and that’s all of us--better get our act together before politicians provoke us into another civil war. So lay off the Trump supporters and start talking to them. Likewise you Trump supporters, quit slamming those who dislike Trump and start talking them. Politicians sure aren't going to fix anything. It's up to us.
Peace.
Nobody (including Trump) addresses the underlying problems. Trump appeals to a couple of groups within the larger American population; it isn’t just white, male southerners—plenty of northerners, rich people, and people with advanced academic degrees voted for him too although the reasons for that support probably differ greatly.
Two major issues are in play here: The growing disparity between rich and poor and the head-butting between nationalism and globalization. Neither Trump, nor Clinton, nor Congress address these issues. Politicians are hell-bent on protecting their square of turf and that myopia ends up screwing all of us.
We, the people--and that’s all of us--better get our act together before politicians provoke us into another civil war. So lay off the Trump supporters and start talking to them. Likewise you Trump supporters, quit slamming those who dislike Trump and start talking them. Politicians sure aren't going to fix anything. It's up to us.
Peace.
23
"Would't it be loverly", if we practiced brotherly love and we lived in a perfect world, however the reason we have what we have is that we are a divided country, and you're right it is up to all of us. We vote our anger, or because that particular candidate will bring the bacon home, or because you get to enrich yourself more,or irrationally because it's time for a change, could go on and on but unfortunately we vote against our own progress . People become entrenched in their bias and that is our weaknesses . For sure , we have regressed and will continue to do so as long as we have people like Trump who appeal to our lesser angel , who fuels the anger, and plays us like a harp, laughing all the way to the bank.
5
Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders were both addressing many of the problems. Obviously you were not paying any attention
3
"'Oh shut up, silly woman,' said the reptile with a grin. 'You knew damn well I was a snake before you took me in.'" - Al Wilson's "The Snake"
27
My gosh, it's so obvious he has no idea of what he's talking about. He shoots from the hip, because to actually do some reading and research is way beyond him. Why the Republican party keeps shoring him up, I will never know.
Once again...Democrats...figure out what you want, what you want to say, and SAY IT. Quit letting Republicans steal the narrative! STAND FOR SOMETHING.
Once again...Democrats...figure out what you want, what you want to say, and SAY IT. Quit letting Republicans steal the narrative! STAND FOR SOMETHING.
26
It's about time for Trump country to finally do some grimacing.
19
While it is true that BMW employs Americans directly and indirectly, we need to examine the larger picture of trade practices with Germany.
Anytime, there is a sizable trade deficit with another country, that trade relationship needs to be examined. Because, the US has become a chronic debtor nation, which is a drain on our GDP and credit worthiness, It also limits opportunities for new jobs. Germany has displayed an arrogance with respect to trade, and they need to called on it.
Whenever there are shifts in policy, people are displaced. But, this doesn't have to be a negative thing. We should have programs to address people who are displaced. In the case of the BMW workers they have transferable skills and we should and can insure that they find jobs with at least as much compensation as those with BMW. Stemming the loss of capital from the US that is the basis of our trade with Germany, will present more opportunities for these workers.
The right approach, as per Trump, is not to impede him, but to channel him to use whatever business experience he has to get these BMW workers to new and better jobs
Anytime, there is a sizable trade deficit with another country, that trade relationship needs to be examined. Because, the US has become a chronic debtor nation, which is a drain on our GDP and credit worthiness, It also limits opportunities for new jobs. Germany has displayed an arrogance with respect to trade, and they need to called on it.
Whenever there are shifts in policy, people are displaced. But, this doesn't have to be a negative thing. We should have programs to address people who are displaced. In the case of the BMW workers they have transferable skills and we should and can insure that they find jobs with at least as much compensation as those with BMW. Stemming the loss of capital from the US that is the basis of our trade with Germany, will present more opportunities for these workers.
The right approach, as per Trump, is not to impede him, but to channel him to use whatever business experience he has to get these BMW workers to new and better jobs
These are the wages we pay for according supreme national executive power to a figure who is as arrogant as he is stupid. He speaks for his base and his base got him elected President of the United States of America. As a political collective, we have truly Palinized ourselves.
11
More like Bannonized! Why do you think you hardly ever see him among the rest of the toadies? He is the architect of all the malfeasance , a behind the scene man manipulating the strings of a greedy man who is there not for our interests but his own enrichment.
4
I'm with my covfefe president on this one: kick the carpet-bagging Germans out of South Carolina. Surely SC can compete on the global stage by itself. Right?
11
Sarcasm or real opinion?
1
“I’m a little bit surprised and disappointed that the president has chosen to attack before he gets his facts straight,” said Ted Pitts, president and chief executive of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
Holy crow! Attack without concern for the facts is all Trump has EVER done . . .
Having grown up in Western North Carolina, I know first hand how important strong manufacturing operations are to the regional economy. People that supported Trump as a "CEO President" simply ignored all the man's history of creating chaos in every venture he has entered. Hey Trumplandia, maybe, ya'll can get a plant to package Trump steaks! Of course, he'd need tremendous tax breaks and tax-payer subsidized financing, but, hey what the heck . . .
Holy crow! Attack without concern for the facts is all Trump has EVER done . . .
Having grown up in Western North Carolina, I know first hand how important strong manufacturing operations are to the regional economy. People that supported Trump as a "CEO President" simply ignored all the man's history of creating chaos in every venture he has entered. Hey Trumplandia, maybe, ya'll can get a plant to package Trump steaks! Of course, he'd need tremendous tax breaks and tax-payer subsidized financing, but, hey what the heck . . .
25
Get a load of the double standard, these folks are a bunch of hypocrites.
15
Y'all voted for him in SC. Welcome to Trumpworld. You deserve it.
25
Time to shut those beemers down! Those people in s.c. can work for 'merikan cars!
18
“I’m a little bit surprised and disappointed that the president has chosen to attack before he gets his facts straight,” said Ted Pitts, president and chief executive of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
***
Say what? Who, exactly, did they think Trump was? Trump has been a liar and blowhard all his life - and lies as easily as he breathes - and has got away with it. WHY would they believe Trump would ever make a statement based on fact. He has NOT said one truthful word since he's been on the public stage. Talk about just falling off the turnip truck. These people will get what they voted for - sadly.
***
Say what? Who, exactly, did they think Trump was? Trump has been a liar and blowhard all his life - and lies as easily as he breathes - and has got away with it. WHY would they believe Trump would ever make a statement based on fact. He has NOT said one truthful word since he's been on the public stage. Talk about just falling off the turnip truck. These people will get what they voted for - sadly.
19
We kicked Germany's butt in two world wars and have protected them from Russia since 1945. It is time that they start paying for their own defense and it is time we take steps to protect the American worker.
1
We did have a little help from our allies, let us not forget or we sound a wee bit arrogant!
3
We had 3 principles back in 1945: "to keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down." U.S. Policy has been to keep the German military in a less-than-powerful role in Europe!
2
Even if your points are true, what does it have to do with this story?
Trump is like a bull in a china shop but only if that bull has a total disregard for china and shops.
4
Folks in Greer or in SC should not panic, because BMW will not close or move its factory to Mexico if anything you will see an opposite response to Trump`s comments and that they will expand and plan to grow in Greer, SC or other place in US. Germans are bad again in Europe again: Europeans in deep sleep only Brits are half awake. This time no war but one sided commerce Germans sell EU buys and US buys unlike any other time in the history. Look at the trade numbers Germany is sucking the blood out of US and Trump is spot on what he says about Germans weather you like Trump or not.
I wonder what sort of vehicles the Trump clan drive. I'm sure that at least one of the pair of his big game hunting sons, Ramfis and Rhadames, has an American-made Hummer with a gun rack and special lights for hunting at night. But aside from that, how can there not be a Beamer, A Benz and a Lexus or two?
5
trump has been a frequent buyer of German luxury cars, including a Maybach.
3
No gentlemen, Germany and Germans are bad. Very bad.
You see whilst you've been crowing for more of the delights of Trump-Ryanism here in the USA, those evil Germans have been ensuring health care flourishes, wages rise, unions thrive, retirees live decently, Sunday's are for families, kids have quality public schools and universities, summers are made for four week holidays, civility reigns and I think they even try to have the trains run on time.
But nah, none of that will do for your citizens. You'll show the world, fists raised in Trumpite salute, that Amurca is made of much sterner stuff than that "neo commie socialist we're in it together" type German Eurothink mumble jumble.
Good luck with that whilst your declared champions in DC burn down our national accomplishments as fast as they can strike matches.
You see whilst you've been crowing for more of the delights of Trump-Ryanism here in the USA, those evil Germans have been ensuring health care flourishes, wages rise, unions thrive, retirees live decently, Sunday's are for families, kids have quality public schools and universities, summers are made for four week holidays, civility reigns and I think they even try to have the trains run on time.
But nah, none of that will do for your citizens. You'll show the world, fists raised in Trumpite salute, that Amurca is made of much sterner stuff than that "neo commie socialist we're in it together" type German Eurothink mumble jumble.
Good luck with that whilst your declared champions in DC burn down our national accomplishments as fast as they can strike matches.
41
. . . and they do all this while taking in immigrants! Who would have thunk it?
5
Trumplogic says blame the journalists for reporting this fake news! Gotta say that comparing the comments here versus the comments on more fair and balanced news organizations is always an eye-opener. They are usually brief enough to fit in a tweet, too. Covfefe!
3
This is how little Donald Trump understands about basic economic realities: cars produced by German companies in America for export to other countries are counted as American exports. Therefore, if Trumps off-note brassiness did lead to German auto makers curtailing their American companies, not only would we lose American jobs, but also we would have a worse import/export imbalance. As the old saying goes, stupid is as stupid does.
15
Not exactly, by addressing German-American trade policy, we can stem the flow of capital out of the US. This capital can be steered back into America, creating more American jobs.
I've heard the argument before. One foreign worker or one foreign import creates X American jobs. But it is a hollow argument. Because, we are shifting American demand to foreign profit centers, which is bad for America.
What we need to do, is addressed those American workers impacted by trade shifts. In theory bringing more capital home creates more and better American jobs. In practice it will require government intervention. That is what the Democrats should be pushing for, and not this fantasy land that we need BMW or some other foreign entity which is on the whole draining assets from America, to keep Americans working
I've heard the argument before. One foreign worker or one foreign import creates X American jobs. But it is a hollow argument. Because, we are shifting American demand to foreign profit centers, which is bad for America.
What we need to do, is addressed those American workers impacted by trade shifts. In theory bringing more capital home creates more and better American jobs. In practice it will require government intervention. That is what the Democrats should be pushing for, and not this fantasy land that we need BMW or some other foreign entity which is on the whole draining assets from America, to keep Americans working
The wealthy who really direct US policy decided long ago that it was cheaper to outsource manufacturing--US labor is the last constituency they have on their mind except whenever it can be exploited for votes or manipulated into debt financing, now that finance is 20% of our economy (Finance--student loans, autos/Insurance-health/Real estate--sub-prime mortgages).
Ted Pitts is surprised and disappointed that the president didn't get his facts straight. Hahahahaha!!!
14
Not a single Alabama Republican elected official has issued a statement where they emphatically condemned President Trump's statement on German auto makers despite the fact Mercedes Benz has a multi-billion dollar factory in the state. We currently have an election to fill the unexpired term for Jeff Sessions and all the Republican candidates have said they support Mr. Trump.
The Republican will probably win the seat which fits the typical Republican voter in Alabama, voting against your best interest(s).
The Republican will probably win the seat which fits the typical Republican voter in Alabama, voting against your best interest(s).
16
Covfefe.
3
Shocked, shocked they are that Trump should say things before he gets his facts straight. What planet have they been living on for the past 2, no 40, years?
Get this, Trump: we have a massive trade imbalance with Germany because Americans like German cars better than American cars. If we want to be great, we should make better stuff than the competition, not remove ourselves from competition. That's how you improve yourself. In the meantime, be thankful that Germany condescends to trust Americans enough to give them jobs making their stuff.
Get this, Trump: we have a massive trade imbalance with Germany because Americans like German cars better than American cars. If we want to be great, we should make better stuff than the competition, not remove ourselves from competition. That's how you improve yourself. In the meantime, be thankful that Germany condescends to trust Americans enough to give them jobs making their stuff.
15
The one thing you can always count on Republicans to do....protect their own self interest. Remember when Oren Hatch was against fetal tissue research until a family member got sick? SC, their governor and former governor and the rest of the "I love Trump SC contingent" are just the same. Starve children, demean women, take money from the Russians, leak classified information, all fine with them but threaten their $$$$ relationship with German industry and wow.....they'd like the president needs to get his facts straight. I'm laughing through my tears.
10
Golly gee, how about that, boy howdy and i mean, what happened to your Southerner's bone spurred boy, no prob, the racism is still there!
8
...Rep. Harbison likes Don the Con's "shoot from the hip" style?! What in the world are you thinking? If you think so highly of The Con's approach, let's hear some of that stuff from you as you try to negotiate DC for the benefit of your constituency with a Benz factory in your district.
The presidency is not some late night slap down for a joke. Sadly, this president is a joke all on his own and incompetent to run the government. As he attempts to hold on to the power of his position, the more he knee jerks this country into dangerous and harmful policy that will actually kill jobs.
The presidency is not some late night slap down for a joke. Sadly, this president is a joke all on his own and incompetent to run the government. As he attempts to hold on to the power of his position, the more he knee jerks this country into dangerous and harmful policy that will actually kill jobs.
8
“I guess we’re surprised that he’d try to make this claim at the expense of South Carolina and American jobs.”
Yes, why doesn't the President stick to his knitting and keep picking on poor immigrants, black and brown citizens, healthcare, women's reproductive issues, etc... but leave our beloved South Carolina jobs! Sheesh - the myopia of people.
Yes, why doesn't the President stick to his knitting and keep picking on poor immigrants, black and brown citizens, healthcare, women's reproductive issues, etc... but leave our beloved South Carolina jobs! Sheesh - the myopia of people.
11
Worse than myopia. They're all for kicking other people, but when the kick threatens them, they're dismayed.
1
Well I gotta say, I hope Trump makes German trade illegal or some crazy thing, and eliminates all the American jobs at German car factories. The only way Trump supporters will abandon him is if they're personally, directly suffering from his idiotic and insane orders. So to me, the sooner and more severely they suffer, the better.
12
They won't abandon him, they'll just blame the media/ liberals/ Europeans. This is dead serious; facts have nothing to do with it. We are facing an epic ideological divide.
3
Thanks for the early morning chuckle! '"I’m a little bit surprised and disappointed that the president has chosen to attack before he gets his facts straight,'said Ted Pitts, president and chief executive of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce..." Why would this surprise you, or anyone else in the U.S.A., for that matter? This President is the living embodiment of ready, fire, aim. He doesn't care about facts, and he doesn't care about reality. Nice of you to notice, Ted. MAGA!!
12
Trump wants to pick and choose winners and losers in the economy like Maduro, the socialist despot of Venezuela. Chavez and Maduro nationalized foreign auto plants, which soon went bankrupt. Trump will praise his 'win' as he 'saves' 300 auto jobs in South Carolina, after BMW relocates to a country still a part of the free world.
5
I have no sympathy for these workers---the vast majority of them voted for Trump, so, proudly wear your red hat as you receive your pink slip.
14
My reaction to Trump's mindless German bashing is to buy a new BMW.
He can go MAGA himself.
He can go MAGA himself.
6
Dear Germany: Please move your plant to a country that appreciates you. South Carolina will do what they always do, race for the bottom.
7
Carol I recommend that you read the article and understand the issues. South Carolina has no dog in this fight. Perhaps your senator, Al Franken, can put on a comedy show for Germany and get them to move to your neck of the woods.
1
Note: if you would like to defeat Donald Trump in 2020, please try to understand workers in Greer and elsewhere and do not patronizingly condesend to them. As long as you keep calling them stupid you will never get their votes. When they realize Trump duped them, some will come around.
7
What's to misunderstand about the workers in Greer? Trump enjoyed a large majority in your area - that was very stupid and shortsighted of the voting workers in Greer. Now that Trump is about to threaten the economic stability of the Upstate region of an entire state - or worse, the poor misunderstood workers of Greer will have to weigh their own self-interest against party loyalty to a fool. I pity the electorate of this country that bought into the Trump hoax and I pray that when they next enter a voting booth (if our rights to vote are not trampled by then), they consider that elections have consequences beyond their personal biases, desires and self-interests.
1
Please pass the schadenfreude.
3
I guess it is possible to be the one-eyed man in the land of the blind. Trump was pontificating that should Germany build assembly plants in Mexico and think they were going to sell those cars in the United States without a 35% import tax, they had better think again. There was no mention of taxing German cars being made in the US for sale or export. The Germans make huge profits off of the non-unionized work force here. They're not going anywhere. Donald went on to quip that you don't see many Chevy's being driven on the streets of Germany. True, and probably for good reason. Automatic transmissions and air conditioning play second fiddle to grinding gears and sweating as you drive over there.
1
I guess Donald is right - not many Chevy's being driven in Germany or Europe in general for that matter. There are however tons of Fords - and they're all made in Germany. Manual transmissions are a lot more fun to drive too - and the air conditioning in my Ford Kuga works just fine.
3
The only way Americans will learn that they should
choose leaders who understand the reality we
all inhabit and not the grandiose delusions of their
inner voices is for them to suffer the economic
consequences directly related to their electoral
decisions. Those in South Carolina who
lapped up the gibberish the so-called POTUS
dished out for an entire year+ about
trade and how this country was the sucker
for the entire world will now be forced to reckon
with any repercussions this nonsense creates.
Only then will the needed lesson they should have learned
a long time ago be internalized for the next time a
charlatan in the guise of a populist bully asks for their
votes.
choose leaders who understand the reality we
all inhabit and not the grandiose delusions of their
inner voices is for them to suffer the economic
consequences directly related to their electoral
decisions. Those in South Carolina who
lapped up the gibberish the so-called POTUS
dished out for an entire year+ about
trade and how this country was the sucker
for the entire world will now be forced to reckon
with any repercussions this nonsense creates.
Only then will the needed lesson they should have learned
a long time ago be internalized for the next time a
charlatan in the guise of a populist bully asks for their
votes.
5
The reality is really not that complex. You cannot have both ways and elections have consequences. Take ownership of your own action.
To me, Germany should be a role model but the reality is US will never become Germany. Union is very powerful in Germany, therefore, union itself is not a problem at least in Germany. Germany has the best export engine in the world. Germany has a great social safety net and college is cheap. But many students end up in trade schools.
However, I am very worried. The model was build by a more or less homogeneous population (no immigration allowed even for Turks live in Germany for generations). With the influx of refugees, Germany is becoming a multicultural society. The identify is losing and the work ethic may be affected. I admire the German model but I really think that they made a mistake. Altruism can only happen in a homogeneous society and it is built in our DNA. Germany and the Nordic countries are running a dangerous experiment.
To me, Germany should be a role model but the reality is US will never become Germany. Union is very powerful in Germany, therefore, union itself is not a problem at least in Germany. Germany has the best export engine in the world. Germany has a great social safety net and college is cheap. But many students end up in trade schools.
However, I am very worried. The model was build by a more or less homogeneous population (no immigration allowed even for Turks live in Germany for generations). With the influx of refugees, Germany is becoming a multicultural society. The identify is losing and the work ethic may be affected. I admire the German model but I really think that they made a mistake. Altruism can only happen in a homogeneous society and it is built in our DNA. Germany and the Nordic countries are running a dangerous experiment.
Constitutional Amendment: no state receives one dime more in aid or revenue from the Federal Government then it contributes to the Federal Government in taxes.
Then red state Republican tax moochers - virtually all of them - can stop sponging off blue state taxpayers and pull themselves up by their own bootstraps, as Republicans "takers" are so fond of saying.
Then red state Republican tax moochers - virtually all of them - can stop sponging off blue state taxpayers and pull themselves up by their own bootstraps, as Republicans "takers" are so fond of saying.
12
Ted Pitts was apparently in a coma for the last 18 months or so. I'm glad he's awake and healthy now.
7
“For us, this isn’t a political issue. This is a matter of livelihoods and of a regional economy and a lot of other things that are going on here.”
Don't get anxious, VOTE!!!
Don't get anxious, VOTE!!!
3
Another Lost Cause for the good folks of South Carolina: Assuming that, in voting for Trump and his xenophobia, he of course did not mean actually going against anyone that filled their own pockets. Expecting coherence from Trump is a Lost Cause for all Americans.
4
This administration does not seem to be a thinking kind of operation
1
Ah, isn't the irony delicious? I'll take two scoops, please.
7
Oh cry me a river. I have NO sympathy for the red state fools who think any problems Trump might create would be those of other people. He threatens global prosperity, global peace, international relations and he's just getting started.
Back in the 70's, I knew people who said they'd never buy a BMW because it was a German product, and everyone knows Germany hates the world. Well, I'm not going to buy a BMW if it's made in South Carolina because everyone knows the Republicans in South Carolina just want to watch the world burn. They proved it by voting overwhelmingly for Trump.
Are those coal mines hiring?
Back in the 70's, I knew people who said they'd never buy a BMW because it was a German product, and everyone knows Germany hates the world. Well, I'm not going to buy a BMW if it's made in South Carolina because everyone knows the Republicans in South Carolina just want to watch the world burn. They proved it by voting overwhelmingly for Trump.
Are those coal mines hiring?
10
We sometimes get the government we deserve.
3
I wonder if anyone polled the workers in these U.S. plants that owe their jobs to German and Japanese manufacturing whether they voted for Trump and if they support what he is doing?
3
Even if every German factory packed up tomorrow and left, Trump would still have overwhelming support among whites in South Carolina. He's deporting Mexicans and is going to put more blacks in jail. Music to the ears of a racist Southern state.
6
The South supported Trump - as you sow so you reap. You cannot have your cake and eat it. I am just running out of idioms.
5
With Trump in town you better watch out what day of the week your next smarmy Californian Beamer is made; Monday's will typically have more defects since, Well it's Mean old Monday… Thursday because it's almost Friday and can't wait to party(Early), and so forth.
Merkel is a powerful, knowledgeable female leader. Obama remains immensely popular in Germany, recently drawing 70,000 people at the Brandenburg Gate while Trump was also overseas. These two things alone would make Germany 'very bad' for the massively insecure DJT, who is acting out to make sure we all know he's President.
11
“I’m a little bit surprised and disappointed that the president has chosen to attack before he gets his facts straight..."
chosen? that would suggest rational thought. he just reacts with a visceral randomness. he doesn't know what the word "facts" means.
I also cannot help but feel there is a bit of hypocrisy in Mr. Pitts making his statement. how much support of Trump did he express before it actually began to possibly affect him?
chosen? that would suggest rational thought. he just reacts with a visceral randomness. he doesn't know what the word "facts" means.
I also cannot help but feel there is a bit of hypocrisy in Mr. Pitts making his statement. how much support of Trump did he express before it actually began to possibly affect him?
6
Once again tribal mentality is overcome by reality
4
the 'folks' like a simple narrative. complicated is too confusing.
not sure what trump expects. i've been to germany several times and lived in japan for a number of years.
there was a dearth of american cars in both countries. during my 19 years--off and on--in japan i saw a few mustangs and 7-8 corvettes.
when i asked about american cars, 'junk' or a variety of that word was almost universal.
on top of that, if americans want americans to buy american cars, why wouldn't japanese or germans do the same thing?
finally, i just read a day or two ago that trump was partial to mercedes with both he and melania owning them. trump, if i remember correctly, spent $465,000 for one of them. also, didn't his buildings use chinese steel? didn't trump sat by looking sheepish when david letterman pulled out trump ties and shirts made overseas--from china and turkey, perhaps.
not sure what trump expects. i've been to germany several times and lived in japan for a number of years.
there was a dearth of american cars in both countries. during my 19 years--off and on--in japan i saw a few mustangs and 7-8 corvettes.
when i asked about american cars, 'junk' or a variety of that word was almost universal.
on top of that, if americans want americans to buy american cars, why wouldn't japanese or germans do the same thing?
finally, i just read a day or two ago that trump was partial to mercedes with both he and melania owning them. trump, if i remember correctly, spent $465,000 for one of them. also, didn't his buildings use chinese steel? didn't trump sat by looking sheepish when david letterman pulled out trump ties and shirts made overseas--from china and turkey, perhaps.
6
Grimace is just an elite word for the Trump grin. This is winning, AND the South shall rise again. Right, Donald???
Southerner's economic interests are colliding with their racism and xenophobia.
6
Racism and xenophobia are expensive luxuries. Even so it's nearly impossible for some folks to give them up.
1
Trump is too ignorant to understand that the German auto industry creates thousands of good jobs here in America. He latches on to a single fact (trade deficit), but is incapable of seeing the big picture. And he's too lazy to want to learn what the big picture is and the dynamics of trade contributing to this big picture. This is the perfect storm for America: a clueless president who has no interest in learning. Who ever knew healthcare could be so complicated? Guess what? It's the same for trade and jobs.
6
He's got the Midas touch alright.
As is typical with Trump hypocrisy is the rule of the day. Remember lambasting offshore manufacturing while using foreign steel in construction, foreign manufacturing of Trump and Ivanka brand goods?
In his younger days Mr. Trump used to favor being driven around in Cadillacs and while he still has a few American cars, he has personally contributed to the trade imbalance with the purchases of many foreign cars, including German cars and Rolls-Royce - owned by Germany's BMW. Before entering the White House other than the Rolls Royce his conveyance of choice (personally and for the Apprentice) was the Maybach (owned by Mercedes-Benz), except when he was slumming it, then it was just a regular old Mercedes-Benz S600 sedan (armored) so he could go among the masses. Oh then there is the Mercedes-Benz SLR ($455,000).
That's a pretty big set of logs in the Donald's eye, no?
In his younger days Mr. Trump used to favor being driven around in Cadillacs and while he still has a few American cars, he has personally contributed to the trade imbalance with the purchases of many foreign cars, including German cars and Rolls-Royce - owned by Germany's BMW. Before entering the White House other than the Rolls Royce his conveyance of choice (personally and for the Apprentice) was the Maybach (owned by Mercedes-Benz), except when he was slumming it, then it was just a regular old Mercedes-Benz S600 sedan (armored) so he could go among the masses. Oh then there is the Mercedes-Benz SLR ($455,000).
That's a pretty big set of logs in the Donald's eye, no?
4
When will folks wake up to the reality that we have a POTUS who is mentally challenged? We have given the keys of power to a 70 year old with a mind which embodies the worse aspects of time eroding the facilities of the individual. In a word, the man is nuts. Can't you see this? Can't anyone see this? I'll bet Merkle saw it clearly behind those closed doors. And my bet is she is setting her next set of gambits in accordance with that understanding. I know I would be. As our American leadership class should be. The man needs to be removed, fired, from the job.
John~
American Net'Zen
John~
American Net'Zen
7
So when he bloviates about something they actually know about, they are worried and disappointed. But even so they refuse to believe he is just as wrong and destructive about issues they know little about. Typical.
3
The Europeans discovered SC over 40 YAG when Michelin built a huge tire factory in SC. A friend in the real estate business was lucky to be chosen by the new Michelin manager to find a home in SC. He asked her if a huge amount of money was enough to buy a quality home in SC. She told him there were no homes in that price range available. The textile industry had departed to other much less expensive places.
Now a lot of German Companies are in SC and they even call the freeways in SC the Autobahn.
Yes djt's tweets show him for the half wit scoundrel he is - kind of amusing.
Now a lot of German Companies are in SC and they even call the freeways in SC the Autobahn.
Yes djt's tweets show him for the half wit scoundrel he is - kind of amusing.
2
While Trump is undeniably stupid and poorly informed to lash out in his vitriolic manner against German industry in the USA, one thing must be remembered. BMW is an exploitative employer in their American operations, farming out to temps and contractors a vast number of the work involved in producing their marginal vehicles made in Greer, Not everyone depicted in the photos of their highly automated workplace is a BMW employee, by any means. One of my friends has been strung along as a "select temp" by BMW in their Woodcliff Lake operation for over a decade with promises, never fulfilled, of giving him a genuine work card. Not too different from the labor model that the Quandt family, Josef Goebbels' own in-laws, used at Auschwitz-Birkenau until the Red Army disrupted their operations early in 1945.
4
Please. Right to work means right to work for less. The republicans are hoping to dismantle ALL unions. If you allow that, if you take pride in getting rid of the nasty unions you become a silent slave. That's how it works. I don't feel sorry for the family values, freedom loving, bitter part of America. Maybe they should think about building a better standard of living for everyone and get off the red state dole.
If the BMW workers voted for Trump then they are at fault. It's called "biting the hand that feeds you". Trump will destroy everything good in this country.
1
South Carolinians who voted for Trump will import one last German product before they leave the state for good: Schadenfreude.
2
A scorpion asks a frog to get him across the river,,, you know there rest
2
People in red states will support Trump with their gut, no matter how stupidly he acts, until a democrat comes along that their gut likes better. So it's up to the democrats now. It really is.
It's a two-way street. People have to use their brains, not just their gut.
Hey maybe international companies should move to Canada or Mexico where they will be appreciated.
Can't wait for Mexico to start getting there grains from Argentina. The South deserves ever bit of this along with the farmers in the Midwest.
They voted for this!!!
Can't wait for Mexico to start getting there grains from Argentina. The South deserves ever bit of this along with the farmers in the Midwest.
They voted for this!!!
2
Buyers' remorse from Trump voters? Cry me a river.
3
It just so happens that the German language has the perfect word for this situation, schadenfreude. The South voted overwhelmingly for Trump, and now they are receiving end of Trump’s lies, distortions, and, of course, criminal incompentence. Bless their little hearts, it couldn't happen to a nicer group of states.
4
This article is illogical. The outcome of making it more difficult for German companies to export to the US is MORE jobs and factories in the South and elsewhere not less as German companies aim to maintain and increase sales.
2
It sounds so good - inviting all these foreign-based multinational corporations to come to this state or that state to employ US citizens. But are these non-US corporations good corporate citizens? Do they pay any federal and state income taxes? The answer, I suggest, is little if any. And, why would they when pre-tax US profits can easily be shifted, moved, exported out of the US to foreign affiliates - US profits that are NOT subject to repatriation - not with a foreign parent.
The playing field is not level. Yet all our politicians talk about is lowering the 35% federal tax rate. Well, 35% of nothing is zero. The rate of tax means nothing if the US tax base is a fiction.
The playing field is not level. Yet all our politicians talk about is lowering the 35% federal tax rate. Well, 35% of nothing is zero. The rate of tax means nothing if the US tax base is a fiction.
5
Do we really want to get into a trade war? All concerned will lose: US, Germany and more importantly, the people who will lose their jobs. There are US companies in Germany doing the same thing.
1
Rather than suggesting why not find out before coming to self-fulfilling conclusions.
But I would suggest that BMW et. al. pay more taxes than Donald Trump or GE. Both famous for paying $0 whenever possible.
But I would suggest that BMW et. al. pay more taxes than Donald Trump or GE. Both famous for paying $0 whenever possible.
3
Marie - please go on YouTube and watch "The Town that Took on the Taxman" (58.58 minutes) and learn how multinationals, both US and foreign based, easily and legally shift their pre-tax profits to subsidiaries in tax havens.
3
This reminds me of the Brexit vote, where rural counties that made German cars voted to leave the EU. Where have all the flowers gone?
16
It seems the President goes out of his way to punish his own voters. He has gone after migrant farm workers who run the farms of California Republican farmers. He wants to eliminate Medicaid, food stamps and disability benefits that will disproportionately effect his voters. Now he is coming after the Southern auto industry. With a friend like Trump who needs enemies.
36
Trump punishes his voters because they have been wicked; taking more from the government than they deserve, hiring undocumented workers, etc. His voters know they have sinned, they welcome this righteous punishment and they will vote him into office again (with a little help from our friends in Russia).
2
70% of the 411,000 BMWs made in S.C. are exported.
If 30,000 of the vehicles are shipped to say China, is the invoice for these cars sent to the importer in China in US dollars from Spartanburg, S.C. and the payment received directly at a US bank in dollars for the full value of each vehicle?
Or is the invoice sent from Munich in Euros, and the Chinese pay a bank in Germany? And does Germany then charge the Spartanburg plant for parts etc. and reimburse it for expenses and other supplies?
Of course. GM similarly builds cars at its plants in China and sells most of them in China and perhaps a few neighboring countries. Different system.
While good jobs are created and the local economy benefits, How these trade flows are measured, and where profits, taxes paid, and future investment end up is perhaps where Mr. Trump is coming from?
Keep in mind that some of America's biggest "tech" companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, etc. operate in a "rigged" global system where they NEVER pay the "highest corporate tax rate in the world". Some of these companies do not pay any or minimum tax in many EU countries.
There is more to trade flows and interlocking parts of the global trade system, and when all countries try to protect their own interests only (what else could they do?) things can quickly spin out of control and do more harm than good.
If the heads of the EU countries, China, and others all start tweeting ala Mr. Trump ... watch out!
If 30,000 of the vehicles are shipped to say China, is the invoice for these cars sent to the importer in China in US dollars from Spartanburg, S.C. and the payment received directly at a US bank in dollars for the full value of each vehicle?
Or is the invoice sent from Munich in Euros, and the Chinese pay a bank in Germany? And does Germany then charge the Spartanburg plant for parts etc. and reimburse it for expenses and other supplies?
Of course. GM similarly builds cars at its plants in China and sells most of them in China and perhaps a few neighboring countries. Different system.
While good jobs are created and the local economy benefits, How these trade flows are measured, and where profits, taxes paid, and future investment end up is perhaps where Mr. Trump is coming from?
Keep in mind that some of America's biggest "tech" companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, etc. operate in a "rigged" global system where they NEVER pay the "highest corporate tax rate in the world". Some of these companies do not pay any or minimum tax in many EU countries.
There is more to trade flows and interlocking parts of the global trade system, and when all countries try to protect their own interests only (what else could they do?) things can quickly spin out of control and do more harm than good.
If the heads of the EU countries, China, and others all start tweeting ala Mr. Trump ... watch out!
7
One wonders what it will take for the Trump supporters to realize that they voted for a president who has no interest whatever in their lives unless it benefits him and his wealthy business associates.
From healthcare to jobs to taxes,it's always about delivering for the rich and powerful , nobody else.
From healthcare to jobs to taxes,it's always about delivering for the rich and powerful , nobody else.
14
Gosh, who knew that international trade could be so complicated?
27
What troubles me most is how the Trump supporters are still trying to remain loyal to a man who could have just driven a stake through the heart of their own local economies.
I expected a stronger reaction from representatives of thousands of local manufacturing jobs.
I expected a stronger reaction from representatives of thousands of local manufacturing jobs.
14
Trump doesn’t care about trade deficits with Germany. He’s only raising the issue to create leverage to get higher German defense spending.
In the near future, probably after Merkel is re-elected, there will be a new grand bargain with Germany, including:
1. Firmer commitments for higher German defense spending, maybe on U.S. arms, but maybe not reaching the 2% target
2. Increased German support for NATO missions outside of Europe
3. Re-affirmed U.S. commitment to Article 5
4. Continued German access to U.S. markets and maybe some high profile investments in the U.S.
5. Token efforts to promote U.S. products in Germany
6. Maybe U.S. efforts to combat climate change, though probably not through the Paris accords
7. Renewed expressions of solidarity and kinship
In other words, not much will actually change except for firmer defense spending commitments by Germany and a bit more direct investment in the U.S.
That will be a win for the U.S. and for Germany.
In the near future, probably after Merkel is re-elected, there will be a new grand bargain with Germany, including:
1. Firmer commitments for higher German defense spending, maybe on U.S. arms, but maybe not reaching the 2% target
2. Increased German support for NATO missions outside of Europe
3. Re-affirmed U.S. commitment to Article 5
4. Continued German access to U.S. markets and maybe some high profile investments in the U.S.
5. Token efforts to promote U.S. products in Germany
6. Maybe U.S. efforts to combat climate change, though probably not through the Paris accords
7. Renewed expressions of solidarity and kinship
In other words, not much will actually change except for firmer defense spending commitments by Germany and a bit more direct investment in the U.S.
That will be a win for the U.S. and for Germany.
2
John, though I admire the mental effort to believe in "the Art of the Deal", the time has come and past to believe there is an employable grand scheme behind the President's tweets. I am saying this as someone who did not vote for HRC. The President has consistently demonstrated he says inflammatory remarks (e.g. Obama wiretapping, covefe, Comey tapes, etc.) not because he has a track record of achieving endpoints, but rather because he personally thrives on the attention it brings him.
The goals you state and believe to exist of this "grand bargain" don't align in any regards to reality, in a multitude of ways. For instance, "Increased German support for NATO missions outside of Europe". Currently, Germany has 980 troops in Afghanistan, the third most of any country in the world. Just what NATO mission outside of Europe do you want them to contribute more troops to? Additionally, you believe we will ultimately reaffirm commitment to Article 5. How Article 5 works is every NATO country is supposed to be resolutely committed to it; so adversaries do not believe they have a reasonable shot of invading a country as they risk whole-scale retaliation. Unfortunately, Donald Trump has broken that intentional facade in trying, and has left an opening for Russian involvement in the Baltic States. Finally, your claim that he will institute Climate Change measures outside of the is perhaps the most ludicrous, as he firmly rallied against the science behind Global Warming.
The goals you state and believe to exist of this "grand bargain" don't align in any regards to reality, in a multitude of ways. For instance, "Increased German support for NATO missions outside of Europe". Currently, Germany has 980 troops in Afghanistan, the third most of any country in the world. Just what NATO mission outside of Europe do you want them to contribute more troops to? Additionally, you believe we will ultimately reaffirm commitment to Article 5. How Article 5 works is every NATO country is supposed to be resolutely committed to it; so adversaries do not believe they have a reasonable shot of invading a country as they risk whole-scale retaliation. Unfortunately, Donald Trump has broken that intentional facade in trying, and has left an opening for Russian involvement in the Baltic States. Finally, your claim that he will institute Climate Change measures outside of the is perhaps the most ludicrous, as he firmly rallied against the science behind Global Warming.
4
Sadly, that's simply not the equation that European's are seeing . . . all they see is an ignorant boor criticizing them without having his facts straight. Such a great negotiator!
1
“For us, this isn’t a political issue. This is a matter of livelihoods and of a regional economy and a lot of other things that are going on here.”
Translation
"We are not rejecting our tribe. We identify deeply with what Trump and the Republican party stand for, but we do need our source of income. That is a legitimate concern, don't hold it against us. "
Translation
"We are not rejecting our tribe. We identify deeply with what Trump and the Republican party stand for, but we do need our source of income. That is a legitimate concern, don't hold it against us. "
13
Foreign car and other manufacturers coming into the United States represent a kind of colonization. It makes their products less foreign if they are employing thousands of Americans and gives them ready access to the second biggest car market in the world, after China. Ford took this route very early in its existence, becoming a Euro assembly operation first in the UK and later on the continent. People in South Carolina and elsewhere in the south welcome these foreign companies because the economies were otherwise dying a slow death.
It was very interesting that the local officials mentioned in the article were very hesitant in their criticism of Trump. They can't bring themselves to realize, apparently, that they made an appalling mistake in voting someone into the presidency with no govt. experience and with a narrow, uninformed view of world trade and its various impacts, positive and negative. I suppose they will go right on with muted criticism if Trump decides to entirely ruin what has been built with foreign companies. "Well, maybe it wasn't the best thing...
Trump has all the finesse of a 400 pound football player trying to dance at the Royal Ballet. During the campaign, he promised that everything he would do was going to be beautiful, spectacular, better than anything anyone had done before, the same hokum he spread for decades in business. Yet, the southern politicians and Chamber of Commerce types can't admit, at least not publicly, that they were hoodwinked.
It was very interesting that the local officials mentioned in the article were very hesitant in their criticism of Trump. They can't bring themselves to realize, apparently, that they made an appalling mistake in voting someone into the presidency with no govt. experience and with a narrow, uninformed view of world trade and its various impacts, positive and negative. I suppose they will go right on with muted criticism if Trump decides to entirely ruin what has been built with foreign companies. "Well, maybe it wasn't the best thing...
Trump has all the finesse of a 400 pound football player trying to dance at the Royal Ballet. During the campaign, he promised that everything he would do was going to be beautiful, spectacular, better than anything anyone had done before, the same hokum he spread for decades in business. Yet, the southern politicians and Chamber of Commerce types can't admit, at least not publicly, that they were hoodwinked.
19
Good thing for Tennessee that Mr Trump met Mr Abe early in his term and somehow the fact that the state has over 10,000 jobs linked to Japan's moving a huge (and growing) manufacturing plant and USCorporate headquarters here was never part of a threat. How did this escape Mr. Bannon's radar? Don't just as many Americans choose Japanese cars over American ones?
8
All jobs are non-union, all parts are from Germany or Austria, just assembled in SC. Yes, it is great for this area, mostly rural, poor soils and dependent on Tourists from up north.
Every state would like this kind of set up. Honda has been in Ohio for 30+ years, not high paying union jobs, but working class wages, it still grows the economy
Trump has no facts, and would never even consider them, too detailed for him
Every state would like this kind of set up. Honda has been in Ohio for 30+ years, not high paying union jobs, but working class wages, it still grows the economy
Trump has no facts, and would never even consider them, too detailed for him
7
You must remember that the Trump "administration" relies on alternative facts. Real facts cannot penetrate the Trump administration bubble.
2
Note to Trump (not that he'll read it):
Products today are made world wide. Even a Chevy has parts that are made elsewhere, shipped here and assembled in the US. There is no such thing as "Made In America" for a majority of big US goods. Even some of our plywood is made overseas from US wood chips. Be careful (a forlorn hope) when you mess with trade agreements, they are more complex than you know (of course, everything is more complex than YOU know).
Products today are made world wide. Even a Chevy has parts that are made elsewhere, shipped here and assembled in the US. There is no such thing as "Made In America" for a majority of big US goods. Even some of our plywood is made overseas from US wood chips. Be careful (a forlorn hope) when you mess with trade agreements, they are more complex than you know (of course, everything is more complex than YOU know).
13
I take issue with your mention of complaints about "low wages" with southern auto plants. The southeast U.S. has an extremely inexpensive cost of living, and $50K/yr jobs get 10 applicants per opening. It is the American dream, especially considering the cooperation, positive environment, and extra dues possible without a union. Of course, free trade is beneficial to all, so I absolutely disagree with Trump.
4
Over and over again, news media will profile Trump voters who are still happy with their choice for president. They like how he is shaking things up in Washington. The fact that they are willfully oblivious to the dangerous ramifications of what he is doing will make it very difficult to feel sympathy for them when it is their ox that is being gored. However, for the good of the country, we need to stop Trump even if it means these people never learn why they are wrong.
14
I've decided to not purchase cars built in Red States. That's basically all manufactures except Tesla, Audi, Porsche, Jaguar and Volvo. Once Volvo opens their new plant in South Carolina, they're off the list too. Never ever thought of boycotting until after Trump. We all have our own method of protesting. Mine is watching which state my money goes, or rather, don't go. I encourage others to do the same.
21
GM, Ford and Chrysler not on your list? They don't really have much of a presence in the Red states (I don't really count Michigan as red; 2016 was a weird anomaly)
This is a really good thought . . . the problem is that its hard to figure out where companies are producing the products that we put in our shopping basket. If there were --let's say-- a website that rated companies on the strength of their local connections I surely would consult it when making my shopping list.
What we need is an politically conscious entrepreneur to take this challenge on . . .
What we need is an politically conscious entrepreneur to take this challenge on . . .
2
Trump sees "tweeting" as an expression of his power and influence, so he's not going to stop doing it. But I've stopped reacting to the fact that the president of the United States uses social media about as impulsively and ineffectively as a tween girl.
Kudos to the mayor for summing up my thoughts perfectly.
“The thing that concerns me more than anything else is what I view as a lack of understanding about the global economy. I don’t profess to be an economist, but I know there has to be give and take.”
Amen, brother.
Kudos to the mayor for summing up my thoughts perfectly.
“The thing that concerns me more than anything else is what I view as a lack of understanding about the global economy. I don’t profess to be an economist, but I know there has to be give and take.”
Amen, brother.
12
Wait until americans find out, that two of their five biggest truck companies (Western Star & Freighliner) are actually fully german (Daimler), another one (Mack) is swedish (Volvo) and finally Navistar is 17% Volkswagen because for export reasons.
16
It should surprise no one that Trump acts before getting the facts. He's not interested in facts, other than those he concocts to support his actions.
15
It's too bad that Trump has spent little time in Germany or getting to know Germans. The VW debacle aside, they produce some of the finest products in the world, including the car that I drive. It is my third card with this German manufacturer. Perhaps if he took time to examine how things are done in Germany, and replicated by US Workers, then he would understand our trade deficit with them much better. And, Germans will not be cowed by threats or bullied.
11
Trade deficit?
We have,how many more people than Germany? Doesn't that suggest we would buy more stuff from them than they buy from us?
I must be missing something.
Germany is our most powerful and stable ally. Trump seems to rank them behind Saudi Arabia, and Russia.
We have,how many more people than Germany? Doesn't that suggest we would buy more stuff from them than they buy from us?
I must be missing something.
Germany is our most powerful and stable ally. Trump seems to rank them behind Saudi Arabia, and Russia.
16
Because many democrats did not vote is also a reason why Trump won. Russians did not keep them from goig to the polls!
7
This should serve to illustrate that Trump's words matter, even if he doesn't think through what he's about to blurt out. Sad.
5
Germany?! Really?! Germany, for the most part, doesn't cheat. They follow the rules of international trade. China, on the other hand, cheats constantly. Huge government backed loans to industrial favorites, barriers to foreign products being sold in the country, the theft and extortion of technology from foreign companies and the demand of 51% Chinese ownership in all foreign companies attempting to set up shop in China. There is little fair about how China conducts business and yet the Trump administration is picking on the near straight A student in Germany? Ridiculous.
7
Foreign companies should move to blue states.
5
The folks in South Carolina's 5th district have a chance coming up soon to reconsider whether Trump's "shoot first, aim later style" is really what they want. Not that Trump can be repealed and replaced quite yet, but a vote for Parnell might help focus the attention of other Republicans in Congress to try to limit the damage Trump does. And a sign that Trump's craziness is not playing well in South Carolina might give our allies hope that if they just hold on, America will come back to her senses.
5
News flash for Trump voters: If an incompetent pretender is elected to the Presidency, incredibly incompetent statements and policies follow.
Glad I could help.
Glad I could help.
17
There is no "Give and Take" in our Beloved Leader's mind - there is only TAKE!
4
"I’m a little bit surprised and disappointed that the president has chosen to attack before he gets his facts straight."
I'm extremely surprised and disappointed that South Carolina chose Donald Trump before getting its facts straight.
I'm extremely surprised and disappointed that South Carolina chose Donald Trump before getting its facts straight.
25
Donna...Amen 2 thousand times.
2
Request to BMW : Can you please close the plant in Greer? We would like the Trump electorate to lose both their jobs and their healthcare.
"For us, this isn't a political issue." Of course it is a political issue. dt is trying to make political points with his supporters by insulting the Germans. He is just too uninformed on economics to understand the ramifications of what he is saying. I'm willing to bet that most of the executives and workers in the Greer factory unwittingly voted for dt and now they are reaping the consequences.
4
And then they came for the American workers making German cars....
4
“I’m a little bit surprised and disappointed that the president has chosen to attack before he gets his facts straight,” said Ted Pitts, president and chief executive of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, who previously served as Ms. Haley’s chief of staff and, before that, as a Republican state legislator. “I guess we’re surprised that he’d try to make this claim at the expense of South Carolina and American jobs.”
Wake-up call to those who supported Trump! He could not care less about any of you! There should be no "surprises." What will it take for you to get it?
Wake-up call to those who supported Trump! He could not care less about any of you! There should be no "surprises." What will it take for you to get it?
9
To paraphrase Martin Miemoller's poem "First they came ..."
First he came for the immigrants, and I did not speak out because I was not an immigrant
Then he came for the refugees, and I did not speak out because I was not a refugee
Then he came for the poor, and I did not speak out because I was not poor
Then he came for the journalists, and I did not speak out because I was not a journalist
Then he came for the judges, and I did not speak out because I was not a judge
Then he came for the protesters, and I did not speak out because I was not a protester
Then he came for me, and there was no one left to defend me
First he came for the immigrants, and I did not speak out because I was not an immigrant
Then he came for the refugees, and I did not speak out because I was not a refugee
Then he came for the poor, and I did not speak out because I was not poor
Then he came for the journalists, and I did not speak out because I was not a journalist
Then he came for the judges, and I did not speak out because I was not a judge
Then he came for the protesters, and I did not speak out because I was not a protester
Then he came for me, and there was no one left to defend me
6
We like Germany. Relocate your US plants to Canada!
6
“A company like BMW has been around 100 years, and they expect to be around another 100 years, and so they’re making very serious location decisions based on our trade policies and they expect those to be honored.” Now americans know what it is to have a Chavez-type president ...
1
At least they're up-front with their NIMBYism and sad little rationalizations: "I like how he's off-base with everything -- except where it impacts my life;" "I think it's great how he tweets nonsense -- except nonsense that might have an effect on me." And then there's the true pathos: "I'm thrilled to keep voting Republican, even when Republicans hurt me and my family, because I'm thrilled to vote Republican!" Tribal politics at their worst.
8
Perhaps the best quote is the southerner who admitted he didn't profess to be an economist. He's not. He's a republican politician. By definition, that means he's an ideologue.
8
This will sound very elitist: I own BMWs, and do not buy models assembled in the United States. They put information about the car's assembly point and the country of origin for many of their parts. There is a reason for this because some of us want their cars from Munich.
Truth is, the suburban mom or dad doesn't know their X5 SUV was manufactured in Spartanburg, SC, nor do they care because it's not about German or Italian pedigree, but just showing off at Whole Foods.
BMW, Mercedes, etc, should remove these plants and return them to Europe, only if labor wasn't so expensive.
Truth is, the suburban mom or dad doesn't know their X5 SUV was manufactured in Spartanburg, SC, nor do they care because it's not about German or Italian pedigree, but just showing off at Whole Foods.
BMW, Mercedes, etc, should remove these plants and return them to Europe, only if labor wasn't so expensive.
2
"BMW, Mercedes, etc, should remove these plants and return them to Europe, only if labor wasn't so expensive."
Your entire comment--including your self-awareness at sounding elitist--is the neo-liberal cause and effect that Putin, the Russian geo-political chess player, is able to exploit for his and their oligarchs' ultimate interests.
Your entire comment--including your self-awareness at sounding elitist--is the neo-liberal cause and effect that Putin, the Russian geo-political chess player, is able to exploit for his and their oligarchs' ultimate interests.
The Chamber of Commerce official was surprised Trump attacked before getting his facts straight. We must assume this official has been on another planet for the last two years.
9
So much in the time of Trump makes me sad, but my mood improves greatly when I read about his fervent voters feeling betrayed. Trump didn't hide his ignorance and hypocrisy during the campaign, so they have only themselves to blame.
Wouldn't if be "sad" if BMW leaves. Those well paid workers could always get jobs mining coal, I guess
Wouldn't if be "sad" if BMW leaves. Those well paid workers could always get jobs mining coal, I guess
11
Personally I don't see any Trump voter changing their mind because of this. Blame a phantom liberal coastal elite for the job loss and applaud Trump for the blatant display of mindless xenophobia. Worst case scenario: he has to do a little more race-baiting on Twitter and it's all smoothed over. Abandoning personal economic interest to defend racism has been strong in the south for centuries.
9
German car makers... make vast numbers of cars right here in the USA , using American workers. Trump clearly doesn't have a clue.
So... you voted for him because he was a businessman? Surprise! Even those Carrier jobs are going to Mexico after all! It's all been a Con. Trump has had it made abundantly clear to him by leaders in Asia and Europe, that he hasn't the slightest understanding how world, and business economics works! They all had to stop and explain it to him. A knowledgeable businessman? Hardly! Not even a capable Conman!
"The best negotiator ever?" What kind of negotiator disses a nation right to their leader's face - making claims that were painfully untrue. German cars are made here - are even exported from the US! This hurts us how exactly?
Face it: You would be hard pressed to find a worse businessman than Trump. Running the American economy into the ground is about all he is good for!
So... you voted for him because he was a businessman? Surprise! Even those Carrier jobs are going to Mexico after all! It's all been a Con. Trump has had it made abundantly clear to him by leaders in Asia and Europe, that he hasn't the slightest understanding how world, and business economics works! They all had to stop and explain it to him. A knowledgeable businessman? Hardly! Not even a capable Conman!
"The best negotiator ever?" What kind of negotiator disses a nation right to their leader's face - making claims that were painfully untrue. German cars are made here - are even exported from the US! This hurts us how exactly?
Face it: You would be hard pressed to find a worse businessman than Trump. Running the American economy into the ground is about all he is good for!
11
Lack of insight, perspective and judgement. Deceitful, fact free charges A history of shady business dealings . Disdain for science. Racist, misogynistic and xenophobic ideas. " Hmmm, I think he'll make a good president. "
7
Do public officials who support Trump ever tire of explaining him or cleaning up after him? Earth to Trump country: he has no idea how to be president but one thing is for sure: he will cheat you or hurt you in the end.
5
Well, now our friends from the south and other parts of the country who went for Trump will have to live with the consequences of their votes. They all thought his racist, anti-immigrant stances were just great. Now they'll really learn how bad this guy is for their economic well-being, health care and the environment. Maybe some day some actual thought will go into making choices in the voting booth.
7
"I’m a little bit surprised and disappointed that the president has chosen to attack before he gets his facts straight,"
Why is this South Carolina Republican surprised?
Trump's whole campaign was built upon on attacks without facts.
Why is this South Carolina Republican surprised?
Trump's whole campaign was built upon on attacks without facts.
6
It's all Trump bluster of course but does highlight the disconnect between reality and the whole Republican shtick on trade and thus leaves all these Republicans talking out of both sides of their mouth.
4
Trump is a big question mark -- who knows what he actually believes.
But Bannon wants those companies out of America, and he doesn't care who it hurts. He's the guy who can't stand globalization in any form, even if it helps Americans. And he loves chaos. Trump? Lets his daughter make shoes in China. Doesn't care.
But Bannon wants those companies out of America, and he doesn't care who it hurts. He's the guy who can't stand globalization in any form, even if it helps Americans. And he loves chaos. Trump? Lets his daughter make shoes in China. Doesn't care.
30
The demagoguery of djt is catching up with him.
11
“I’m a little bit surprised and disappointed that the president has chosen to attack before he gets his facts straight”.
Welcome to Trumpworld, where appalling ignorance masquerades as "saying what you think" and "telling it like it is".
This fool can't resign soon enough.
Welcome to Trumpworld, where appalling ignorance masquerades as "saying what you think" and "telling it like it is".
This fool can't resign soon enough.
65
Well, Trump voters, this will be the way of things in Trumpistan. You give Trump your votes, and he does his best to take away your health insurance, put your jobs in danger, and give a tax cut to Hillary voters like me. And no it's not Obama's fault.
282
That's the problem with demagogues. They're great until they come after you.
310
This goes to show that Donald Trump doesn't know business and industry, he's been a real-estate guy who was set up in New York City by his dad, he knows nothing about manufacturing or manufacturing jobs........it's time people see the Grifter for what he is, a real phony.
371
Not even a year into his four year term, it seems my neighbor to the south is going through a phase. It is frightening to see a country with a massive military coming slightly unhinged. Let us hope it will work itself out.
100
slightly unhinged? That's wishful thinking. We hit completely unhinged yours ago.
We are now entering into total nervous breakdown territory. it's just hard to imagine what new horror will be revealed in the days and weeks ahead.
We are now entering into total nervous breakdown territory. it's just hard to imagine what new horror will be revealed in the days and weeks ahead.
5
America is coming "slightly" unhinged? You Canadians really are too kind to your neighbors.
2
As the Republicans are very fond of saying these days, elections have consequences!
227
Maybe the people in South Carolina and the other states that manufacture German and Japanese cars better think again before they vote for Trump.
222
What do you mean "again"?
3
It's a shame to see so many people duped by the sweet nothings of a con man. Maybe in time they will come to understand that nothing is simple and there are no easy fixes in a global economy. I hope no jobs are lost.
74
Simplistic demagoguery on the campaign trail got this crowd cheering. But now they're all nervous and cautioning about trade and economic "complexity." Live by it...die by it. Welcome to Trumpkinland.
179
I almost get the sense Trump (Bannon) is singling out his base to pick on in order to foment a civil war. Cut Medicaid to insanely low levels, scare foreign investment, align with autocrats, defund research into disease and science while energy companies despoil our natural wonders. All things disproportionately impacting red states. Surely it will be the fault of the folks living in blue states, don'tcha know.
153
Except this time some of us up north will opt to become Canadian provinces and leave the Red states to downward mobility in extremis.
4
I don't think Trump really has any grand plan in all this. Bannon, OTOH, probably does. But it's still Trump in charge and he is just as clueless about most things as he's always been. He's what my grandmother used to call "ignorant" and believes he can manage by gut instinct and the fact that he is, ahem, smarter than anyone else. His only real talent is as a snake oil salesman, but he's gotten himself in way over his head.
1
Business is like life: it dies in a closed system. It runs well when both input and output are balanced but neither a steady state or a steady growth model cannot be sustained over long period because it consumes more than it produces.
In view of the open trade policies of the modern times, the economic inequalities are the driving forces in any business but the business itself must follow a dynamic model that must evolve in time. Most economists forget that they always deal with a model and it tells them what they want to hear.
Real life is messier than that.
In view of the open trade policies of the modern times, the economic inequalities are the driving forces in any business but the business itself must follow a dynamic model that must evolve in time. Most economists forget that they always deal with a model and it tells them what they want to hear.
Real life is messier than that.
51
Just that Trump does not know that. He is a destructive force without any constructive thoughts. He is like a tank without a driver, just flattening everything in sight.
"I’m a little bit surprised and disappointed that the president has chosen to attack before he gets his facts straight." How was your nap, Mr. van Winkle?
361
Right? If anyone is really surprised by Trump's actions, they were asleep or were and are willfully ignorant.
4
Those red states that voted overwhelmingly trump and repub have been on the dole for so long being the welfare recipients of high Fed tax paying Blue states that they are ignorant of their self interests. Foreign investment in their poor communities they vote to expell. Their healthcare provided by Medicaid and Medicare they vote to cut. Their failing schools dependent on Fed funds they vote to cut. Fed funds supporting a safety net for their poor states they vote to shred. You voted for extreme storms, floods, tornados, forest fires, pestilence as you don't believe in man made global warming. Don't look to FEMA for help that blue states tax dollars pay for. Must I go on? They voted for trump's and the repub's scam so take the pain. Unfortunately, the blue states are impacted with you.
354
Oh, I feel so bad for you guys. Not.
You elected him. And you still are sending a Republican Congress to power, that abides by him.
Go apologize by purchasing health care for a poor person in a blue state.
You elected him. And you still are sending a Republican Congress to power, that abides by him.
Go apologize by purchasing health care for a poor person in a blue state.
273
“For us, this isn’t a political issue. This is a matter of livelihoods and of a regional economy and a lot of other things that are going on here.”
Since when has politics NOT been a matter of livelihoods and regional economies? Isn't the point of politics to create peace between neighbors and to encourage trade so that as everyone can survive? Am I missing something?
Since when has politics NOT been a matter of livelihoods and regional economies? Isn't the point of politics to create peace between neighbors and to encourage trade so that as everyone can survive? Am I missing something?
250
Apparently some people have yet to realize that everything is political.
3
When will voter remorse start in those States? Will they admit they made a mistake?
92
Never... trust me, they'll try to blame Obama.
I hate to tell you this, but my lifelong experience in the South has been that most Southerners, but especially conservative Southerners, never admit they made a mistake or were wrong. To do so would show them to be what the vast majority of them are. Of all things most of my fellow Southerners fear, exposure is their greatest fear. To be fair, I would say the same about many Americans from other regions.
4
My state has some of the dumbest politicians in the country which is a low bar indeed. We have state senators who are also leaders of survivalist groups. The schools are some of the poorest performing you can find and all they worry about in the state capital is relaxing gun laws and hopefully someday flying the confederate flag again. BMW, Mercedes and Volvo have brought western civilization to South Carolina and it would be a real twist of fate if the candidate they loved so much in the election turns out to be their undoing. Given the low wages (probably less than half of what German workers get) and the lax labor laws it will be unlikely that the Germans will move. Eventually Trump will realize that BMWs are actually made in the US, but hopefully he'll be impeached by then.
289
"Given the low wages (probably less than half of what German workers get) and the lax labor laws it will be unlikely that the Germans will move."
Not sure your "probably less than half" is correct, but it's almost certainly less in SC than in Germany. Really gives one pause to think how the U.S. has fallen from the days when we bragged about how well paid our factory employees were compared to everywhere else and were it was a point of pride that factory parking lots were filled with the employees' cars while workers in most of the rest of the world didn't dream of owning a car. And now, the workers in the south instead brag about how they've managed to steal jobs from those unionized dummies up north. And they vote for Trump who is going to "make America great again"--well, somehow. Even if we no longer pay workers well and if we've lost our drive to innovate and lead.
Not sure your "probably less than half" is correct, but it's almost certainly less in SC than in Germany. Really gives one pause to think how the U.S. has fallen from the days when we bragged about how well paid our factory employees were compared to everywhere else and were it was a point of pride that factory parking lots were filled with the employees' cars while workers in most of the rest of the world didn't dream of owning a car. And now, the workers in the south instead brag about how they've managed to steal jobs from those unionized dummies up north. And they vote for Trump who is going to "make America great again"--well, somehow. Even if we no longer pay workers well and if we've lost our drive to innovate and lead.
8
Remember what I warned about; if your shiny Beamer was made on a Friday or Monday it's probably got rattles from beer bottles or something else in the body work
I say less than half if you include all the perks, benefits and worker protections. Salary isn't everything.
1
So the people of SC continue support a politician against their own interests - this hardly qualifies as news.
117
With no clear vision or articulated strategy for his presidency, why is anyone surprised by the random, disconnected views trump displays. He has no idea how interconnected the world is - if he did he'd know just how absurd his "wall" and anti-NATO rhetoric sounds to reasonable people (just to name two of the absurdities we've seen since January).
Years ago I worked for a company that owned assisted living facilities. He reminds me of some of the residents in the memory-impaired units...drifting in and out of reality with no idea about which world they were in at any point in time - they could appear perfectly lucid and then drift into their own worlds. Very scary considering the power this person holds.
Years ago I worked for a company that owned assisted living facilities. He reminds me of some of the residents in the memory-impaired units...drifting in and out of reality with no idea about which world they were in at any point in time - they could appear perfectly lucid and then drift into their own worlds. Very scary considering the power this person holds.
82
The only difference is this president rarely - if ever - appears perfectly lucid. The high point of his trip abroad was getting a big gold chain in Saudi Arabia.
11
It is understandable that anyone without the cerebral perspicacity to recognize the value of German engineering or the virtue of German work ethic would vote for Trump.
BMW would best serve humanity by employing a workforce that appreciates their discipline, technology and meticulous detail
.
BMW would best serve humanity by employing a workforce that appreciates their discipline, technology and meticulous detail
.
58
Well, you make a good point about employment, though I could point you toward an auto mechanic or two who would tell you that German engineering ain't necessarily all it's cracked up to be.
1
German companies trained their workforce, no one stopped American car makers to do the same, no one stopped them to make better cars either. They moved to outsource production where labor was cheap.
2
Dear Trump " fans " : You were warned, many, many times. Enjoy.
194
Well, the Europeans errored in allowing Airbus to set up an operation in Alabama. Also, I would suggest that the Europeans keep all their high tech manufacturing in Europe in the future. Why take a chance that there might be a problem in the future?
55
I don't know what these Chamber of Commerce people are worried about, if BMW or VW pull up stakes the displaced workers can always find new work at all those coal mines that will be reopening. All these Trump supporters who are, now, worried about his erratic, destructive, ego driven and impulsive reactions to long term economic decisions were only too happy to back him when the harm fell on other, supposedly less deserving, Americans. If the German car companies decide to relocate, I say, let them eat brakes.
337
When all those American BMW workers get fired, they'll blame Obama that there are no food stamps left for them.
159
Your logic is… Brilliant!
3
"Complex reality" is not Mr. Trump's strong suit. "Overly-simplistic fantasy" is more like it.
81
I hope the Trump voters in SC get exactly what they voted for
156
That's nasty, Dana, I'm a South Carolinian; thousands of us voted for Clinton. The majority who voted for Trump were conned. We don't want to hurt them or us; we want to help them see what the president is doing to them. They support him by the skin of their teeth in the hope they were right when they see everyday new evidence they voted for the wrong person. Help voters deceived by Trump to recognize how he hurts all of us, help them end their denial.
4
You voted for him and now you're stuck with him.....good luck!
72
Dear Rick Danner, Mayor of Greer,
Welcome to Trump world. If you voted for him, this is what you were voting for. Sorry. No thank you.
Welcome to Trump world. If you voted for him, this is what you were voting for. Sorry. No thank you.
66
Americans get the government they deserve. In a large swath of the Deep South, the vitriol among whites for anything done by globalist elites in the name of modernity and prosperity has been met with disdain. It's interesting that not even five months into the trump administration that the largely white southern WASPs have taken a slap from the man who Franklin Graham coronated as their savior. Stupid is as stupid does !
88
You reap what you sew southern states.
40
First the Republicans went after the higher paying union jobs.
Now they're going after the lower paying nonunion "foreign" jobs.
I shudder to think what comes next...
Now they're going after the lower paying nonunion "foreign" jobs.
I shudder to think what comes next...
8
Even more "deconstruction" Bannonism ... A scourge to America.
34
Are you winning, NOW??? He's going to lose your jobs, for you. Bigly.
95
Hey, cut it out! You just gave the ugly American in chief another word for his lexicon of texiconation, or whatever
How can one expect Trump to understand anything as complex as global trade and the complexities of capitalism? The German companies which invest in factories in the South have good reasons for doing so and they have everything to do with what is described in this article. Watching Fox News is not going to help Mr trump understand much of anything. I didn't know of the many German factories in the South until I read this article, or at least I vaguely knew about them. But I'm not the President. He should know and have some sort of understanding about this. But he doesn't along with just about anything else. Pity.
58
I think it's the Trump supporters who can't understand the "complex realities" of supporting such a nitwit.
196
How does homer Simpson say it: duuuuhhee, or something
A beautiful state with many lovely people who were sadly duped.
70
Thank you. Not all of us were duped.
1
Who were full and eager participants in being duped, due to various factors which I need not mention.
6
Duped how? This ugly con man was on full display throughout the entire campaign. Let's be honest, for most guns, abortion, misogyny and racism people defined their vote, especially in the South. Others were driven by greed and their promised tax cut. Little did they realize what impact Trumps policies might actually have on their overall economic well being. You reap what you sow, now let them live with the consequences.
4
No, we can't take this kind of rhetoric lightly -- any of it, not just that which has to do with business but also climate, immigration, the budget, North Korea, you name it. America is abdicating it's leadership role in the world and it won't just be in business -- in the clean energy realm where China already leads -- but in everything that has been built, all of the democratic gains that have been won through diplomacy and blood. The Republicans are destroying our future and Trump is only the most obvious symptom of their chronic sickness.
96
Why that odor in the air?
It smells like schadenfreud.
I find it rather interesting that those who gravitated towards Trump because of the simplicity of his vile rhetoric and scapegoating. are now shocked to find out that Trump is actually a simpleton who does not understand the complex aspects of macroeconomics and how the first world national economies are intertwined.
It smells like schadenfreud.
I find it rather interesting that those who gravitated towards Trump because of the simplicity of his vile rhetoric and scapegoating. are now shocked to find out that Trump is actually a simpleton who does not understand the complex aspects of macroeconomics and how the first world national economies are intertwined.
413
So they liked that Trump shoots from the hip, but are dismayed when he actually does that because now it's at their own expense.
246
Shooting from the hip appeals if the bullet hits the other guy. If it hits you, well, not so much.
More like shoots from the lip.
2
As Gomer would say..... surprise,surprise,surprise
126
"Mr. Harbison welcomed Mr. Trump’s shoot-from-the-hip style. But he also said, “I’m not sure on this one that it was the best thing to do.”....
Ugh, he's not sure? So, it's alright to "shoot from the hip" so long as it doesn't hurt you? This must be the new American (Republican?) way? We're in trouble!
Ugh, he's not sure? So, it's alright to "shoot from the hip" so long as it doesn't hurt you? This must be the new American (Republican?) way? We're in trouble!
174
This has ALWAYS been the Republican way!
44
Someone should have reminded them back in November - Be careful what you wish for; you might get it.
171
Well, as the article points out, this is an area that voted for Trump. One has to assume they understood the implications of his unconsidered and reckless rhetoric during the campaign. So it is hard to feel sorry for this community - and others like it. They wanted America first and that is what they are getting--and they likely don't feel sorry for the rest of the country that will suffer as a consequence of their probable misjudgments.
383
Agreed.This bleeding-heart liberal is practising tough love from now on...
You voted for it.
Now you got it:)
Now sit at the table until you finish every last bite. Just like we, the adults in the room have to.Hey it feels great "Making America great " again huh?
You voted for it.
Now you got it:)
Now sit at the table until you finish every last bite. Just like we, the adults in the room have to.Hey it feels great "Making America great " again huh?
Just like Trump does not handle complexity well neither do his supporters.
8
Wait, what? Y'all were in Greer? 15 minutes from my house. Missed you guys.
16
Give the guy a break. He doesn't know that BMW's are built in So Carolina.
42
I care as much about jobs in South Carolina as the Trump majority on that state cares about the significant racial & ethnic diversity of my home town of Houston as we worry about ICE raids at schools and workplaces and attacks on Muslim folks.
83
Trump is doing exactly what he said he would do on the campaign trail. South Carolina voted for Trump in a big way. Why are they now surprised that he is carrying through on his campaign promises?
430
People who voted for Trump were too busy scape-goating Muslims and immigrants, and spewing bigotry to notice anything else.
238
“I’m a little bit surprised and disappointed that the president has chosen to attack before he gets his facts straight,”
Name one instance where Trump has researched, consulted and reviewed the consequences of any action?
Shoot first, aim later.
Name one instance where Trump has researched, consulted and reviewed the consequences of any action?
Shoot first, aim later.
539
Don't get distracted by any of this.
Focus instead on the Chinese visas (bribes) and development deals (bribes) taking place around the world.
Focus instead on the Chinese visas (bribes) and development deals (bribes) taking place around the world.
~ GABRIELE D'ANNUNZIO
Dying words
(1863-1938)
Italian poet, novelist, playwright, playboy,
war hero, and fascist adventurer.