Letters to the Editor

The 27.5 percent solution A trade war with China inches closer. Oh goody. Andrew Leonard [2006-03-23]

• tariffs, likely or not

  I think credibly threatening tariffs is a good first step. Actual tariffs may not be necessary. It is clear that China will do nothing to significantly loosen the peg without heavy pressure, and a tariff threat may be that pressure.

  I continue to be skeptical that we have enough of a democracy that a credible tariff threat is even a possibility. I continue to think that we've sold our democracy to corporatists, and they will not allow tariffs. But the fact that a bi-partisan group of tariff-supporting Senators went to China has begun to change my mind on this point.

  If the choice is to implement tariffs or implement social policy that helps workers deal with globalization, obviously in the real world only the former is possible. This society to resistant to considerations of social welfare and addicted to tax cuts for the rich, virtually ruling out any effective social program for globalization shock.

  If we have enough of a democracy to be able to credibly threaten tariffs, and if the Chinese don't blink, tariffs will be the policy.

  -- dissent
  [Read dissent's other letters]
  Permalink Flag Thursday, March 23, 2006 01:29 PM
  Click "Submit Flag" if you feel this post is inappropriate. Explain why below if you wish.

  Cancel