When America formed they used tariffs to protect their new businesses which made a lot of sense as British goods could command a bigger share for consumers. Over time with population increases and uncovering nature's bounty their economy grew and they became one of the participants negotiating free trade. Their manufacturing actually produced more goods than Americans could consume. The solution was to sell to the rest of the world, including third world countries. Free fair trade in fact benefited everyone.
Parts of the world where the standard living was lower than America found their advantage was cheap labor. American investors soon discovered they could get a competitive advantage shifting manufacturing to poor countries. In turn this helped elevate the living standards of these countries, examples include Japan and China. In turn they became consumers of American manufactured goods.
China, for one has accumulated enough wealth they are the chief lender for the United States government and at relatively low rates. America has sanctioned a lot of adversaries such as Russia, Iran and China, but now they have discovered they can trade among themselves to not only minimize the damage, but prosper. They have formed new trading groups involving such nations as Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, Ethiopia, India and many more.
The troubles in Ukraine and Palestine and inflation have distracted the world from an approaching life threatening issue, climate change. Unfortunately it will require international co-operation. We have already lost some options and the solutions may end up being more drastic that will attract resistance.
Mr. Trump presents himself as a business genius and some people think the disastrous situation he has created will allow him to use sharp negotiations to at least make America great again. His record is not impressive to some of us. One example is bankrupting casinos that are considered a license to print money. He has offered a large number of products that all failed. His sales college used illegal tactics that hurt victims and he had to pay $25 MILLION dollars. When the unexpected Covid 19 pandemic hit he dangerously botched it. The consequences of his mismanagement is still costing Americans.
Obama took over an economic mess and left Trump a rising economy. Even before Covid, Trump managed to greatly increase the deficit and afterwards left another mess. The Biden administration actually got things going in the right diretion better than any other G7 nation.
It is past time when member nations need to work together. Americans (and we in Canada and the rest of the western world) have a much high standard of living than most of the rest of the world. We have in fact exploited poorer nations.
Two areas that gather a lot of words, but allow suffering are Ukraine and Palestine. Ukraine was illegally invaded by Russia and somehow Trump leads Republicans to lean more towards the anti-democratic invaders. Israel has roots in over a hundred years, but one detail that seems to be forgotten, the Arabs were already there and naturally resented the intruders. Trump has suggested expelling the Palestinians to make room for a resort area. A sense of justice is required.
It is upsetting to hear Trump supporters twist logic. Most of them are descended from immigrants who were seeking a better life and for the most part succeeded. Of course as climate change and wars have hit more countries United States is not only seen as a chance to raise living standards, but also as a safe place. Ironically America will need immigrants to replace aging workers who contribute to pensions.
America has attained its high standard of living in part by exploiting other nations. The world has now developed its own leverage. Now with AI and robotic innovations eventually the world will need less human labor that likely aggravate inequality.
Time for Americans and the rest of us to re-think what we really need. Trump has to go.
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