Protectionism and Free Trade

The new trade agreement will be simply an amalgamation of the old NAFTA, the previously rejected TPP, and some new protectionist measures.

Much of Donald Trump's political rhetoric appears to be premised on "honor ideology" which places reputation and respect from others above all else, even at the cost of self-harm.

Both at home and abroad, the government causes the problems it says we need more government to solve.

Octavio Paz, defined government as "the philanthropic ogre," a creature that seemingly wishes to help the unfortunate, but at the same time devours more and more of the nation’s prosperity.

When economists idolize "efficiency" while ignoring property rights, they can justify pretty much anything.

Historically, US immigration policy limited rejection and deportation to those deemed to be either criminals or incapable of supporting themselves economically. The modern quota system takes a far more arbitrary approach.

American tariffs are just taxes on Americans, and its the American consumer who will suffer most.

Why attack the most vulnerable in our society, who benefit enormously from inexpensive imported retail goods?

The Constitutional ban on export duties has always been a hollow victory. Export tariffs are analytically equivalent to import tariffs.

Trump’s trade war is not about about being patriotic or protecting American businesses. It is about politics and bad economics.