[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Actually, we do not need to import anything, but we are richer and more comfortable if we do. We should be careful about the terms of trade. We should never become dependent on a small group of suppliers (like OPEC) for anything vital to our military strength or economic vitality.

China practices mercantilist policies, to the detriment of her own people and our manufacturers. They can turn the tables on us any time they like. We should never have let ourselves get into this position.

[central_va]

Actually, we do not need to import anything, but we are richer and more comfortable if we do.

Nope not true AT ALL. "We" is not all, some are richer and some communities have been devistated by offshoring. An America First policy of protectionism would make all richer.

[central_va]

China practices mercantilist policies, to the detriment of her own people and our manufacturers. They can turn the tables on us any time they like. We should never have let ourselves get into this position.

Do you know how ridiculous that statement is?

[aquila48]

“China practices mercantilist policies, to the detriment of her own people and our manufacturers.”

Why is it to the detriment of her own people?

China standard of living has increased many folds since it started exporting manufactured goods. It used to be a basket case, now it’s the second most powerful country and growing.

And its mercantilism is very different than what was practiced in the 19th century. Back then countries like Britain and France would drain their colonies of their natural resources (including gold) and send them manufactured goods.

Today China sends us manufactured goods in exchange for iou’s in the form of treasuries. Quite a deal for us if you ask me.

They basically fund our yearly deficits which pay for our welfare programs.

So Chinese people work so ours don’t have to.

[NorthMountain]

We should never have let ourselves get into this position.

Abolish the EPA.