[AdamSelene235]

Three Systems of Plunder

The sincerity of those who advocate protectionism, socialism, and communism is not here questioned. Any writer who would do that must be influenced by a political spirit or a political fear. It is to be pointed out, however, that protectionism, socialism, and communism are basically the same plant in three different stages of its growth. All that can be said is that legal plunder is more visible in communism because it is complete plunder; and in protectionism because the plunder is limited to specific groups and industries.* Thus it follows that, of the three systems, socialism is the vaguest, the most indecisive, and, consequently, the most sincere stage of development.

-The Law, Frederick Bastiat

[harpseal]

The sincerity of those who advocate protectionism, socialism, and communism is not here questioned. Any writer who would do that must be influenced by a political spirit or a political fear. It is to be pointed out, however, that protectionism, socialism, and communism are basically the same plant in three different stages of its growth. All that can be said is that legal plunder is more visible in communism because it is complete plunder; and in protectionism because the plunder is limited to specific groups and industries.* Thus it follows that, of the three systems, socialism is the vaguest, the most indecisive, and, consequently, the most sincere stage of development.

Your citation of Batiat lying about protective tariffs does not advance your case. If you would care to discuss factual cases we can discuss factual cases if you care to merely use this forum to advance your religous belief in the current trade envirornment which is only called Free Trade by those who have a lack of knowledge about the cuurrent trade envirornment expect to be completely refuted with facts not fairy stories or lies like most Free Traders put forth.

[Dr Warmoose]

and in protectionism because the plunder is limited to specific groups and industries.

Funny, the founders of the united States chose tariffs, aka "protectionism".

[Lazamataz]

It is to be pointed out, however, that protectionism, socialism, and communism are basically the same plant in three different stages of its growth.

Why, yes.

Much in the same manner as "sports automobiles, apples and oranges" being basically the same thing.

[ninenot]

Well, until we dismantle the Socialist Enterprise now consisting of the several States and the FedGummint, we need the protectionism.

[Lazamataz]

By the by, why am I supposed to care what Bastiat writes? His main claim to fame is a series of articles defending "free trade" -- such trade that I call "unfair trade" -- and ridiculing tariffs and protectionism.

Therefore, of course you'll be able to find quotes attacking tariffs from Bastiat. Kinda circular logic, as far as I can tell: Bastiat hates tariffs, so in order to attack tariffs, quote Bastiat -- because Bastiat hates tariffs.