[bvw]

Not the tariffs but the political reaction to them, the tariff wars. I'll admit I'm not up on the ratios of ag to manufactured exports then and now.

[austrianecon]

But are not tarifs in general a political action? Do not governments institute tariffs? And if I slap a tax or tariff on your goods, will you not slap them on mine? To what purpose then does all this serve other than to reduce economic activity in general? No, I'm sorry. I mean this as no slight to you, but I think you have been somewhat misguided in your economic instruction. Tariffs are bad for a myriad of reasons. No, wait, let me back up. A general revenue seeking tariff is.......acceptable, for lack of a better term.. Special interest tariffs, and tariffs soley for political purposes are bad.