Posted on 12/02/2017 9:57:54 AM PST by Jim W N
The latest rankings of trade freedom around the world, laid out in The Heritage Foundation 2018 Index of Economic Freedom, which will be published in January 2018, demonstrate that citizens of countries that embrace free trade are better off than those in countries that do not.
The data show a strong correlation between trade freedom and a variety of positive indicators, including economic prosperity, unpolluted environments, food security, gross national income per capita, and the absence of politically motivated violence or unrest. Reducing trade barriers remains a proven recipe for prosperity that a majority of Americans support.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. A comparison of economic performance and trade scores in the 2018 Index of Economic Freedom shows how trade freedom increases prosperity and overall well-being.
2. Countries with the most trade freedom have much higher per capita incomes, greater food security, cleaner environments, and less politically motivated violence.
3. Free trade policies also encourage freedom in general. Most Americans support free trade, and believe its benefits outweigh any disadvantages.
(Excerpt) Read more at heritage.org ...
IMO, the greatest barrier to freedom and prosperity in America is not the Left but confused folks on the Right.
Again, freedom and the Free Market Economy isn't perfect, but it is way ahead of whatever's in second place.
I’m big on free trade, not simply because I think it leads to a higher standard of living, but because it’s free, and in my worldview, there is nothing more important than human freedom.
I am completely for free trade, but I just want to tax items and services from outside the country.
I am completely for no income tax, but we somehow have that.
I am completely for no sales tax, but we somehow have that.
I am completely for no property tax, but we somehow have that.
I am completely for no inheritance tax, but we somehow have that.
All taxes are penalties for behavior, but they are penalties we believe we need to levy to fund government.
There is absolutely nothing that makes it preferable to tax only products and services that originate from a US worker and are used in the US over products and services from foreign lands that are used in the US.
“Free trade” in its ideal form does not exist ANYWHERE in the world. Stop with this fake mantra over that which you do not understand.
Well said.
Who pays those taxes? The other country??? No! You and I do resulting in a lower standard of living for the American consumer.
Apparently YOU are the one who is clueless about freedom and the free market economy and qualify as one of the Left's useful idiots.
D@mn, there are some really stupid FReepers!
Why penalize earning income over buying foreign? Get your freaking head out of your butt!
You’ll appreciate the level of “stupid” in this one...
US #48
Sloppy terms and implications.
It is saying tarrifs are bad, and the terms used make it easy to think it is about (free) private enterprise. But free trade has destroyed USA. All of our industry has been moved to other countries. Duh. USA is so confused.
Back at you dork. You apparently have no idea what the hell you’re talking about. Your tariffs penalize America consumers and limit their choices on the best product for the best price.
Get your freaking head out of your butt!
Best price from slave labor nations = stagnate wages for the last 30 years.
Trade Freedom in the USA, according to Heritage, is tied for 48th, out of roughly 200 countries.
Heritage forgot to mention one key fact...
The USA is Number One in the world for total exports and imports!
We import and export more goods and services than China, and China's population is FOUR times bigger than the USA.
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