Central VA has a real hate on for anyone who believes in free trade. But I agree with you. Protectionism can be abused especially in the case where they insulate a company or industry from competition making them lazy and inefficient.
In Canada we have milk and egg board protectionism. Sure it protects our producers but screws the consumer. Why should I as a consumer finance the fortunes of our milk and egg producers? Arguing purely for protectionism as a virtue, means you have to accept that it is a good or moral duty for consumers to pay more because a producer can’t be bothered to compete.
Great points, well said.