"But, then, invocations of "national security" can rationalize a multitude of sins. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., says the sugar import quotas that enrich a few already rich Floridians are required for America's "food security." It will be desirable (because educational) if some nations retaliate for the steel and aluminum tariffs by imposing 25 percent tariffs on Florida citrus in the interest of "food security."
Electrolux, Europe's largest manufacturer of household appliances, responded to the U.S. tariffs by suspending plans to invest $250 million in a Tennessee factory. Before the announcement of the tariffs, which are intended to raise steel prices, Whirlpool's CEO lamented to analysts that rising prices of steel and other materials might knock $250 million off Whirlpool's profits. Whirlpool had just made a rent-seeking raid on Washington, where it successfully sought protection against foreign washing machines -- tariffs and import quotas that will punish American purchasers of appliances. As Lily Tomlin says, "No matter how cynical you become, it's never enough to keep up."...
Protectionism is a scythe that slices through core conservative principles, including opposition to government industrial policy, and to government picking winners and losers, and to crony capitalism elevated to an ethic ("A Few Americans First").
Big, bossy government does not get bigger or bossier than when it embraces protectionism -- government dictating what goods Americans can choose, and in what quantities, and at what prices."
http://www.jewishworldreview.com/cols/will030818.php3#SDXeXbrv6hhKio97.99
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