I'm interested to see how everyone views free trade, especially considering Trump's protectionist rhetoric. Do free-trade organization like NAFTA make our economy better or worse? Personally, I hold the strong belief that free trade expands global economic output, delivering lower prices to consumers in every country, thereby constituting a net benefit. However, certain sectors of the economy are disproportionaly hurt by free trade. Should the government step in? Why or why not?
asaperstein1
Jun 2, 2018
Discussion
Group of Seven finance chiefs criticized the U.S., claiming its trade actions could devastate global economic confidence and threaten the effectiveness of the Western alliance. Do you agree? Will these tariff actions ultimately have such effects?
Although NAFTA and similar free trade agreements have promised more American jobs they have appeared to backfire. The deficits we hold with countries such as Mexico and China is unacceptable. I believe Trump is taking a step in the right direction to encourage companies to keep jobs within the United States. Many people refute this with saying Trump used Chinese steel in the construction of some of his businesses. Well, that was when he was still a businessman, not the President. The mindsets of both are completely different and it is unfair to discredit his current attempts to improve the economy because of his past business decisions.
I agree with Chase. Trump's economic responsibility should be to the United States of America and the United States of America alone. Sure, if a trade deal can be bargained to help both America and a potential partner, that's great! But, the stability and prosperity The United States market should be this nation's top priority.
Trump ran his campaign on a promise to the average American worker. He vowed that they would have more job opportunities. He said in a weekly address a few months ago, "For too long, American workers were forgotten by their government." The President continues, "Their interests were pushed aside for global projects, and their wealth was taken from their communities and shipped across the world, all across the seas. My administration has offered a new vision. The well-being of the American citizen and worker will be placed second to none."
He has pulled out of TPP, strengthened our borders and our fight on illegal immigration, laid the path for the Keystone Pipeline, and is in renegotiation of NAFTA. This ensemble of initiatives will bring jobs and factories back to America like Ford, General Motors, Lockheed Martin, among others, make jobs for Americans more available and at a higher attainability rate, and make the federal budget increase at little-to-no cost for U.S. citizens. Yes, it'll be a burden on the major companies and make products cost more, but this is a sacrifice people have to make for the longevity of our nation and its economy.
I could not have said it better Dewey, great comment
If either of you would be interested in talking about our national debt and budgetary issues and how they effect the economy, I recently started a discussion-based post called "Business as Usual is Boring." We've just gotten started on some interesting topics. Feel free to comment and post your own opinions.