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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]What Trump is doing has been supported since at least 1776.  In The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith wrote in support of tariffs to get other countries to drop their tariffs.[/quote]

[b]General Preference for Free Trade:[/b]
Adam Smith, a proponent of free markets and free trade, argued that tariffs, which are taxes on imported goods, could hinder economic growth and prosperity. 
[b]Exceptions to Free Trade:[/b]
However, Smith acknowledged situations where tariffs might be justified, such as:

-National Security: He believed that tariffs could be used to protect industries vital for national defense, ensuring a country's ability to secure its own resources. 
-Retaliation: If a country imposed tariffs on a nation's exports, the retaliating nation might impose tariffs on the offending country's imports to encourage the removal of the initial tariffs. 
-Tax Equity: Smith argued that tariffs could be used to ensure that imported goods were taxed at the same rate as domestically produced goods. 
-Industry Transition: In cases where a domestic industry was facing competition from imports, tariffs might be used to allow the industry time to adapt and avoid mass unemployment.

[b]Smith's Writings:[/b]
In his seminal work, "The Wealth of Nations," Smith discussed the potential benefits and drawbacks of tariffs, arguing that while free trade was generally beneficial, there were circumstances where tariffs might be necessary. 
[b]Focus on Long-Term Benefits:[/b]
Smith's focus was on promoting long-term economic growth and prosperity, and he believed that free trade was the most effective way to achieve that goal.

IOW, not tariffs.
[/quote]

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