Give war a chance
The ‘upside’ of the trade conflict
Dear John: You seem to be down on President Trump. His ego is not getting the better of common sense.
We are getting destroyed by China’s $4 billion trade deficit, as well as deficits with our allies — the EU, Canada, et. al. The tariff/trade war will not hurt us in the long run.
This is a win-win situation for us. We may pay a little more for some of our goods, but I will gladly pay more to correct a wrong that our previous administrations have let ride; or, we can continue with the status quo, not make waves and continue to get hammered.
I trust Trump the businessman vs. our previous presidents/administrations, vs. many of our “learned experts”, vs. our congressmen.
John, please stop being a snowflake. It is not becoming to you. JM
Dear JM: I’m not being a snowflake. What I am is an objective journalist looking at all sides of the Trump administra- tion — as other journalists should also be doing, but aren’t.
Yes, the trade situation is hurting us.
But Trump’s decision to take a jackhammer to all our agreements is extremely dangerous. And not just from an economic point of view.
Wars have been fought over trade issues. And that could be the outcome this time if our president acts in a cavalier manner.
As I’ve mentioned before, I know Trump. I met him more than 30 years ago. And I like the guy, although I believe his character leaves a little to be desired.
But that doesn’t mean I have to agree with everything he does or says.
I hope everything he is doing works out. And I have friends who swear what he is doing is right and proper.
I hope Trump is right and they are right.
Still, it’s not my job to kiss anyone’s butt. But I’d gladly do so if he turns out to be the genius he says he is.