Putting the “fair” in trade

George F. Will in a recent op-ed asks; “So, from what exactly does the nation need protection?” He admits that today U.S. industrial capacity has never been larger. He then offers Democrats have no principled objection to protectionism.

Not so fast, Mr. Will. Please explain the Rust Belt’s populist revolt two years ago. They witnessed the dismantling of a Factory Belt as Democratic Party leadership tossed aside organized labor in favor of southern hospitality and welcoming China, Japan, Taiwan and Japan.

Historical facts support Trump’s populist appeal to the upper Midwest. He saw promise while others positioned for gain via international agreements. The economy preferred by Mr. Will prefers the WTO, European Court of Justice and international investment law taking priority over U.S. citizen rights and fair trade.

Alan Greenspan, during 2007, did arrogantly offer that given the new way of organizing the world “it hardly makes any difference who will be the next president. The world is governed by market forces.”

Mr. Will’s discontent and overnight excursion from Republican to antitrump seems to have been fueled by his bend toward the globalism of Clinton, Bush and Obama. President Trump’s protective actions against China threatens to undo the technocratic rule imposed by institutions and treaties (aka “market forces”) favored by Mr. Will and Mr. Greenspan.

I am tired of never-trumpers like Mr. Will who pretend that the self-interest and protectionism practiced by China deserve no response from our elected leaders.

President Trump has stated repeatedly that he would gladly levy no tariffs on any country that imposes no tariffs on U.S. goods.

What is that, Mr. Will, if not the definition of free trade?

In contrast, since China joined the WTO, a few American but many more Chinese companies thrived, even as apologists like Will have blown smoke about idealized ‘’free trade,’’ while ignoring China’s unfair and predatory practices.

This occurred as higher-paying manufacturing jobs left the United States for China, and were replaced by lower-paying jobs in discount retail (of imported Chinese manufactures).

The theft and coerced transfer of American intellectual property is an even worse situation, raising national security concerns in electronic communications.

Meanwhile, our wealth departed for China too, and that country is now using our money to implement its global expansionist policies.