re: #5 Rightwingconspirator

If one takes a parochial view, most of this is correct. If one takes a global view, of the larger economy that is in the business of housing feeding and developing the lifestyles of billions, we did a great thing at significant sacrifice.

One likely alternative “history” if you will is China remained poor, relatively undeveloped without all that western money, and becomes belligerent and territorially expansive. Armed with nuclear weapons and a massive military in manpower. Seeking to gain the wherewithal to build and expand China may have become more than an economic challenger, but in fact a nuclear armed expansionist nation. ]

Of course all we have to do to balance the equation is match China’s import duties. Reciprocal tariff rates would force their markets to open more to ours.

That is a valid POV, but it is ancillary to the point of my writing. It is, absolutely, well worthy of a separate discussion.

Daniel, I think you understand my philosophy about discussing a topic to resolution without convoluting or obfuscating.

mz