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Trade Wars in the 21st century

 Trump a good old mercantilist has decided that raising tariffs on merchandise trade is a good idea.   It achieves two goals it created a break with Nato countries which he considers "community" as opposed to his friend Puttin.   It looks good politically, at home.

Now the infamous 30% tariff on "dryers" did not work the way Trump wanted, but he did not care which shows what he wants, to make his billionaire friends happy and richer.   The tariff did not lead to less foreign competition, just higher prices for washing machines and dryers.    That means higher margins.  Part of Trump's problem is that he forgets that America is a HUGE exporter of services.  You can draw your own conclusions...tariffs on services are far deadlier!

The cabinet of incompetents doesn't matter, the people who he nominated with one or two rare exceptions are just there to kiss his ass, have no real competence and will face a reluctant civil service, thing Yes, Minister, rather than the West Wing.  Come on the new minister of defence is a television personality who has everything whispered into his ear.   The one exception is Ms. Tulsi Gabbard -- she could be real trouble and is widely thought to be in the employ of Putin.   Trump did not nominate smart, hard-working policy experts he hired people who kiss is ass!

Interesting times...

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