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Wednesday Morning Rant
Because tariffs are a tax and taxes act as disincentives (tax what you want less of), they must be handled with care because the thing being disincentivized is trade. Tariffs fall into one of four categories most of the time. Don't look for these in an econ 101 book, because you won't find them. They're how I view tariffs.
1. Protectionist tariffs. These are used solely to protect some industry or activity in the domestic market. For example, suppose your country makes a lot of TVs and has a big TV industry. Then somebody else starts making a better TV and your people start buying the other guy's TVs instead. You think the TV manufacturing industry is important, so you put up a tariff to make the foreign goods noncompetitive and force a market preference for domestic TVs. Most economists seem to argue that all tariffs are protectionist and leave it at that. I disagree. 2. Parity tariffs. These are used to try to impose parity on trade with another country. These can take many forms. For example, reciprocal tariffs - "you have a 10% tax on my products, so I have a 10% tax on your products" - are the simplest form of parity tariffs, and are straight tit-for-tat. Another form are, say, for labor or environment or policy parity. "You have no labor laws and use slaves, so we try to estimate the market value of your slave labor and raise the price accordingly." Keeping with the TV example, assume the other country subsidizes TV manufacturing and so its firms can dump them on your market below cost and destroy the native industry thanks to unfair advantage. You can subsidize your own manufacturers, ban foreign goods, do nothing or impose a tariff. A tariff that attempts only to offset the foreign subsidy to maintain a level field would not be a protectionist tariff, but a parity tariff. This is what we probably should have done to Japan starting in the late 70s. Its amount will be guesswork, because everyone who calls economics "the dismal science" is dead wrong. It's not a science at all. It's mostly guesswork and estimation. Just try to get close. 3. Diplomacy tariffs. These are not economic at all and have nothing to do with parity or protectionism. They are punitive, and designed to force diplomatic progress as an alternative to, among other things, war. Another country is bullying your ally or interfering with your objectives, and that other country is also a trading partner. So tax their goods to cause consumers to shift to alternate suppliers in other countries, hurt their bottom line and try to force them to come to the negotiating table. 4. Revenue tariffs. Tariffs are a tax, after all, and can be used to generate tax receipts into the treasury. My confusion - and I suspect many others' confusion - stems from the fact that it appears that Trump is pursuing all four simultaneously, to different degrees and in different contexts. Most of it appears to be in the form of parity tariffs, and most of those are straight reciprocal tariffs. Some countries, like Red China, are also seeing diplomacy tariffs. Relatively few of them seem to be straight-up protectionist tariffs - though steel tariffs probably qualify. The others look very much like revenue tariffs. Much of the shrieking about an inconsistent policy and Trump's bumbling seems to come from the seemingly contradictory position of "reciprocal tariffs for all" and "baseline tariffs for all." These are, in fact, two policies that are not irreconcilable but can be in conflict. If what we are doing is essentially imposing a tariff floor, then that changes the math somewhat. "10% minimum, but as high as yours" will essentially cause a global 10% tariff on everything between everyone (except exceptions, where other things are in play). We see this in the example of Singapore, a country with which we have tariff-free genuine free trade that also might see a tariff under the New Rules. If so, then Singapore would be right and correct to impose a baseline tariff on us - turnabout is fair play. In my opinion - though not the opinion of mainstream economics - all tariffs are not created equal. All do impose costs. There is no question on that. They're a form of taxes and taxes are never free, but whether the tax is justified and appropriate is another question. I am not generally fond of straight protectionist tariffs. They reward inefficient or incompetent producers at the expense of the citizens. Outside of a good national defense argument ("vital defense industry" or somesuch), I don't see a way to justify them and even then, they should be the minimum level needed to ensure the vital industry can survive. Parity tariffs are trickier. I will always and without exception support reciprocal tariffs. If you want a seat at our table, you are welcome to it - but you do not get a throne while we get a folding chair. Those days appear to be over and I am thrilled about it. Other parity tariffs are more complicated because while they impose some form of ersatz "fairness," they can also mask the costs of bad decisions. If you impose an environmental policy parity tariff on a country that has no emissions controls, that makes sense on paper - but at what point are you papering over the problem of your own regulatory regime being insane and overly burdensome and well on the downward side of the marginal utility curve? This is a really hard problem and one of many, many reasons it's better to have as little regulation as reasonably manageable. Revenue tariffs are not necessarily a bad thing, but they will not happen in a vacuum. If major players impose them, their counterparties will also impose them. The final effect - after initial disruption - will be a more or less consistent global baseline tariff of all on all. The net effect is zero, which is good for competition (because it nullifies the tariff and it nets out to a relative zero in terms of the costs of goods sold, and so are equivalent in comparative terms to having no tariffs), but it also imposes a universal "government cost" line-item on everything. Is it the worst way to fund government? I doubt it. I am not even necessarily convinced it's a bad way to fund government. But it is an added cost and no amount of political double-talk can change that. No economic argument applies to punitive/diplomatic tariffs, because they're not economically motivated. They're an alternative - an unreliable but possible and legitimate alternative - to war. They're what you try before war. The question there is "is this worth going to war over?" If it is, a punitive tariff regime is probably justified. If it isn't, the policy needs a lot more consideration and scrutiny. Form where I sit, it looks like the Trump Administration is trying all four at once, all rolled into one action with very muddy messaging. Do I support it? By and large, yes, at least as far as I can tell at this point. Most of the action is on parity tariffs and most of that is straight-up reciprocity (if even that - a lot of those reciprocal tariffs are just 50%, and they should be 100% of what the other country charges). I fully support reciprocity. We'll see how it shakes out over the next 6-12 months. You can't remake the basic rules of the global economy - which are, basically, "America pays for everything" - overnight without consequence. I suspect the consequences will net out to our benefit and so am cautiously optimistic. But I am also a bit nervous because all tariffs are not created equal, and choosing the wrong ones for the wrong reasons will just raise prices and help nobody. So far, though, I am not too displeased with what I'm seeing and as the dust settles, I - and everyone else - can make a better assessment. There's no denying, however, that it's probably going to be very exciting and volatile year for the economy and for the capital markets.Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Nooded.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at April 09, 2025 11:00 AM (O7YUW)
2
Zzzzzzzz
Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at April 09, 2025 11:00 AM (lCNx4)
3
first
Posted by: Reforger at April 09, 2025 11:01 AM (xcIvR)
4
First again?
Posted by: stu-mick-o-sucks at April 09, 2025 11:01 AM (w9Wax)
5
Nope.
Posted by: stu-mick-o-sucks at April 09, 2025 11:01 AM (w9Wax)
6
Darn it. Off to content.
Posted by: Reforger at April 09, 2025 11:01 AM (xcIvR)
7
It can be lunch time
Posted by: Skip at April 09, 2025 11:02 AM (aHfB6)
8
Dow Jones Limbo.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:02 AM (p7mbN)
9
Carrot and stick.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 09, 2025 11:03 AM (Q4IgG)
10
Willowed from the art thread:
I see that Chy-na has slapped a retaliatory tariff on us.
I don't know how that's going to work out for them, in that we mostly buy cheap junk from them, and they mostly buy food from us.
Has anyone noticed that Amazon's delivery time on Chinese stuff has gotten dramatically longer... like a week and half rather than a couple of days? I wonder if everyone involved is slow-walking shipments to see who has a chair when the musical tariffs stop.
I see that Chy-na has slapped a retaliatory tariff on us.
I don't know how that's going to work out for them, in that we mostly buy cheap junk from them, and they mostly buy food from us.
Has anyone noticed that Amazon's delivery time on Chinese stuff has gotten dramatically longer... like a week and half rather than a couple of days? I wonder if everyone involved is slow-walking shipments to see who has a chair when the musical tariffs stop.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:03 AM (W5ArC)
11
Late hour in the morning greetings!
Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at April 09, 2025 11:03 AM (LKEUE)
12
Congratulations to China and my shithole Canada for going full retard and retaliating against the US.
Good luck with that....
Good luck with that....
Posted by: Stateless...89% - mental state clawing up from 10% at April 09, 2025 11:04 AM (jvJvP)
Posted by: muldoon at April 09, 2025 11:04 AM (/iMjX)
14
Even after he leaves the White House, I will always watch Trump just on the off chance he happens to say "Chy-na".
That tone of thinly-veiled contempt just kills me.
That tone of thinly-veiled contempt just kills me.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:05 AM (W5ArC)
15
I keep seeing talk of tariffs like economies rise and fall on them when I continue under the assumption that they're actually kind of a small part of a much larger whole.
Throw in the fact that the main target of this is China who mainly produces consumer products for us, not main drivers of the economy like energy, while there's been a movement away from Chinese manufacturing for years now, and you have to wonder how impactful Chinese directed tariffs will be in total.
Of course, the Chinese tariffs are not why people are freaking out. It's the tariffs against the world (plus the fact that Trump went with trade-imbalance as the main determinant of tariffs rather than reciprocal), but I see two parts to that.
The first is the big picture that Trump thinks we should sell more than we buy. He's trying to establish an incentive structure for that I get it.
The second is that...a lot of the tariffs are going to go away and outside of China, we're probably going to see, on average, fewer and lower tariffs than before.
It's hard for me to get worked up about the situation. There are a host of legal, good ways around tariffs. Combine that with things like deregulation on US industry.
Throw in the fact that the main target of this is China who mainly produces consumer products for us, not main drivers of the economy like energy, while there's been a movement away from Chinese manufacturing for years now, and you have to wonder how impactful Chinese directed tariffs will be in total.
Of course, the Chinese tariffs are not why people are freaking out. It's the tariffs against the world (plus the fact that Trump went with trade-imbalance as the main determinant of tariffs rather than reciprocal), but I see two parts to that.
The first is the big picture that Trump thinks we should sell more than we buy. He's trying to establish an incentive structure for that I get it.
The second is that...a lot of the tariffs are going to go away and outside of China, we're probably going to see, on average, fewer and lower tariffs than before.
It's hard for me to get worked up about the situation. There are a host of legal, good ways around tariffs. Combine that with things like deregulation on US industry.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:06 AM (GBKbO)
16
China goes all in on pocket Deuces.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:06 AM (p7mbN)
17
Agree with the statement that as far as economic theory is concerned, all tariffs are tariffs. Purpose doesn't matter. Those were always the base assumptions I learned/used.
The subjective nature of tariffs (what is used when and how) is not something economic theory is really equipped to handle. That's not necessarily a weakness but at least it's consistent and can be identified in analysis,
The subjective nature of tariffs (what is used when and how) is not something economic theory is really equipped to handle. That's not necessarily a weakness but at least it's consistent and can be identified in analysis,
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:06 AM (Oq5OE)
18
I am in favor of what Trump is doing, generally. But yeah I wish he had done it in a more phased approach. Like announce we’re going to impose these tariffs in say 120 days. Then give countries the option to open negotiations during that 120 day period and come to an agreement to avoid them.
Also you can’t say you want tariffs to bring jobs home AND claim it will be a yuuuge source of revenue. If jobs do come home, then those tariffs won’t amount to much since nobody will pay them. Pick a lane.
Also you can’t say you want tariffs to bring jobs home AND claim it will be a yuuuge source of revenue. If jobs do come home, then those tariffs won’t amount to much since nobody will pay them. Pick a lane.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:06 AM (Y5yQx)
19
>> If you impose an environmental policy parity tariff on a country that has no emissions controls, that makes sense on paper - but at what point are you papering over the problem of your own regulatory regime being insane and overly burdensome and well on the downward side of the marginal utility curve?
I think it might be the opposite: being able to shift a lot of production of nasty stuff overseas papered over our insane environmental regulations, and allowed them to proliferate. Without imports, we’d have to balance environmental regulations against consumption.
I think it might be the opposite: being able to shift a lot of production of nasty stuff overseas papered over our insane environmental regulations, and allowed them to proliferate. Without imports, we’d have to balance environmental regulations against consumption.
Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at April 09, 2025 11:06 AM (l3YAf)
20
Is that monkey wearing a rugby jersey or is he a prison inmate?
Inquiring minds, yada, yada.
Posted by: muldoon
Prison. He runs all the illegal activities there. He's the Senor Ferrari of the place.
Inquiring minds, yada, yada.
Posted by: muldoon
Prison. He runs all the illegal activities there. He's the Senor Ferrari of the place.
Posted by: Bulg at April 09, 2025 11:07 AM (77rzZ)
Posted by: Brian Johnson at April 09, 2025 11:07 AM (LyJAx)
22
I want all the laid-off gummint drones to work in a Nike Sweatshop in Fairfax County. Suicide netting optional.
Posted by: Adibas, FTW! at April 09, 2025 11:07 AM (G5+As)
23
I believe the Trump administration is pursuing floor tariffs in order to mitigate the shenanigans used by countries to deny markets by means other than an overt tariff.
I believe the EU is notorious for playing this game.
I believe the EU is notorious for playing this game.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at April 09, 2025 11:07 AM (tT6L1)
24
Is that monkey wearing a rugby jersey or is he a prison inmate?
Inquiring minds, yada, yada.
Posted by: muldoon
________
Not a rugby. No collar.
Inquiring minds, yada, yada.
Posted by: muldoon
________
Not a rugby. No collar.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at April 09, 2025 11:08 AM (Dm8we)
25
"We must punish China for covid! But wait...not if it makes my iPhone $100 more expensive!"
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:08 AM (GBKbO)
26
Even a lot of the reciprocal tariffs aren't reciprocal because of the other counties subsidies to the industry and poverty level labor costs.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 11:08 AM (VofaG)
27
Only think I got out of reading many bloggers is tariffs are step 1 not do all to end all.
I guess to Trump it's the art of the deal
I guess to Trump it's the art of the deal
Posted by: Skip at April 09, 2025 11:08 AM (aHfB6)
28
I see that Chy-na has slapped a retaliatory tariff on us.
I don't know how that's going to work out for them, in that we mostly buy cheap junk from them, and they mostly buy food from us.
It gets better. China is already heavily subsidizing its exporters through tax rebates. Who pays for those? Why, Zhou Lunchbucket, of course.
I don't know how that's going to work out for them, in that we mostly buy cheap junk from them, and they mostly buy food from us.
It gets better. China is already heavily subsidizing its exporters through tax rebates. Who pays for those? Why, Zhou Lunchbucket, of course.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:08 AM (xCA6C)
29
countries = counties
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 11:08 AM (VofaG)
30
27 Only think I got out of reading many bloggers is tariffs are step 1 not do all to end all.
I guess to Trump it's the art of the deal
Posted by: Skip at April 09, 2025 11:08 AM (aHfB6)
=======
Trump thrives on chaos because people want steadiness.
He introduces chaos to get a new steadiness.
I guess to Trump it's the art of the deal
Posted by: Skip at April 09, 2025 11:08 AM (aHfB6)
=======
Trump thrives on chaos because people want steadiness.
He introduces chaos to get a new steadiness.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:09 AM (GBKbO)
31
> is not something economic theory is really equipped to handle.
Right. We're not actually Homo economicus.
To name just one point, it's very, very bad to rely on your enemies for stuff like food (which China has done) or microchips (which we have done). It's hard to appreciate savings when another country effectively has a gun to your head.
Right. We're not actually Homo economicus.
To name just one point, it's very, very bad to rely on your enemies for stuff like food (which China has done) or microchips (which we have done). It's hard to appreciate savings when another country effectively has a gun to your head.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:09 AM (W5ArC)
32
Can we do without cheap junk longer than the Chinese can go without food?
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:09 AM (p7mbN)
33
Thanks, Joe Mannix! This looks eminently readable.
Posted by: m at April 09, 2025 11:10 AM (CQE5S)
34
32 Can we do without cheap junk longer than the Chinese can go without food?
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:09 AM (p7mbN)
=====
The market seems completely unfazed by trade between America and China essentially coming to an end overnight.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:09 AM (p7mbN)
=====
The market seems completely unfazed by trade between America and China essentially coming to an end overnight.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:10 AM (GBKbO)
35
I am in favor of what Trump is doing, generally. But yeah I wish he had done it in a more phased approach. Like announce we’re going to impose these tariffs in say 120 days. Then give countries the option to open negotiations during that 120 day period and come to an agreement to avoid them.
I suspect that he thinks there's only a very finite window in which to make things happen, so that's why he's moving so fast. He's probably right, but that doesn't mean he couldn't do a better job explaining the goals of his tariffs. FTR, I think it's almost all parity tariffs, with the exception of the PRC.
I suspect that he thinks there's only a very finite window in which to make things happen, so that's why he's moving so fast. He's probably right, but that doesn't mean he couldn't do a better job explaining the goals of his tariffs. FTR, I think it's almost all parity tariffs, with the exception of the PRC.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:10 AM (xCA6C)
36
To name just one point, it's very, very bad to rely on your enemies for stuff like food (which China has done) or microchips (which we have done). It's hard to appreciate savings when another country effectively has a gun to your head.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:09 AM (W5ArC)
-------
Doesn't China make a lot of our prescription drugs? That should never have happened.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:09 AM (W5ArC)
-------
Doesn't China make a lot of our prescription drugs? That should never have happened.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:10 AM (PMtkd)
37
@12/Stateless: Canada isn't going full retard, we remain full retard while the Liberals are in power. They're reflexively anti-American and constantly whip that sentiment up. Sadly, it has worked wonders for various governments in the world throughout history. If you can get your own people whipped up and blaming a foreign power for the problems caused by your own domestic policies while you governed, you stand a good chance of continuing to govern.
Donald wants to cut a better deal for the United States. The sensible thing is to see that 70 other countries are marching up to the bargaining table and asking, "Okay, can we work something out then?" But nope, we'll be over in the corner continuing to eat lead paint chips, drooling, screaming "Trump Bad!" and raising more counter tariffs to impoverish our own people and enrich the coffers of our government. This always works out so well. {/sarc}
Feh. Now my nickname matches my mood.
Donald wants to cut a better deal for the United States. The sensible thing is to see that 70 other countries are marching up to the bargaining table and asking, "Okay, can we work something out then?" But nope, we'll be over in the corner continuing to eat lead paint chips, drooling, screaming "Trump Bad!" and raising more counter tariffs to impoverish our own people and enrich the coffers of our government. This always works out so well. {/sarc}
Feh. Now my nickname matches my mood.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at April 09, 2025 11:11 AM (O7YUW)
38
Sometimes a little chaos is good
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2025 11:11 AM (setNh)
Posted by: m at April 09, 2025 11:11 AM (CQE5S)
40
Joe Mannix could use a shave.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:11 AM (p7mbN)
41
> Doesn't China make a lot of our prescription drugs? That should never have happened.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:10 AM (PMtkd)
Yeah, they do, and I agree. I think RFK Jr. has said that fixing that is one of his priorities.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:10 AM (PMtkd)
Yeah, they do, and I agree. I think RFK Jr. has said that fixing that is one of his priorities.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:11 AM (W5ArC)
42
Even a lot of the reciprocal tariffs aren't reciprocal because of the other counties subsidies to the industry and poverty level labor costs.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 11:08 AM (VofaG)
Well, they’re not reciprocal as in equivalent. They’re calculated from the trade deficits with that country. So even if a country has low tariffs on us, if we run a big trade deficit with them, the tariffs on them will be high.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 11:08 AM (VofaG)
Well, they’re not reciprocal as in equivalent. They’re calculated from the trade deficits with that country. So even if a country has low tariffs on us, if we run a big trade deficit with them, the tariffs on them will be high.
Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at April 09, 2025 11:12 AM (l3YAf)
43
Another point...
In college we had some really vigorous debates on the impact of having cheap ass goods manufacturing offshored. One side said that doing so frees up domestic labor to become extremely skilled and work on higher value stuff. Competing side suggested that in outsourcing this we lose a fair amount of domestic institutional expertise/knowledge, so we'd possibly be unable to make simple things at a low cost.
Opinions vary with the only real constant is that each side of the argument is 100% certain they are correct and the other side is full of crap.
In college we had some really vigorous debates on the impact of having cheap ass goods manufacturing offshored. One side said that doing so frees up domestic labor to become extremely skilled and work on higher value stuff. Competing side suggested that in outsourcing this we lose a fair amount of domestic institutional expertise/knowledge, so we'd possibly be unable to make simple things at a low cost.
Opinions vary with the only real constant is that each side of the argument is 100% certain they are correct and the other side is full of crap.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:12 AM (Oq5OE)
44
A tariff is a tax on the movement of goods over national borders. They can be outbound or inbound
So I guess you would use an outbound tariff to discourage exports of major commodities or products, so there's more for your own populace?
So I guess you would use an outbound tariff to discourage exports of major commodities or products, so there's more for your own populace?
Posted by: Bulg at April 09, 2025 11:12 AM (77rzZ)
45
I hope trade with China is destroyed in the process. We shouldn't be trading with those savage losers; it's corrupted our politics without adding anything to this country but a wide array of junk. It's become an annoying task to actually find non-Chinese goods, and I don't want commie slave labor goods in my home.
The anti-tariffs crowd lost me after TARP and all that. I'm not interested in hearing about free markets anymore. GOP pols who try to sell me on laissez faire economics in a very non laissez faire world are telling me to stay home and let Democrats burn the country to the ground.
The anti-tariffs crowd lost me after TARP and all that. I'm not interested in hearing about free markets anymore. GOP pols who try to sell me on laissez faire economics in a very non laissez faire world are telling me to stay home and let Democrats burn the country to the ground.
Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at April 09, 2025 11:12 AM (V9cMX)
46
Our neighbor hat to the north is at a distinct disadvantage now. Monty Hall was a great Canuck and was the best at making deals on the planet. His loss redounds to their detriment to this day.
Posted by: Carol Merrill And Her Box at April 09, 2025 11:12 AM (G5+As)
47
...going to be very exciting and volatile year for the economy and for the capital markets.
Crap. We going to have to hear all the bitching and moaning for the rest of the year? We just got the egg prices down. Now this.
Crap. We going to have to hear all the bitching and moaning for the rest of the year? We just got the egg prices down. Now this.
Posted by: Case at April 09, 2025 11:13 AM (OrSPY)
48
I think outbound tariffs were nixxed in the Constitution.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:13 AM (p7mbN)
49
One thing we have to acknowledge is that a trad deficit with a country isn’t automatically a bad thing. We are rich. Richer than almost very other country. So even if the trading environment were 100% pure and free of fuckery, we’d almost certainly have a trade deficit with the world. Rich countries buy more from poor countries than vice versa. It wouldn’t be as large as it is now. But it would still exist.
Which is why the formula they used is kinda bullshit as a gauge to measure fairness of trade with a particular country.
Which is why the formula they used is kinda bullshit as a gauge to measure fairness of trade with a particular country.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:14 AM (Y5yQx)
50
Almost the entire world requires expected bribes to get business done. At least the US tries to hide joining the game internationally. Domestically its something that is rare in the US and not accepted as normal.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 11:14 AM (VofaG)
51
46 Monty Hall was a great Canuck
Posted by: Carol Merrill And Her Box at April 09, 2025 11:12 AM (G5+As)
andycanuck is a great Canuck!
Posted by: Carol Merrill And Her Box at April 09, 2025 11:12 AM (G5+As)
andycanuck is a great Canuck!
Posted by: m at April 09, 2025 11:14 AM (CQE5S)
52
In college we had some really vigorous debates on the impact of having cheap ass goods manufacturing offshored. One side said that doing so frees up domestic labor to become extremely skilled and work on higher value stuff. Competing side suggested that in outsourcing this we lose a fair amount of domestic institutional expertise/knowledge, so we'd possibly be unable to make simple things at a low cost.
The problem is the assumption that if we don't do A), we'll move to doing B). A nation that focuses on "studies", DEI and 4 day workweeks isn't going to develop B just because it isn't doing A.
The problem is the assumption that if we don't do A), we'll move to doing B). A nation that focuses on "studies", DEI and 4 day workweeks isn't going to develop B just because it isn't doing A.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:14 AM (xCA6C)
53
> So I guess you would use an outbound tariff to discourage exports of major commodities or products, so there's more for your own populace?
Posted by: Bulg at April 09, 2025 11:12 AM (77rzZ)
Could happen.
As I recall, one of the contributing factors to the Vietnam War was the fact that the French were exporting megatons of rice while the Vietnamese populace was starving.
That tends to make you unpopular.
Posted by: Bulg at April 09, 2025 11:12 AM (77rzZ)
Could happen.
As I recall, one of the contributing factors to the Vietnam War was the fact that the French were exporting megatons of rice while the Vietnamese populace was starving.
That tends to make you unpopular.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:14 AM (W5ArC)
54
We should tariff the shit out of Massachusetts. Admittedly that is a MAGA fantasy . For now.
Posted by: Voter theater. at April 09, 2025 11:15 AM (FCPbW)
55
Oh, and the reason for the tariff confusion, I think, is not due to the Trump Administration bumbling about. I think it's more due to incompetent reporting.
The administration is pursuing a mix of tariff policies because there is no "one size fits all" tariff.
The administration is pursuing a mix of tariff policies because there is no "one size fits all" tariff.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at April 09, 2025 11:15 AM (tT6L1)
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 09, 2025 11:15 AM (VoAdT)
57
I hope trade with China is destroyed in the process. We shouldn't be trading with those savage losers; it's corrupted our politics without adding anything to this country but a wide array of junk. It's become an annoying task to actually find non-Chinese goods, and I don't want commie slave labor goods in my home.
---
FWIW, the modern Chinese economy is pretty much a castle built on sand, for a variety of reasons. A new tariff policy will very likely accelerate the decline.
What happens next though is an interesting thought exercise. Do they go Full Russia, do they descend into civil war, etc etc.
---
FWIW, the modern Chinese economy is pretty much a castle built on sand, for a variety of reasons. A new tariff policy will very likely accelerate the decline.
What happens next though is an interesting thought exercise. Do they go Full Russia, do they descend into civil war, etc etc.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:15 AM (Oq5OE)
58
reaming "Trump Bad!" and raising more counter tariffs to impoverish our own people and enrich the coffers of our government. This always works out so well. {/sarc}
Feh. Now my nickname matches my mood.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at April 09, 2025 11:11 AM (O7YUW)
Very good points.
That thinly veiled anti-Americanism is almost as transparent now as Democrats and their assassination fantasies.
I loathe this place. There's nothing wrong with Canada that the right 30 million dead or so wouldn't fix.
Feh. Now my nickname matches my mood.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at April 09, 2025 11:11 AM (O7YUW)
Very good points.
That thinly veiled anti-Americanism is almost as transparent now as Democrats and their assassination fantasies.
I loathe this place. There's nothing wrong with Canada that the right 30 million dead or so wouldn't fix.
Posted by: Stateless...89% - mental state clawing up from 10% at April 09, 2025 11:17 AM (jvJvP)
59
The problem is the assumption that if we don't do A), we'll move to doing B). A nation that focuses on "studies", DEI and 4 day workweeks isn't going to develop B just because it isn't doing A.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:14 AM (xCA6C)
--
This is an Econ degree - we're ALL ABOUT the assumptions.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:14 AM (xCA6C)
--
This is an Econ degree - we're ALL ABOUT the assumptions.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:17 AM (Oq5OE)
60
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at April 09, 2025 11:11 AM (O7YUW)
Well, it was very well written. Thanks.
I hope your mood improves. I find if i take some time off
from here, (if only a day or two ) I feel much better.
Well, it was very well written. Thanks.
I hope your mood improves. I find if i take some time off
from here, (if only a day or two ) I feel much better.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 09, 2025 11:17 AM (42Vb+)
61
I wonder if "market manipulators" those entities big enough to sway the markets will put their collective thumb on the scales. Effectively changing the likely outcome.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 09, 2025 11:17 AM (Q4IgG)
62
57 FWIW, the modern Chinese economy is pretty much a castle built on sand, for a variety of reasons. A new tariff policy will very likely accelerate the decline.
What happens next though is an interesting thought exercise. Do they go Full Russia, do they descend into civil war, etc etc.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:15 AM (Oq5OE)
======
Northwest China has a population replacement rate of about .7 right now.
Estimates for the whole nation are 1.09 or lower.
China literally cannot be the future. It has no future.
What happens next though is an interesting thought exercise. Do they go Full Russia, do they descend into civil war, etc etc.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:15 AM (Oq5OE)
======
Northwest China has a population replacement rate of about .7 right now.
Estimates for the whole nation are 1.09 or lower.
China literally cannot be the future. It has no future.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:17 AM (GBKbO)
Posted by: Al Greens' Eye Bags at April 09, 2025 11:17 AM (5hfjS)
64
So I guess you would use an outbound tariff to discourage exports of major commodities or products, so there's more for your own populace?
Posted by: Bulg at April 09, 2025 11:12 AM (77rzZ)
Or to punish an industry that donates heavily to the wrong people....
Posted by: Bulg at April 09, 2025 11:12 AM (77rzZ)
Or to punish an industry that donates heavily to the wrong people....
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 09, 2025 11:18 AM (VoAdT)
65
MEDIAite: 'They're Terrified'!' Steve Doocy Sounds Alarm on Trump Tariffs Freaking Out Major Republican Donors. “How much pressure are Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill getting from their constituents? And a lot of them have major donors who are invested in the stock markets, and they’re terrified!”
Axios: Scoop: A dozen House Republicans mull defying Trump on tariff bill. Rep. Don Bacon's (R-Neb.) bill to restrict the White House's ability to impose tariffs unilaterally, Axios has learned.
Bacon told Axios that two Republicans — Reps. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) and Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) — and two Democrats have signed on to the bill as co-sponsors.
He added: "I have 10 others who want to do it but they want to talk to the trade representative first."
Yeah, good luck with that. Trump is to blame for much of this shit, but the rest of the government is to blame for letting it get this bad. Ultimately, however, the voters are at fault for electing this incompetent asshole to office. It's too early to tell now, but it might have been a fatal mistake.
Axios: Scoop: A dozen House Republicans mull defying Trump on tariff bill. Rep. Don Bacon's (R-Neb.) bill to restrict the White House's ability to impose tariffs unilaterally, Axios has learned.
Bacon told Axios that two Republicans — Reps. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) and Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) — and two Democrats have signed on to the bill as co-sponsors.
He added: "I have 10 others who want to do it but they want to talk to the trade representative first."
Yeah, good luck with that. Trump is to blame for much of this shit, but the rest of the government is to blame for letting it get this bad. Ultimately, however, the voters are at fault for electing this incompetent asshole to office. It's too early to tell now, but it might have been a fatal mistake.
Posted by: Intercepted DU Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at April 09, 2025 11:18 AM (onb36)
66
If China is serious hurt by this it will be interesting (in the may you live interesting times way). Would they go quietly into the night? Probably not. Would they go fuck it, let’s invade Taiwan cuz what do we have to lose? Maybe.
Having 1B people go hungry is never a good thing for world stability.
Having 1B people go hungry is never a good thing for world stability.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:18 AM (Y5yQx)
67
The whole tariff dance, and the yo-yo-ing of the markets is no reason for anyone to set their hair on fire. But if the Leftards want to do it, be kind, and help quell the flames by sprinkling Thermite.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 09, 2025 11:18 AM (8zz6B)
68
What happens next though is an interesting thought exercise. Do they go Full Russia, do they descend into civil war, etc etc.
Posted by: WitchDoktor
Usually, declining great powers turn to war. So they're probably gonna go for Taiwan. Which will probably make their situation worse.
Posted by: WitchDoktor
Usually, declining great powers turn to war. So they're probably gonna go for Taiwan. Which will probably make their situation worse.
Posted by: Bulg at April 09, 2025 11:18 AM (77rzZ)
69
And thanks for your analysis, Joe.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 09, 2025 11:18 AM (42Vb+)
70
China has fallen apart many times in the past. They actually seem to expect it.
1) Government collapses
2) Country dissolves into petty states ruled by warlords
3) Eventually some bastard warlord is bastardly enough to kill off the other warlords and reunite the country.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Doesn't matter whether the warlord calls himself "Emperor" or "Chairman". The character names change, but the movie remains the same.
1) Government collapses
2) Country dissolves into petty states ruled by warlords
3) Eventually some bastard warlord is bastardly enough to kill off the other warlords and reunite the country.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Doesn't matter whether the warlord calls himself "Emperor" or "Chairman". The character names change, but the movie remains the same.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:19 AM (W5ArC)
71
I am seeing many horrific collapse in China videos on YouTube lately. Consumption seems nonexistant on extra stuff. They are even going back to bar soap and laundry powder.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:19 AM (p7mbN)
72
65 Axios: Scoop: A dozen House Republicans mull defying Trump on tariff bill. Rep. Don Bacon's (R-Neb.) bill to restrict the White House's ability to impose tariffs unilaterally, Axios has learned.
Bacon told Axios that two Republicans — Reps. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) and Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) — and two Democrats have signed on to the bill as co-sponsors.
He added: "I have 10 others who want to do it but they want to talk to the trade representative first."
Posted by: Intercepted DU Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at April 09, 2025 11:18 AM (onb36)
=======
Trump will veto any bill that restricts his tariffs authority. So, 67 Senate votes and 294 House votes...after Johnson has said the House won't bring it to the floor.
Good luck.
Bacon told Axios that two Republicans — Reps. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) and Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) — and two Democrats have signed on to the bill as co-sponsors.
He added: "I have 10 others who want to do it but they want to talk to the trade representative first."
Posted by: Intercepted DU Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at April 09, 2025 11:18 AM (onb36)
=======
Trump will veto any bill that restricts his tariffs authority. So, 67 Senate votes and 294 House votes...after Johnson has said the House won't bring it to the floor.
Good luck.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:19 AM (GBKbO)
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:20 AM (Oq5OE)
74
It's the tariffs against the world (plus the fact that Trump went with trade-imbalance as the main determinant of tariffs rather than reciprocal)...
I think trade imbalance is an attempt at reciprocal.
Every country has differing regulations, subsidies, labor laws, etc. Trump's people could have sat down and attempted to determine the value for each of those things for every single country and applied them individually but that would have had the media shrieking about favoritism.
Instead, he says this is our formula and we're willing to negotiate changes with each country, individually. I'd guess that the countries who feel the formula is a raw deal for them, or who are desperate to maintain their market in the US, will negotiate. Those countries who think that the formula is a good deal form them, or who think they have a position of strength, will not.
As long as the treasonous pieces of shit in the Congressional GOP don't stick their noses in, we should see the results in a few months.
I think trade imbalance is an attempt at reciprocal.
Every country has differing regulations, subsidies, labor laws, etc. Trump's people could have sat down and attempted to determine the value for each of those things for every single country and applied them individually but that would have had the media shrieking about favoritism.
Instead, he says this is our formula and we're willing to negotiate changes with each country, individually. I'd guess that the countries who feel the formula is a raw deal for them, or who are desperate to maintain their market in the US, will negotiate. Those countries who think that the formula is a good deal form them, or who think they have a position of strength, will not.
As long as the treasonous pieces of shit in the Congressional GOP don't stick their noses in, we should see the results in a few months.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 09, 2025 11:20 AM (ExV1e)
75
> China literally cannot be the future. It has no future.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:17 AM (GBKbO)
Not without getting a whole bunch of women from somewhere.
And that's the main thing that should concern China's neighbors.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:17 AM (GBKbO)
Not without getting a whole bunch of women from somewhere.
And that's the main thing that should concern China's neighbors.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:20 AM (W5ArC)
76
My reason for supporting Trump in the first place was that he was going to come in and start tossing the place, knocking over apple carts, smearing feces on the walls, and urinating on people's expensive rugs.
He's doing that quite well. I don't know what's going to happen with the tariff business, I just know he's pissing off all the people who need to be pissed on.
He's doing that quite well. I don't know what's going to happen with the tariff business, I just know he's pissing off all the people who need to be pissed on.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 11:20 AM (dGCAG)
77
I am seeing many horrific collapse in China videos on YouTube lately. Consumption seems nonexistant on extra stuff. They are even going back to bar soap and laundry powder.
As opposed to...?
As opposed to...?
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (xCA6C)
78
15
‘ Of course, the Chinese tariffs are not why people are freaking out. It's the tariffs against the world’
Based on the huge percentage of the trade deficit that China has, it’s hard for me to see the tariffs as anything other than directed at China.
The tariffs on other countries are either to compel other behavior or just a smoke screen.
‘ Of course, the Chinese tariffs are not why people are freaking out. It's the tariffs against the world’
Based on the huge percentage of the trade deficit that China has, it’s hard for me to see the tariffs as anything other than directed at China.
The tariffs on other countries are either to compel other behavior or just a smoke screen.
Posted by: Dr. Claw at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (jbnUc)
79
One thing we have to acknowledge is that a trad deficit with a country isn’t automatically a bad thing. We are rich. Richer than almost very other country. So even if the trading environment were 100% pure and free of fuckery, we’d almost certainly have a trade deficit with the world. Rich countries buy more from poor countries than vice versa. It wouldn’t be as large as it is now. But it would still exist.
Which is why the formula they used is kinda bullshit as a gauge to measure fairness of trade with a particular country.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:14 AM (Y5yQx)
Rich people don’t get to be rich by consistently spending more than they take in.
America being wealthy isn’t why we run trade deficits. We run trade deficits because the US Dollar is global reserve currency.
Think of it this way: if we buy more from China than they buy from us, what are they doing with all of that money? Building a huge tower and swimming around it Scrooge McDuck style?
Of course not. But then why don’t those dollars find their way back to us?
Which is why the formula they used is kinda bullshit as a gauge to measure fairness of trade with a particular country.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:14 AM (Y5yQx)
Rich people don’t get to be rich by consistently spending more than they take in.
America being wealthy isn’t why we run trade deficits. We run trade deficits because the US Dollar is global reserve currency.
Think of it this way: if we buy more from China than they buy from us, what are they doing with all of that money? Building a huge tower and swimming around it Scrooge McDuck style?
Of course not. But then why don’t those dollars find their way back to us?
Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (l3YAf)
80
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 09, 2025 11:17 AM (42Vb+)
Hey, Fen, I saw your post to me about the job opening at that media company (I forget the name). The position didn't seem right for me, but I really appreciate your keeping your eyes open for me, and for your continued prayers. Thank you.
Hey, Fen, I saw your post to me about the job opening at that media company (I forget the name). The position didn't seem right for me, but I really appreciate your keeping your eyes open for me, and for your continued prayers. Thank you.
Posted by: Bulg at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (77rzZ)
81
He's doing that quite well. I don't know what's going to happen with the tariff business, I just know he's pissing off all the people who need to be pissed on.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 11:20 AM (dGCAG)
-------
Yes, if "they" hate it, it's good.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 11:20 AM (dGCAG)
-------
Yes, if "they" hate it, it's good.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (PMtkd)
82
75 Not without getting a whole bunch of women from somewhere.
And that's the main thing that should concern China's neighbors.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:20 AM (W5ArC)
=======
That probably needed to happen in the early 90s.
China will shrink significantly before a new generation, born today and fueled by Russian and Indian brides, gets born.
And they don't have those brides.
And that's the main thing that should concern China's neighbors.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:20 AM (W5ArC)
=======
That probably needed to happen in the early 90s.
China will shrink significantly before a new generation, born today and fueled by Russian and Indian brides, gets born.
And they don't have those brides.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (GBKbO)
83
Of course not. But then why don’t those dollars find their way back to us?
Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (l3YAf)
When you say, "us"....
Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (l3YAf)
When you say, "us"....
Posted by: The DNC and the RNC at April 09, 2025 11:22 AM (VoAdT)
84
As I always say, I'm just an asshole commenter on a Smart Military Blog, but your explanation of tariffs really put me some knowledge, as Ace used to say. I'm going to take your notes to heart and keep them ready for any discussion I might get into.
Thanks, Joe!
Thanks, Joe!
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at April 09, 2025 11:22 AM (Q0kLU)
85
From GatewayPundit by the way...
"U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent joined Maria Bartiromo on FOX Business Network Wednesday morning after China added an 84% tariff on US goods entering the country. This matched President Trump’s tariffs earlier in the day.
President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs took effect earlier in the day on Wednesday. The Chicoms are standing firmly against Trump and his crippling tariffs.
Bessent and the Trump Administration are not backing down.
Secretary Bessent told Maria that delisting Chinese stocks from American exchanges is firmly “on the table.”"
"U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent joined Maria Bartiromo on FOX Business Network Wednesday morning after China added an 84% tariff on US goods entering the country. This matched President Trump’s tariffs earlier in the day.
President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs took effect earlier in the day on Wednesday. The Chicoms are standing firmly against Trump and his crippling tariffs.
Bessent and the Trump Administration are not backing down.
Secretary Bessent told Maria that delisting Chinese stocks from American exchanges is firmly “on the table.”"
Posted by: Stateless...89% - mental state clawing up from 10% at April 09, 2025 11:22 AM (jvJvP)
86
China developed and released a virus that did trillions in damage to the world. As far as I know they're still working on other viruses in Wuhan. Tariffs should be the least of their worries.
Posted by: Duke Lowell at April 09, 2025 11:22 AM (2UnvF)
87
They are even going back to bar soap and laundry powder.
Posted by: Boss Moss
They need more Calgon!
Posted by: Boss Moss
They need more Calgon!
Posted by: Bulg at April 09, 2025 11:23 AM (77rzZ)
88
Every country has differing regulations, subsidies, labor laws, etc. Trump's people could have sat down and attempted to determine the value for each of those things for every single country and applied them individually but that would have had the media shrieking about favoritism.
Instead, he says this is our formula and we're willing to negotiate changes with each country, individually. I'd guess that the countries who feel the formula is a raw deal for them, or who are desperate to maintain their market in the US, will negotiate. Those countries who think that the formula is a good deal form them, or who think they have a position of strength, will not.
And that's probably why Trump went with almost universal tariffs to start. They concentrate the minds of the countries affected, inducing them to take it seriously right away.
Instead, he says this is our formula and we're willing to negotiate changes with each country, individually. I'd guess that the countries who feel the formula is a raw deal for them, or who are desperate to maintain their market in the US, will negotiate. Those countries who think that the formula is a good deal form them, or who think they have a position of strength, will not.
And that's probably why Trump went with almost universal tariffs to start. They concentrate the minds of the countries affected, inducing them to take it seriously right away.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:23 AM (xCA6C)
89
One side said that doing so frees up domestic labor to become extremely skilled and work on higher value stuff.
Until you offshore that labor too, or bring in H1Bs, or replace it with AI, etc.
Until you offshore that labor too, or bring in H1Bs, or replace it with AI, etc.
Posted by: brak at April 09, 2025 11:23 AM (jGJov)
90
But yeah I wish he had done it in a more phased approach. Like announce we’re going to impose these tariffs in say 120 days. Then give countries the option to open negotiations during that 120 day period and come to an agreement to avoid them.
He was talking about tariffs before he ran the first time. He imposed some tariffs in his first Administration. He said he was doing more tariffs for his entire 2024 campaign. After he was elected he talked about tariffs more.
Anyone who didn't come and try to do a deal before wasn't gonna do a deal because he said we'll do something in 120 days assuming that Congress or the courts don't decide to get involved given this warning I've issued.
He was talking about tariffs before he ran the first time. He imposed some tariffs in his first Administration. He said he was doing more tariffs for his entire 2024 campaign. After he was elected he talked about tariffs more.
Anyone who didn't come and try to do a deal before wasn't gonna do a deal because he said we'll do something in 120 days assuming that Congress or the courts don't decide to get involved given this warning I've issued.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 09, 2025 11:23 AM (ExV1e)
91
Couple of bad apples.
Honestly with Bari Weiss@thehonestlypod
Axios founder @JimVandeHei says trust in American media collapsed in three phases.
1. Twitter exposed the political bias of “objective” journalists.
2. Coverage of Covid, “defund the police,” and word policing didn’t sit right with Americans.
3. The lack of coverage around Joe Biden’s mental decline was the final straw.
'And it breaks my heart … I am a fierce defender of journalism ... I think it’s a couple of bad apples who make it look bad for for everyone.'
-
The ham and eggers in the media are made to look bad by the bad apple.
Honestly with Bari Weiss@thehonestlypod
Axios founder @JimVandeHei says trust in American media collapsed in three phases.
1. Twitter exposed the political bias of “objective” journalists.
2. Coverage of Covid, “defund the police,” and word policing didn’t sit right with Americans.
3. The lack of coverage around Joe Biden’s mental decline was the final straw.
'And it breaks my heart … I am a fierce defender of journalism ... I think it’s a couple of bad apples who make it look bad for for everyone.'
-
The ham and eggers in the media are made to look bad by the bad apple.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Soldier of the Persistence at April 09, 2025 11:23 AM (L/fGl)
92
> Of course not. But then why don’t those dollars find their way back to us?
Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (l3YAf)
Well, up until now, anyway, people in other countries have preferred to hang on to shitty dollars rather than their own even shittier currencies.
You can bet that when the Shah of Iran fled, his bugout fund wasn't in Iranian dinars (or whatever the fuck they use there).
Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (l3YAf)
Well, up until now, anyway, people in other countries have preferred to hang on to shitty dollars rather than their own even shittier currencies.
You can bet that when the Shah of Iran fled, his bugout fund wasn't in Iranian dinars (or whatever the fuck they use there).
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:23 AM (W5ArC)
93
The whole, I don't understand what Trump wants is sort or maddening, Trump's thesis is this, there are very few barriers to entry to US markets but massive barriers to entry to most foreign markets and most importantly, those we ostensibly call allies, he laid this thesis out in an Oprah interview in 1988.
What he wants is these globalist and free trader f**kheads to live up to their own words.
Also, because of globalism, the US has hollowed out much of it's manufacturing base and can't produce the essential items we need if there ever truly is another world war or global disruption.
We can make dick pills, but we can't make PPE or transistors or batteries or a whole host of sh*t that is going to be needed if an emergency.
What he wants is these globalist and free trader f**kheads to live up to their own words.
Also, because of globalism, the US has hollowed out much of it's manufacturing base and can't produce the essential items we need if there ever truly is another world war or global disruption.
We can make dick pills, but we can't make PPE or transistors or batteries or a whole host of sh*t that is going to be needed if an emergency.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at April 09, 2025 11:24 AM (XV/Pl)
94
Ancient Chinese secret, hunh?
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:24 AM (p7mbN)
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 09, 2025 11:24 AM (42Vb+)
96
Mostly I like tariffs because Leftists now H8 em, if Trump didn't like them the Leftists would scream we need them.
Posted by: Skip at April 09, 2025 11:24 AM (aHfB6)
97
You can bet that when the Shah of Iran fled, his bugout fund wasn't in Iranian dinars (or whatever the fuck they use there).
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:23 AM (W5ArC)
The Rial?
Or is that somebody else's shitty useless currency?
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:23 AM (W5ArC)
The Rial?
Or is that somebody else's shitty useless currency?
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 09, 2025 11:24 AM (VoAdT)
98
This is part and parcel of cleaning out as much of the deep state as possible. There's a lot of people making big money by having exponentially more imports than exports. And the deep state needs huge amounts of money to keep everyone paid off.
Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at April 09, 2025 11:25 AM (g8Ew8)
99
75 > China literally cannot be the future. It has no future.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:17 AM (GBKbO)
Not without getting a whole bunch of women from somewhere.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:20 AM (W5ArC
Let's make peace with China, offer them a bunch of our Western women, then bait and switch and send them all our trannies....
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:17 AM (GBKbO)
Not without getting a whole bunch of women from somewhere.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:20 AM (W5ArC
Let's make peace with China, offer them a bunch of our Western women, then bait and switch and send them all our trannies....
Posted by: Stateless...89% - mental state clawing up from 10% at April 09, 2025 11:25 AM (jvJvP)
100
> China will shrink significantly before a new generation, born today and fueled by Russian and Indian brides, gets born.
And they don't have those brides.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (GBKbO)
Good point.
Although I think Indonesia has far more to worry about in that regard than Russia or India.
Chinese in general are racist sonsabitches, and Granny Wang wants plausibly Chinese-looking grandkids, not round eyes.
And they don't have those brides.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (GBKbO)
Good point.
Although I think Indonesia has far more to worry about in that regard than Russia or India.
Chinese in general are racist sonsabitches, and Granny Wang wants plausibly Chinese-looking grandkids, not round eyes.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:25 AM (W5ArC)
101
If tariffs are so bad, why does everyone have them?
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:26 AM (p7mbN)
Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable at April 09, 2025 11:26 AM (17s+e)
103
Let's make peace with China, offer them a bunch of our Western women, then bait and switch and send them all our trannies....
Posted by: Stateless...89% - mental state clawing up from 10% at April 09, 2025 11:25 AM (jvJvP)
--
There's a Handmaid's Tale joke in there somewhere, but I'm too lazy to go looking for it.
Posted by: Stateless...89% - mental state clawing up from 10% at April 09, 2025 11:25 AM (jvJvP)
--
There's a Handmaid's Tale joke in there somewhere, but I'm too lazy to go looking for it.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:26 AM (Oq5OE)
104
Collapse of the media?
We're fake, but accurate.
We're fake, but accurate.
Posted by: Dan Blather at April 09, 2025 11:27 AM (05wnl)
105
Bravo, Joe Mannix.
I have to read your post a few more times to absorb it.
It's incredibly helpful. Thanks.
I have to read your post a few more times to absorb it.
It's incredibly helpful. Thanks.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:27 AM (PMtkd)
106
I think Trump is trying to abolish the income tax, or at least the wage tax.
He has a recurring theme of how there was no income tax when the USA got its money from tariffs
He has a recurring theme of how there was no income tax when the USA got its money from tariffs
Posted by: kallisto at April 09, 2025 11:27 AM (dCxaZ)
107
We can loan them a few thoroughly used cat ladies.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:27 AM (p7mbN)
108
There's a Handmaid's Tale joke in there somewhere, but I'm too lazy to go looking for it.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:26 AM (Oq5OE)
Well their boobs are all hand-made at least, right?
That's all I got.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:26 AM (Oq5OE)
Well their boobs are all hand-made at least, right?
That's all I got.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 09, 2025 11:28 AM (VoAdT)
109
China literally cannot be the future. It has no future.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:17 AM (GBKbO)
Not without getting a whole bunch of women from somewhere.
And that's the main thing that should concern China's neighbors.
There's a really interesting split in Chinese society. The urban population is highly female, and full of successful women who expect a man at or above their level. As a result, even though there are more men than women, urban males, at least those that the women are willing to consider as mates, are in huge demand. They won't even consider a woman over 30. However, the vast middle of the male pop can't get a date.
In the countryside, there are more men than women, and they have far less to offer, so the women get their pick. Chinese men are turning Vietnamese and Burmese women.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:17 AM (GBKbO)
Not without getting a whole bunch of women from somewhere.
And that's the main thing that should concern China's neighbors.
There's a really interesting split in Chinese society. The urban population is highly female, and full of successful women who expect a man at or above their level. As a result, even though there are more men than women, urban males, at least those that the women are willing to consider as mates, are in huge demand. They won't even consider a woman over 30. However, the vast middle of the male pop can't get a date.
In the countryside, there are more men than women, and they have far less to offer, so the women get their pick. Chinese men are turning Vietnamese and Burmese women.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:28 AM (xCA6C)
110
Of course not. But then why don’t those dollars find their way back to us?
Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (l3YAf)
++++
They do, They have to. The money associated with a trade deficit is repatriated eventually. The US Dollar is somewhat special as there is built-in foreign demand for dollars, but eventually they come home.
The way they come home is through asset transfer. Trade deficits are offset with assets. Under classical theory, this is still like ports and American businesses being bought by foreigners, and that does happen. The daddy of 'em all in the modern context, though, is US Treasuries and other debt instruments. Why is so much US debt held abroad? Because they have to spend their surplus dollars on something once ForEx reserve needs are met. No point in sitting on a mountain of treasure.
The trade deficit and the budget deficit are more closely related than most people realize or acknowledge. Treasuries are liquid and easily traded and represent a marker backed by the US economy. A lot of the trade deficit is sanitized through them.
Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (l3YAf)
++++
They do, They have to. The money associated with a trade deficit is repatriated eventually. The US Dollar is somewhat special as there is built-in foreign demand for dollars, but eventually they come home.
The way they come home is through asset transfer. Trade deficits are offset with assets. Under classical theory, this is still like ports and American businesses being bought by foreigners, and that does happen. The daddy of 'em all in the modern context, though, is US Treasuries and other debt instruments. Why is so much US debt held abroad? Because they have to spend their surplus dollars on something once ForEx reserve needs are met. No point in sitting on a mountain of treasure.
The trade deficit and the budget deficit are more closely related than most people realize or acknowledge. Treasuries are liquid and easily traded and represent a marker backed by the US economy. A lot of the trade deficit is sanitized through them.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 09, 2025 11:28 AM (yjAVs)
111
One side said that doing so frees up domestic labor to become extremely skilled and work on higher value stuff.
There is a segment of the population which is incapable, or unwilling, to become extremely skilled and work on higher value stuff. The more industry you move out of the country, the larger that segment becomes.
Pretty soon you have a lot of uber drivers and OF "models".
There is a segment of the population which is incapable, or unwilling, to become extremely skilled and work on higher value stuff. The more industry you move out of the country, the larger that segment becomes.
Pretty soon you have a lot of uber drivers and OF "models".
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 09, 2025 11:28 AM (ExV1e)
112
OT but should be past 100:
Just listened to a podcast and someone made a connection I've totally missed:
Obama's dead ex-chef fits the pattern of the Smiley Face killings: Young man, likely homosexual, found dead in an obviously fake drowning.
All right, carry on. . . .
Just listened to a podcast and someone made a connection I've totally missed:
Obama's dead ex-chef fits the pattern of the Smiley Face killings: Young man, likely homosexual, found dead in an obviously fake drowning.
All right, carry on. . . .
Posted by: logprof at April 09, 2025 11:28 AM (2kot0)
113
As opposed to...?
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (xCA6C)
As opposed to Tide pods and liquid detergent, I presume. Liquid detergent is convenient, but there is no question that part of it sale price is the cost of transporting a jug of water across the country.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (xCA6C)
As opposed to Tide pods and liquid detergent, I presume. Liquid detergent is convenient, but there is no question that part of it sale price is the cost of transporting a jug of water across the country.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 09, 2025 11:28 AM (8zz6B)
114
He has a recurring theme of how there was no income tax when the USA got its money from tariffs
Posted by: kallisto at April 09, 2025 11:27 AM (dCxaZ)
----------------
Funny thing, the left hates the idea of the tariff tax but loves the idea of the income tax.
I wonder why that is?
Posted by: kallisto at April 09, 2025 11:27 AM (dCxaZ)
----------------
Funny thing, the left hates the idea of the tariff tax but loves the idea of the income tax.
I wonder why that is?
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at April 09, 2025 11:28 AM (tT6L1)
Posted by: Madge at April 09, 2025 11:28 AM (05wnl)
116
100 Good point.
Although I think Indonesia has far more to worry about in that regard than Russia or India.
Chinese in general are racist sonsabitches, and Granny Wang wants plausibly Chinese-looking grandkids, not round eyes.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:25 AM (W5ArC)
=======
The future always belongs to those who show up. People who pushed the idea that China was the future because it had a lot of people in the 80s were dumb.
Or liars.
You aren't the future if you illegalize the 2.1 replacement rate, mandating a maximum of 1.0.
Although I think Indonesia has far more to worry about in that regard than Russia or India.
Chinese in general are racist sonsabitches, and Granny Wang wants plausibly Chinese-looking grandkids, not round eyes.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 09, 2025 11:25 AM (W5ArC)
=======
The future always belongs to those who show up. People who pushed the idea that China was the future because it had a lot of people in the 80s were dumb.
Or liars.
You aren't the future if you illegalize the 2.1 replacement rate, mandating a maximum of 1.0.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:29 AM (GBKbO)
117
101 If tariffs are so bad, why does everyone have them?
Posted by: Boss Moss
Exactly! Freedom of speech and private ownership of weapons is awful, too! That's why the rest of the civilized world forbids it. You Americans are so primitive...
Posted by: Boss Moss
Exactly! Freedom of speech and private ownership of weapons is awful, too! That's why the rest of the civilized world forbids it. You Americans are so primitive...
Posted by: Worldwide Authoritarian Apologists at April 09, 2025 11:29 AM (onb36)
118
I don’t mind being a net importer except for those products that are crucial to our national security. The COVID shutdown identified most of them. I would like to see some incentive policy that will make domestic production of those products attractive.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 11:29 AM (VofaG)
119
Republican dirty tricks.
Charlie Kirk@charliekirk11
Senator John Kennedy on AOC is pure gold:
“I consider AOC to be the leader of the Democratic Party.”
“I think she’s the reason there are directions on a shampoo bottle.”
“Our plan for dealing with her is Operation Let Her Speak.”
Charlie Kirk@charliekirk11
Senator John Kennedy on AOC is pure gold:
“I consider AOC to be the leader of the Democratic Party.”
“I think she’s the reason there are directions on a shampoo bottle.”
“Our plan for dealing with her is Operation Let Her Speak.”
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Soldier of the Persistence at April 09, 2025 11:29 AM (L/fGl)
120
@109 Forgot the link to the Chinese marriage problem.
China’s Marriage Market: Where Women Wait and Men Walk Away
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLfivrQYS9g
China’s Marriage Market: Where Women Wait and Men Walk Away
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLfivrQYS9g
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:29 AM (xCA6C)
121
So I guess you would use an outbound tariff to discourage exports of major commodities or products, so there's more for your own populace?
Posted by: Bulg at April 09, 2025 11:12 AM (77rzZ)
Yeah. I think food is a biggie. We need to feed our people but country X can pay more so we'll tax you that more so the food stays here and feeds our people.
Posted by: Bulg at April 09, 2025 11:12 AM (77rzZ)
Yeah. I think food is a biggie. We need to feed our people but country X can pay more so we'll tax you that more so the food stays here and feeds our people.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 09, 2025 11:29 AM (ExV1e)
122
101 If tariffs are so bad, why does everyone have them?
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:26 AM (p7mbN)
-----
I don't think the average American has any idea who is tariffing who and for how much. I certainly didn't.
True believers will fall back on their betters in the media to find out what to believe.
I know Trump loves America so I'll stick my support squarely on him.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:26 AM (p7mbN)
-----
I don't think the average American has any idea who is tariffing who and for how much. I certainly didn't.
True believers will fall back on their betters in the media to find out what to believe.
I know Trump loves America so I'll stick my support squarely on him.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:29 AM (PMtkd)
123
I saw Plausible Chinese open for the Crash Test Dummies at The Gorge in '98.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at April 09, 2025 11:30 AM (6K6Eu)
124
Rich people don’t get to be rich by consistently spending more than they take in.
America being wealthy isn’t why we run trade deficits. We run trade deficits because the US Dollar is global reserve currency.
Think of it this way: if we buy more from China than they buy from us, what are they doing with all of that money? Building a huge tower and swimming around it Scrooge McDuck style?
Of course not. But then why don’t those dollars find their way back to us?
Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (l3YAf)
Don’t disagree. But I wasn’t referring to China. China is asshoe and they cheat lie and steal. We need to Tarriff the fuck out of them.
I’m talking more generally speaking. If we have a trade deficit with Cambodia, for example, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
America being wealthy isn’t why we run trade deficits. We run trade deficits because the US Dollar is global reserve currency.
Think of it this way: if we buy more from China than they buy from us, what are they doing with all of that money? Building a huge tower and swimming around it Scrooge McDuck style?
Of course not. But then why don’t those dollars find their way back to us?
Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at April 09, 2025 11:21 AM (l3YAf)
Don’t disagree. But I wasn’t referring to China. China is asshoe and they cheat lie and steal. We need to Tarriff the fuck out of them.
I’m talking more generally speaking. If we have a trade deficit with Cambodia, for example, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:31 AM (Y5yQx)
125
The anti-tariffs crowd lost me after TARP and all that. I'm not interested in hearing about free markets anymore. GOP pols who try to sell me on laissez faire economics in a very non laissez faire world are telling me to stay home and let Democrats burn the country to the ground.
Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at April 09, 2025 11:12 AM (V9cMX)
I always figured "laissez faire" was french for "she was asking for it, shaking that ass."
You think that gives you the green light to rape. So rape you shall.
Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at April 09, 2025 11:12 AM (V9cMX)
I always figured "laissez faire" was french for "she was asking for it, shaking that ass."
You think that gives you the green light to rape. So rape you shall.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 11:31 AM (dGCAG)
126
You aren't the future if you illegalize the 2.1 replacement rate, mandating a maximum of 1.0.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:29 AM (GBKbOi
Illegalize is a new word. Like it better than outlaw.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:29 AM (GBKbOi
Illegalize is a new word. Like it better than outlaw.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 11:31 AM (VofaG)
127
123 I saw Plausible Chinese open for the Crash Test Dummies at The Gorge in '98.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at April 09, 2025 11:30 AM (6K6Eu)
It was actually Changstein, but I had it changed.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at April 09, 2025 11:30 AM (6K6Eu)
It was actually Changstein, but I had it changed.
Posted by: Donna Chang at April 09, 2025 11:32 AM (VoAdT)
128
They are even going back to bar soap and laundry powder.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:19 AM (p7mbN)
No tide pods and Jergens super moisturising 64 oz pumps for you China.
I'm finding it hard to grasp that the now unobtanium Jergen's normal bar soap was a result of advancement and not market forces. Explains why the last bars on ebay were $20 each.
I want my Jergen's bar soap back. Damn it!!
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:19 AM (p7mbN)
No tide pods and Jergens super moisturising 64 oz pumps for you China.
I'm finding it hard to grasp that the now unobtanium Jergen's normal bar soap was a result of advancement and not market forces. Explains why the last bars on ebay were $20 each.
I want my Jergen's bar soap back. Damn it!!
Posted by: Reforger at April 09, 2025 11:32 AM (xcIvR)
129
OK, midday cigar time (Cohiba Riviera).
And if there's a tariff on Nicaraguan cigars imma get angrified.
And if there's a tariff on Nicaraguan cigars imma get angrified.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:32 AM (Oq5OE)
130
Will you establish low reciprocal tariffs with its?
Yes
Will you also prevent China from moving product through your ports to our ports?
Yes
We've got a deal. Next!
Yes
Will you also prevent China from moving product through your ports to our ports?
Yes
We've got a deal. Next!
Posted by: 2009Refugee at April 09, 2025 11:32 AM (vrDaY)
131
Funny thing, the left hates the idea of the tariff tax but loves the idea of the income tax.
I wonder why that is?
Posted by: blake -
—-
Because that’s the latest NPC software update. Tomorrow they’ll probably flip.
I wonder why that is?
Posted by: blake -
—-
Because that’s the latest NPC software update. Tomorrow they’ll probably flip.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:32 AM (Y5yQx)
132
We'll see how it shakes out over the next 6-12 months. You can't remake the basic rules of the global economy - which are, basically, "America pays for everything" - overnight without consequence.
-------
That's fine and agree but remember. There will be a hidden cost. We have been able - more or less - call the shots on the world stage thanks to us footing the bill. And having the US dollar act as the world's reserve currency has been nice.
We stop "paying for everything" so to speak and then we call fewer shots.
I frankly don't care. I'm more isolationist than most. But I'm also prepared to pay that cost. Which is, in short, the US will not be the preeminent power and we will not be able to project our values on the world.
-------
That's fine and agree but remember. There will be a hidden cost. We have been able - more or less - call the shots on the world stage thanks to us footing the bill. And having the US dollar act as the world's reserve currency has been nice.
We stop "paying for everything" so to speak and then we call fewer shots.
I frankly don't care. I'm more isolationist than most. But I'm also prepared to pay that cost. Which is, in short, the US will not be the preeminent power and we will not be able to project our values on the world.
Posted by: Troofer at April 09, 2025 11:33 AM (ASvvW)
133
It was actually Changstein, but I had it changed.
Posted by: Donna Chang at April 09, 2025 11:32 AM
I thought I was getting advice from a Chinese woman!!
Posted by: Donna Chang at April 09, 2025 11:32 AM
I thought I was getting advice from a Chinese woman!!
Posted by: Estelle Costanza at April 09, 2025 11:34 AM (05wnl)
134
I frankly don't care. I'm more isolationist than most. But I'm also prepared to pay that cost. Which is, in short, the US will not be the preeminent power and we will not be able to project our values on the world.
Posted by: Troofer at April 09, 2025 11:33 AM (ASvvW)
Considering what values we were projecting for the last 2 decades, that's probably a net positive...
Posted by: Troofer at April 09, 2025 11:33 AM (ASvvW)
Considering what values we were projecting for the last 2 decades, that's probably a net positive...
Posted by: Nova Local at April 09, 2025 11:34 AM (tOcjL)
135
Please read “The Art of the Deal”
Posted by: nurse ratched at April 09, 2025 11:34 AM (FOVlA)
136
This could be a big problen for retailers.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:35 AM (p7mbN)
137
Parting thought -
Mind the unknown unknowns. This is a pretty big shift and there will be consequences no matter what. Many of those are/will be unpredictable. Economic analysis only goes so far...
Mind the unknown unknowns. This is a pretty big shift and there will be consequences no matter what. Many of those are/will be unpredictable. Economic analysis only goes so far...
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:35 AM (Oq5OE)
138
One, we are no longer the richest country in the world. We are the biggest debtor country and our balance sheet is terrible.
Two, our cities are at best third world heading to fourth world.
Three, government policies since Clinton have been designed to destroy America and those policies have been wildly successful.
Two, our cities are at best third world heading to fourth world.
Three, government policies since Clinton have been designed to destroy America and those policies have been wildly successful.
Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable at April 09, 2025 11:35 AM (17s+e)
139
They are even going back to bar soap and laundry powder.
Posted by: Boss Moss
I knew a guy at DLI who could recite that entire ad from memory. And this was in the early 90s, when the ad had been off the air for years, probably.
Posted by: Boss Moss
I knew a guy at DLI who could recite that entire ad from memory. And this was in the early 90s, when the ad had been off the air for years, probably.
Posted by: Bulg at April 09, 2025 11:36 AM (77rzZ)
140
That's fine and agree but remember. There will be a hidden cost. We have been able - more or less - call the shots on the world stage thanks to us footing the bill. And having the US dollar act as the world's reserve currency has been nice. ...
Posted by: Troofer at April 09, 2025 11:33 AM (ASvvW)
++++
It's been a mixed bag, but yes, basically.
The postwar order is over. We were able sticksave it after the fall of the USSR, but it's tapped out now. The COVID response was instrumental in finishing it off. When I am feeling tinfoil-hatty, I think the coordinated COVID response was an attempt to end the old order and implement a new one in one fell swoop, since the postwar order was cracking up already.
Well, they're going to get their wish, if so. The old order is finished and a new one is shaking out - but it's not going to be according to the WEF's neo-globalist vision.
Posted by: Troofer at April 09, 2025 11:33 AM (ASvvW)
++++
It's been a mixed bag, but yes, basically.
The postwar order is over. We were able sticksave it after the fall of the USSR, but it's tapped out now. The COVID response was instrumental in finishing it off. When I am feeling tinfoil-hatty, I think the coordinated COVID response was an attempt to end the old order and implement a new one in one fell swoop, since the postwar order was cracking up already.
Well, they're going to get their wish, if so. The old order is finished and a new one is shaking out - but it's not going to be according to the WEF's neo-globalist vision.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 09, 2025 11:36 AM (yjAVs)
141
The Left’s playbook is very simple.
If Trump is for it we are against it.
It’s always been that way regard to Republicans but the TDS has brought it to new levels.
If Trump is for it we are against it.
It’s always been that way regard to Republicans but the TDS has brought it to new levels.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 11:36 AM (VofaG)
142
Considering what values we were projecting for the last 2 decades, that's probably a net positive...
Posted by: Nova Local at April 09, 2025 11:34 AM (tOcjL)
-=--------
Agree.
Letting the CIA set global policy for who will and won't be in charge of Countries has been a fucking disaster.
Posted by: Nova Local at April 09, 2025 11:34 AM (tOcjL)
-=--------
Agree.
Letting the CIA set global policy for who will and won't be in charge of Countries has been a fucking disaster.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:36 AM (PMtkd)
143
The world tried to take out President Trump.
The world is now finding out they shouldn't have poked the Golden Scalp Weasel.
The world is now finding out they shouldn't have poked the Golden Scalp Weasel.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at April 09, 2025 11:37 AM (tT6L1)
144
China sells us crap steel and they buy the good stuff from us. Their machine tools are crap and they import the good ones. Their big tariff is going to hurt them baldy.
Posted by: no one of any consequence at April 09, 2025 11:37 AM (ZmEVT)
145
>> They do, They have to. The money associated with a trade deficit is repatriated eventually. The US Dollar is somewhat special as there is built-in foreign demand for dollars, but eventually they come home.
Some do, sure, but there’s a huge amount of offshore dollars that are being used for settling international trade or as a store of wealth. It’s the Triffin dilemma on steroids. To maintain the global financial order and all of the benefits we get from that, we must continually export more USD than we take in.
>> The trade deficit and the budget deficit are more closely related than most people realize or acknowledge. Treasuries are liquid and easily traded and represent a marker backed by the US economy. A lot of the trade deficit is sanitized through them.
That’s partly, but anyone with excess cash parks them in Treasuries. Most Treasuries are still held domestically.
What came first: the budget deficit or the trade deficit?
Or: how do you run up $40 trillion in debt without a massive increase in the monetary base?
Some do, sure, but there’s a huge amount of offshore dollars that are being used for settling international trade or as a store of wealth. It’s the Triffin dilemma on steroids. To maintain the global financial order and all of the benefits we get from that, we must continually export more USD than we take in.
>> The trade deficit and the budget deficit are more closely related than most people realize or acknowledge. Treasuries are liquid and easily traded and represent a marker backed by the US economy. A lot of the trade deficit is sanitized through them.
That’s partly, but anyone with excess cash parks them in Treasuries. Most Treasuries are still held domestically.
What came first: the budget deficit or the trade deficit?
Or: how do you run up $40 trillion in debt without a massive increase in the monetary base?
Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at April 09, 2025 11:37 AM (l3YAf)
146
I used to like Don Mateo before storm or quake ruined the country. They were fairly ordinary, apparently.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:37 AM (p7mbN)
147
91 Couple of bad apples.
Honestly with Bari Weiss@thehonestlypod
Axios founder @JimVandeHei says trust in American media collapsed in three phases.
1. Twitter exposed the political bias of “objective” journalists.
2. Coverage of Covid, “defund the police,” and word policing didn’t sit right with Americans.
3. The lack of coverage around Joe Biden’s mental decline was the final straw.
'And it breaks my heart … I am a fierce defender of journalism ... I think it’s a couple of bad apples who make it look bad for for everyone.'
It's still early, but VandeHei seems determined to be crowned retard of the year. How does he explain 1, 2, and 3 - all involving the entire industry - as the work of a couple of bad apples? He's like a slow child trying to jam a circular object into a smaller, triangular hole.
Honestly with Bari Weiss@thehonestlypod
Axios founder @JimVandeHei says trust in American media collapsed in three phases.
1. Twitter exposed the political bias of “objective” journalists.
2. Coverage of Covid, “defund the police,” and word policing didn’t sit right with Americans.
3. The lack of coverage around Joe Biden’s mental decline was the final straw.
'And it breaks my heart … I am a fierce defender of journalism ... I think it’s a couple of bad apples who make it look bad for for everyone.'
It's still early, but VandeHei seems determined to be crowned retard of the year. How does he explain 1, 2, and 3 - all involving the entire industry - as the work of a couple of bad apples? He's like a slow child trying to jam a circular object into a smaller, triangular hole.
Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at April 09, 2025 11:37 AM (V9cMX)
148
I believe the Trump administration is pursuing floor tariffs in order to mitigate the shenanigans used by countries to deny markets by means other than an overt tariff.
I believe the EU is notorious for playing this game.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at April 09, 2025 11:07 AM (tT6L1)
Yeah, that's what silly stuff like "legal carrots must be between 5cm to 15cm and no more girthy than 3cm"
All carrots outside these measurements are illegal to sell in the EU.
A lot of that nonsense will need to get the tariff treatment for things to work as they should.
I believe the EU is notorious for playing this game.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at April 09, 2025 11:07 AM (tT6L1)
Yeah, that's what silly stuff like "legal carrots must be between 5cm to 15cm and no more girthy than 3cm"
All carrots outside these measurements are illegal to sell in the EU.
A lot of that nonsense will need to get the tariff treatment for things to work as they should.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 09, 2025 11:38 AM (iJfKG)
149
Considering what values we were projecting for the last 2 decades, that's probably a net positive...
____
Not only the cultural crap our gay DEI NGOs were spreading, but also that are pockets are free to rummage through whenever and for however long.
____
Not only the cultural crap our gay DEI NGOs were spreading, but also that are pockets are free to rummage through whenever and for however long.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at April 09, 2025 11:38 AM (Dv3i1)
150
The world is now finding out they shouldn't have poked the Golden Scalp Weasel.
Posted by: blake
Or, as James Howard Kunstler calls him, "the Golden Golem of Greatness."
Posted by: blake
Or, as James Howard Kunstler calls him, "the Golden Golem of Greatness."
Posted by: Bulg at April 09, 2025 11:38 AM (77rzZ)
151
The Left was initially against the COVID vax when it was Trump pushing its development. But after the press and Lefty CDC gave its blessing and people on the Right were against it they changed their tune to being fascist supporters of the vax.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 11:38 AM (VofaG)
152
My favorite actor is Omar Tarif.
Posted by: Cray Cray at April 09, 2025 11:38 AM (amYJF)
153
Victoria Nuland needs to be held accountable for her idiocy.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:39 AM (PMtkd)
154
138 One, we are no longer the richest country in the world. We are the biggest debtor country and our balance sheet is terrible.
-
Travel around the world and then tell me we’re not the richest. Aside from micro states like Luxembourg or Liechtenstein and shit, yeah we’re the richest. And it’s not even close.
Mississippi’s GDP per capita is right around Germany’s GDP. MS is the US backwater and Germany’s the Euro powerhouse. And yet…
-
Travel around the world and then tell me we’re not the richest. Aside from micro states like Luxembourg or Liechtenstein and shit, yeah we’re the richest. And it’s not even close.
Mississippi’s GDP per capita is right around Germany’s GDP. MS is the US backwater and Germany’s the Euro powerhouse. And yet…
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:39 AM (Y5yQx)
155
151 The Left was initially against the COVID vax when it was Trump pushing its development. But after the press and Lefty CDC gave its blessing and people on the Right were against it they changed their tune to being fascist supporters of the vax.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 11:38 AM (VofaG)
----
How about those videos of Pelosi and Sanders calling for tariffs?
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 11:38 AM (VofaG)
----
How about those videos of Pelosi and Sanders calling for tariffs?
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:39 AM (PMtkd)
156
Night and Day.
youtube.com/watch?v=5x9X4cBYbyM
youtube.com/watch?v=5x9X4cBYbyM
Posted by: Lithiated gp For Healthful Glow at April 09, 2025 11:40 AM (/RzMC)
157
Don’t disagree. But I wasn’t referring to China. China is asshoe and they cheat lie and steal. We need to Tarriff the fuck out of them.
I’m talking more generally speaking. If we have a trade deficit with Cambodia, for example, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:31 AM (Y5yQx)
My national recommendation: Don't do business with communist nations.
I’m talking more generally speaking. If we have a trade deficit with Cambodia, for example, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:31 AM (Y5yQx)
My national recommendation: Don't do business with communist nations.
Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at April 09, 2025 11:40 AM (g8Ew8)
158
Wait till europes cultural enrichment starts to pay off.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:40 AM (p7mbN)
Posted by: Bulg at April 09, 2025 11:40 AM (77rzZ)
160
I think Trump is trying to abolish the income tax, or at least the wage tax.
He has a recurring theme of how there was no income tax when the USA got its money from tariffs
Posted by: kallisto at April 09, 2025 11:27 AM (dCxaZ)
That tariffs will replace income tax thing seems more like one of those things he says, but doesn't really mean it. Or if he does, he might not have thought it through.
I suppose you can finance a government when your annual budget is about $800 million.
We haven't had a budget of $800 million for quite some time.
He has a recurring theme of how there was no income tax when the USA got its money from tariffs
Posted by: kallisto at April 09, 2025 11:27 AM (dCxaZ)
That tariffs will replace income tax thing seems more like one of those things he says, but doesn't really mean it. Or if he does, he might not have thought it through.
I suppose you can finance a government when your annual budget is about $800 million.
We haven't had a budget of $800 million for quite some time.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 11:40 AM (dGCAG)
161
OK, midday cigar time (Cohiba Riviera).
And if there's a tariff on Nicaraguan cigars imma get angrified.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:32 AM (Oq5OE)
I don't think Nicaragua is even on DJT's radar screen right now. And I think that Ortega wants to make nice with the USA, anyway, as his sponsors in Venezuela have gone broke. One thing I have noticed: when illegals get arrested in the USA, very few seem to have come from Nicaragua.
And if there's a tariff on Nicaraguan cigars imma get angrified.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:32 AM (Oq5OE)
I don't think Nicaragua is even on DJT's radar screen right now. And I think that Ortega wants to make nice with the USA, anyway, as his sponsors in Venezuela have gone broke. One thing I have noticed: when illegals get arrested in the USA, very few seem to have come from Nicaragua.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 09, 2025 11:41 AM (8zz6B)
162
159 Ha!
Posted by: Lithiated gp For Healthful Glow at April 09, 2025 11:41 AM (/RzMC)
163
I figure I'll throw my tattered hat into the commentary ring on it, too.
Would that be a trilby, snap brim, fedora, or the standard baseball cap?
Would that be a trilby, snap brim, fedora, or the standard baseball cap?
Posted by: Diogenes at April 09, 2025 11:41 AM (W/lyH)
164
The mainstream media is tariffied.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:41 AM (p7mbN)
165
How about those videos of Pelosi and Sanders calling for tariffs?
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:39 AM (PMtkd)
Yep so many examples.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:39 AM (PMtkd)
Yep so many examples.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 11:41 AM (VofaG)
166
The Left was initially against the COVID vax when it was Trump pushing its development. But after the press and Lefty CDC gave its blessing and people on the Right were against it they changed their tune to being fascist supporters of the vax.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 11:38 AM (VofaG)
The only people I hear of still getting the wuhan flu are the multi-multi vaxers.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 11:38 AM (VofaG)
The only people I hear of still getting the wuhan flu are the multi-multi vaxers.
Posted by: LASue at April 09, 2025 11:42 AM (lCppi)
167
Tarriffed and Featherriffed.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 09, 2025 11:42 AM (VoAdT)
168
OK, midday cigar time (Cohiba Riviera).
And if there's a tariff on Nicaraguan cigars imma get angrified.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:32 AM (Oq5OE)
OOOOOOooooo!!!!!
Nice choice!
*puts nose near USB port*
And if there's a tariff on Nicaraguan cigars imma get angrified.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:32 AM (Oq5OE)
OOOOOOooooo!!!!!
Nice choice!
*puts nose near USB port*
Posted by: Diogenes at April 09, 2025 11:42 AM (W/lyH)
169
Dollars are America’s top export and it’s not even close.
Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at April 09, 2025 11:42 AM (l3YAf)
170
Northwest China has a population replacement rate of about .7 right now.
Estimates for the whole nation are 1.09 or lower.
China literally cannot be the future. It has no future.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:17 AM (GBKbO)
--------------------------
Take away immigration, and the US birthrate is right there with China. Heck, most modern nations aren't meeting the replacement birth rate.
If you believe demographics is destiny, then look no further than the third world. That is where the human population is growing.
Estimates for the whole nation are 1.09 or lower.
China literally cannot be the future. It has no future.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:17 AM (GBKbO)
--------------------------
Take away immigration, and the US birthrate is right there with China. Heck, most modern nations aren't meeting the replacement birth rate.
If you believe demographics is destiny, then look no further than the third world. That is where the human population is growing.
Posted by: Troofer at April 09, 2025 11:43 AM (ASvvW)
171
I enjoy all the hair setting afire, the bed shitting, the pants wetting, the wet taco folding, the hand wringing, the doom and gloom doomsayers and the floating old lady squeezings associated with all the tariff talk and hollarations. More please.
Posted by: Watching The Wheels Go Round and Round at April 09, 2025 11:44 AM (ekEaX)
172
Charlie Kirk@charliekirk11
Senator John Kennedy on AOC is pure gold:
“I consider AOC to be the leader of the Democratic Party.”
“I think she’s the reason there are directions on a shampoo bottle.”
“Our plan for dealing with her is Operation Let Her Speak.”
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Soldier of the Persistence at April 09, 2025 11:29 AM (L/fGl)
I would hope there are attempts to divide and conquer, between her and Crockett (of shit).
Talk up how Jazzy is making more sense than she is, tell Jazzy that AOC's butt is juicier.
Get them to pull each other's hair extensions out.
Senator John Kennedy on AOC is pure gold:
“I consider AOC to be the leader of the Democratic Party.”
“I think she’s the reason there are directions on a shampoo bottle.”
“Our plan for dealing with her is Operation Let Her Speak.”
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Soldier of the Persistence at April 09, 2025 11:29 AM (L/fGl)
I would hope there are attempts to divide and conquer, between her and Crockett (of shit).
Talk up how Jazzy is making more sense than she is, tell Jazzy that AOC's butt is juicier.
Get them to pull each other's hair extensions out.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 11:44 AM (dGCAG)
173
There's a few countries that use the US Dollar as their currency, right? Not sure how that works out. Probably tiny little places with no significant economy. But.... I forget what my point was going to be.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 09, 2025 11:44 AM (VoAdT)
174
As long as candy corn and Circus Peanuts are produced domestically, I'm good.
Posted by: Healthy Eating On EBT at April 09, 2025 11:44 AM (G5+As)
175
If you believe demographics is destiny, then look no further than the third world. That is where the human population is growing.
Posted by: Troofer at April 09, 2025 11:43 AM (ASvvW)
Africa is projected to add 1 billion people in the next 25 years.
If you believe demographics is destiny, then look no further than the third world. That is where the human population is growing.
Posted by: Troofer at April 09, 2025 11:43 AM (ASvvW)
Africa is projected to add 1 billion people in the next 25 years.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:44 AM (Y5yQx)
176
Congressional Republicans are looking at their grifting streams being turned off... not at some sort of lasting, economic damage to the US. They're lying about it.
Again.
Again.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 09, 2025 11:45 AM (Q4IgG)
177
Get them to pull each other's hair extensions out.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 11:44 AM (dGCAG)
Just get Crockpot to say how she really feels about hispanics.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 11:44 AM (dGCAG)
Just get Crockpot to say how she really feels about hispanics.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 09, 2025 11:45 AM (VoAdT)
178
I suppose you can finance a government when your annual budget is about $800 million.
We haven't had a budget of $800 million for quite some time.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 11:40 AM (dGCAG)
-------
Tariffs will help as well as corporate taxes and I would imagine the new sales tax.
We haven't had a budget of $800 million for quite some time.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 11:40 AM (dGCAG)
-------
Tariffs will help as well as corporate taxes and I would imagine the new sales tax.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:45 AM (PMtkd)
179
I have become completely convinced that economics is the most poorly taught subject in the US. It is also the least taught. Everyone who has ever made a buck thinks they are an expert in economics. Sadly, that includes you Jose. It is clear to me that you need to read Thomas Sowell and Walter Williams on tariffs. If you think they are wrong (they're not), then please explain.
Posted by: Earl Schlobodowicz at April 09, 2025 11:45 AM (P7Iz+)
180
Food inflation could be dealt with by shutting off the EBT cards.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:45 AM (p7mbN)
181
Oh, and getting rid of the trillions of $$$ in graft.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:45 AM (PMtkd)
182
2. Coverage of Covid, “defund the police,” and word policing didn’t sit right with Americans...
'And it breaks my heart … I am a fierce defender of journalism ... I think it’s a couple of bad apples who make it look bad for for everyone.'
Right. It wasn't your outright lies maintained over a decade, it was that things didn't "sit right", because the people are just morons who can't bravely handle the truth that the fearless media provides.
ESAD.
'And it breaks my heart … I am a fierce defender of journalism ... I think it’s a couple of bad apples who make it look bad for for everyone.'
Right. It wasn't your outright lies maintained over a decade, it was that things didn't "sit right", because the people are just morons who can't bravely handle the truth that the fearless media provides.
ESAD.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:45 AM (xCA6C)
183
170 Take away immigration, and the US birthrate is right there with China. Heck, most modern nations aren't meeting the replacement birth rate.
If you believe demographics is destiny, then look no further than the third world. That is where the human population is growing.
Posted by: Troofer at April 09, 2025 11:43 AM (ASvvW)
=======
We're at 1.62, still below but not nearly as dire as China.
Ours is potentially reversible in a generation. Theirs is not.
If you believe demographics is destiny, then look no further than the third world. That is where the human population is growing.
Posted by: Troofer at April 09, 2025 11:43 AM (ASvvW)
=======
We're at 1.62, still below but not nearly as dire as China.
Ours is potentially reversible in a generation. Theirs is not.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:46 AM (GBKbO)
184
"Maria Bartiromo warns that ‘timing is of the essence’ for Trump’s tariffs" YouTube
FOX Business host Maria Bartiromo discusses President Donald Trump's tariffs and how he needs to act quickly to negotiate deals with other countries to limit the negative impact on America’s economy on ‘Jesse Watters Primetime.’ 5:12 Yesterday
---
I'm with the Administration's position. Tough roads ahead - and they've been before - but I doubt there's another way out "for the children."
FOX Business host Maria Bartiromo discusses President Donald Trump's tariffs and how he needs to act quickly to negotiate deals with other countries to limit the negative impact on America’s economy on ‘Jesse Watters Primetime.’ 5:12 Yesterday
---
I'm with the Administration's position. Tough roads ahead - and they've been before - but I doubt there's another way out "for the children."
Posted by: L - No nic, adores Musk & Miller at April 09, 2025 11:47 AM (NFX2v)
185
I see those who are getting married in their 20’s starting families. It’s just that people aren’t getting married as young as they used to. That’s bringing down the birth rate. And it’s only anecdotal but seems to me the script has flipped and it’s the women who now want to wait to get married and start a family. Something about ‘having a career’ is being focus.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 11:47 AM (VofaG)
186
Have they pried the gavel out of Boarberg's tyrannical hand yet?
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 09, 2025 11:47 AM (SSLjk)
187
To the degree that tariffs are a proxy for a national sales tax, I support them over income taxes, etc. To me, a sales tax (or proxy thereof) is the fairest sort of tax--everybody pays to the extent they consume.
Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at April 09, 2025 11:47 AM (+BqEV)
188
My question is- who needs who more, the sellers or the buyers? Is it like when borrow 10,000$ from the bank you have problem or if borrow 10,000,000$ the bank has problem?
Posted by: extybeebeachbum at April 09, 2025 11:47 AM (6MSI9)
189
Trump should just do a 20,000% tariff on CHYNNNAAA and EU to expedite a meltdown of the global system, and then build an America first global trade market off their commie gay-tran ashes
Posted by: The Unmasked and Unvaxed Ranger - Uplifting The Wagshambas of Freedom at April 09, 2025 11:47 AM (HYKHz)
190
China doesn't even have the breeding stock to reverse this.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:47 AM (p7mbN)
191
We're at 1.62,
-
What is it if you exclude the birthrate of foreigners? That number includes all the anchor babies. And all the muzzies having 7 kids.
Native born Americans aren’t having kids.
-
What is it if you exclude the birthrate of foreigners? That number includes all the anchor babies. And all the muzzies having 7 kids.
Native born Americans aren’t having kids.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:48 AM (Y5yQx)
192
The Mormons seem to be doing their part
Posted by: steevy at April 09, 2025 11:49 AM (KQk9m)
193
What’s the lifespan of someone in Africa.? I’d guess at least a decade lower than the Western countries.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 11:49 AM (VofaG)
194
Major companies threatening to layoff workers since they wont be able to afford them
which will... not impact american workers at all, since the only workers these companies have been hiring are foreign
which will... not impact american workers at all, since the only workers these companies have been hiring are foreign
Posted by: The Unmasked and Unvaxed Ranger - Uplifting The Wagshambas of Freedom at April 09, 2025 11:49 AM (HYKHz)
195
We're at 1.62, still below but not nearly as dire as China.
Ours is potentially reversible in a generation. Theirs is not.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:46 AM (GBKbO)
---------------
If we are betting on the Millennials and Gen Z to get us above replacement level, we are in trouble. As a whole, the younger generations couldn't be more self-absorbed.
Ours is potentially reversible in a generation. Theirs is not.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:46 AM (GBKbO)
---------------
If we are betting on the Millennials and Gen Z to get us above replacement level, we are in trouble. As a whole, the younger generations couldn't be more self-absorbed.
Posted by: Troofer at April 09, 2025 11:49 AM (ASvvW)
196
THE BLADE WILL RETURN
Posted by: Nostradamus at April 09, 2025 11:49 AM (gwj1K)
197
We're at 1.62, still below but not nearly as dire as China.
Ours is potentially reversible in a generation. Theirs is not.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman
You have no future. It's all used up.
Ours is potentially reversible in a generation. Theirs is not.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman
You have no future. It's all used up.
Posted by: 2033 End Of The World at April 09, 2025 11:49 AM (G5+As)
198
Africa is projected to add 1 billion people in the next 25 years.
next up: another famine in Africa
next up: another famine in Africa
Posted by: brak at April 09, 2025 11:49 AM (jGJov)
199
Didn't Russia move to attach its ruble to gold? I thought China did too.
Wouldn't that make their currency more stable?
I don't know WTF I'm talking about.
Wouldn't that make their currency more stable?
I don't know WTF I'm talking about.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:50 AM (PMtkd)
200
...and the floating old lady squeezings associated with all the tariff talk...
Posted by: Watching The Wheels Go Round and Round
______
Definitely a new one on me. I like it.
Posted by: Watching The Wheels Go Round and Round
______
Definitely a new one on me. I like it.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at April 09, 2025 11:50 AM (Dm8we)
201
Take away immigration, and the US birthrate is right there with China.
Incorrect.
The US fertility rate, excluding immigrants, is currently around 1.62 births per woman, which is below the replacement rate of 2.1 needed for a stable population without immigration
1.62 is below replacement, but it's a long way from the Chinese rate.
Incorrect.
The US fertility rate, excluding immigrants, is currently around 1.62 births per woman, which is below the replacement rate of 2.1 needed for a stable population without immigration
1.62 is below replacement, but it's a long way from the Chinese rate.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:50 AM (xCA6C)
202
next up: another famine in Africa
Posted by: brak at April 09, 2025 11:49 AM (jGJov)
-------
And more vaccines!!!
--Bill Gates
Posted by: brak at April 09, 2025 11:49 AM (jGJov)
-------
And more vaccines!!!
--Bill Gates
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:50 AM (PMtkd)
203
195 If we are betting on the Millennials and Gen Z to get us above replacement level, we are in trouble. As a whole, the younger generations couldn't be more self-absorbed.
Posted by: Troofer at April 09, 2025 11:49 AM (ASvvW)
======
Depends on where and which subculture.
Churches in my area are full of kids. Big families.
Vermont has a TFR of 1.3. DC has one of 1.2.
The future belongs to those showing up. Rural conservatives are showing up. Urban progressives are not.
Posted by: Troofer at April 09, 2025 11:49 AM (ASvvW)
======
Depends on where and which subculture.
Churches in my area are full of kids. Big families.
Vermont has a TFR of 1.3. DC has one of 1.2.
The future belongs to those showing up. Rural conservatives are showing up. Urban progressives are not.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:50 AM (GBKbO)
204
198 Seeing what they have managed to turn farmland in South Africa into, yeah.
Posted by: steevy at April 09, 2025 11:50 AM (KQk9m)
205
If we are betting on the Millennials and Gen Z to get us above replacement level, we are in trouble. As a whole, the younger generations couldn't be more self-absorbed.
Posted by: Troofer at April 09, 2025 11:49 AM (ASvvW)
If you want me to create a human I don't want to create, that ain't my problem.
Posted by: Troofer at April 09, 2025 11:49 AM (ASvvW)
If you want me to create a human I don't want to create, that ain't my problem.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 09, 2025 11:51 AM (VoAdT)
206
Tariffs are a tax on production that has been outsourced to countries with cheap labor and low environmental standards.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 09, 2025 11:51 AM (DIweC)
207
next up: another famine in Africa
Posted by: brak at April 09, 2025 11:49 AM
Merch sales revenue, baby!
Posted by: brak at April 09, 2025 11:49 AM
Merch sales revenue, baby!
Posted by: Band Aid celebrities at April 09, 2025 11:51 AM (bFu5X)
208
I hope they treat the famine with safe snd effective vaccines.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:52 AM (p7mbN)
209
I suppose you can finance a government when your annual budget is about $800 million.
We haven't had a budget of $800 million for quite some time.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 11:40 AM (dGCAG)
-------
Tariffs will help as well as corporate taxes and I would imagine the new sales tax.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:45 AM (PMtkd)
Yeah well, it's Washington. They'll tariff us... AND keep all the other taxes in place, while continuing resolutioning us toward more and more trillions going out the door.
We haven't had a budget of $800 million for quite some time.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 11:40 AM (dGCAG)
-------
Tariffs will help as well as corporate taxes and I would imagine the new sales tax.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:45 AM (PMtkd)
Yeah well, it's Washington. They'll tariff us... AND keep all the other taxes in place, while continuing resolutioning us toward more and more trillions going out the door.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 11:52 AM (dGCAG)
210
Yes it was very wise to make China the worlds factory....
Posted by: steevy at April 09, 2025 11:52 AM (KQk9m)
211
If we are betting on the Millennials and Gen Z to get us above replacement level, we are in trouble.
I think living in a world with half of the current population would be wonderful. But then, I hate crowds.
I think living in a world with half of the current population would be wonderful. But then, I hate crowds.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 09, 2025 11:52 AM (DIweC)
212
Another well-thought out and well-written piece. Well done.
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at April 09, 2025 11:53 AM (i24o9)
213
Demanding someone else have a child who doesn't want to just to conform to your own vague wishes and dreams about the trajectory of some imaginary future based on wibbly wobbly statistics is an absolutely insane level of self-absorption.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 09, 2025 11:53 AM (VoAdT)
214
There's something so pathetic about westerners who carry water for communist China on the left or right.
China is a literal fucking shithole that people actually risk death to get out of but some pale dork will watch a cccp drone light show and say they're the next superpower
80 percent of the country lacks indoor plumbing ffs
China is a literal fucking shithole that people actually risk death to get out of but some pale dork will watch a cccp drone light show and say they're the next superpower
80 percent of the country lacks indoor plumbing ffs
Posted by: Cmonman at April 09, 2025 11:53 AM (GZFf6)
215
Africa is projected to add 1 billion people in the next 25 years.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald
😂😂😂 They can't feed the current population. Much less add a billion.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald
😂😂😂 They can't feed the current population. Much less add a billion.
Posted by: rickb223 at April 09, 2025 11:53 AM (TBCjf)
Posted by: mikeski at April 09, 2025 11:53 AM (DgGvY)
217
Get them to pull each other's hair extensions out.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 11:44 AM (dGCAG)
Just get Crockpot to say how she really feels about hispanics.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 09, 2025 11:45 AM (VoAdT)
When she was growing up in swanky parts of St. Louis County, she would have had very little contact with hispanics.
But then she went to Texas, so.....
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 11:44 AM (dGCAG)
Just get Crockpot to say how she really feels about hispanics.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 09, 2025 11:45 AM (VoAdT)
When she was growing up in swanky parts of St. Louis County, she would have had very little contact with hispanics.
But then she went to Texas, so.....
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 11:53 AM (dGCAG)
218
Mainland China either has to conquer Vietnam for women or make millions of artificial wombs.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 09, 2025 11:54 AM (SSLjk)
219
Didn't Russia move to attach its ruble to gold? I thought China did too.
Wouldn't that make their currency more stable?
I don't know WTF I'm talking about.
Posted by: Seems Legit
--
Oh boy, the Gold Standard debate. 🤣
The gold standard creates a fixed money supply. It also results in frequent and unpredictable recessions while you wait for deflation to happen.
I suppose "stable" is a matter of opinion. My opinion is that the currency may be stable but the economy is unstable. Whether that's acceptable or not is one of those subjective opinions I mentioned early in the thread
Wouldn't that make their currency more stable?
I don't know WTF I'm talking about.
Posted by: Seems Legit
--
Oh boy, the Gold Standard debate. 🤣
The gold standard creates a fixed money supply. It also results in frequent and unpredictable recessions while you wait for deflation to happen.
I suppose "stable" is a matter of opinion. My opinion is that the currency may be stable but the economy is unstable. Whether that's acceptable or not is one of those subjective opinions I mentioned early in the thread
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:54 AM (YnIVK)
220
Milton Friedman & Thomas Sowell would say that in general tariffs are bad -- with the exception of when they' being used to force the eventual reduction or elimination of tariffs imposed on you by others -- which I believe is Trump's goal with the reciprocal tariffs.
Make Zero Percent Tariffs Great Again!
Make Zero Percent Tariffs Great Again!
Posted by: ShainS -- On Democracies and Death Cults at April 09, 2025 11:54 AM (SPXZh)
221
Can we tariff grain exports?
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:55 AM (p7mbN)
222
Speaking of African famines…
After Zimbabwe kicked all the white farmers off their land, Zambia invited a lot of them in. Now Zambia exports food to Zimbabwe and has become the “breadbasket of Africa”. They’re now opening the door to South African whites as well whose farms are about to be stolen by the ANC.
After Zimbabwe kicked all the white farmers off their land, Zambia invited a lot of them in. Now Zambia exports food to Zimbabwe and has become the “breadbasket of Africa”. They’re now opening the door to South African whites as well whose farms are about to be stolen by the ANC.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:55 AM (Y5yQx)
223
😂😂😂 They can't feed the current population. Much less add a billion.
Posted by: rickb223 at April 09, 2025 11:53 AM
You're saying communism mixed with tribalism doesn't work? I shall not believe it!
Posted by: rickb223 at April 09, 2025 11:53 AM
You're saying communism mixed with tribalism doesn't work? I shall not believe it!
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 09, 2025 11:55 AM (bFu5X)
224
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:54 AM (YnIVK)
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I think I made it clear I don't know WTF I'm talking about.
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I think I made it clear I don't know WTF I'm talking about.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:56 AM (PMtkd)
225
I think I made it clear I don't know WTF I'm talking about.
Posted by: Seems Legit
That's me every day.
Posted by: Seems Legit
That's me every day.
Posted by: rickb223 at April 09, 2025 11:57 AM (TBCjf)
226
December 2024, US Census
U.S. Population Grows at Fastest Pace in More Than Two Decades
New 2024 Population Estimates Show Nation’s Population Grew by About 1% to 340.1 Million Since 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: TUESDAY, DEC. 21, 2010
U.S. Census Bureau Announces 2010 Census Population Counts Apportionment Counts Delivered to President
The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that the 2010 Census showed the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2010, was 308,745,538.
U.S. Population Grows at Fastest Pace in More Than Two Decades
New 2024 Population Estimates Show Nation’s Population Grew by About 1% to 340.1 Million Since 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: TUESDAY, DEC. 21, 2010
U.S. Census Bureau Announces 2010 Census Population Counts Apportionment Counts Delivered to President
The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that the 2010 Census showed the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2010, was 308,745,538.
Posted by: L - No nic, adores Musk & Miller at April 09, 2025 11:57 AM (NFX2v)
227
222 Speaking of African famines…
After Zimbabwe kicked all the white farmers off their land, Zambia invited a lot of them in. Now Zambia exports food to Zimbabwe and has become the “breadbasket of Africa”. They’re now opening the door to South African whites as well whose farms are about to be stolen by the ANC.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:55 AM (Y5yQx)
---------
Really? That's incredible but predictable.
After Zimbabwe kicked all the white farmers off their land, Zambia invited a lot of them in. Now Zambia exports food to Zimbabwe and has become the “breadbasket of Africa”. They’re now opening the door to South African whites as well whose farms are about to be stolen by the ANC.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:55 AM (Y5yQx)
---------
Really? That's incredible but predictable.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:57 AM (PMtkd)
228
Africa is projected to add 1 billion people in the next 25 years.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald
😂😂😂 They can't feed the current population. Much less add a billion.
That's OK, they'll all be living in Europe.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald
😂😂😂 They can't feed the current population. Much less add a billion.
That's OK, they'll all be living in Europe.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 09, 2025 11:57 AM (DIweC)
229
😂😂😂 They can't feed the current population. Much less add a billion.
Posted by: rickb223 at April 09, 2025 11:53 AM (TBCjf)
---------------
They could, or, at least, South Africa could...right up until they drove out all of the white farmers.
😂😂😂 They can't feed the current population. Much less add a billion.
Posted by: rickb223 at April 09, 2025 11:53 AM (TBCjf)
---------------
They could, or, at least, South Africa could...right up until they drove out all of the white farmers.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at April 09, 2025 11:57 AM (tT6L1)
230
China’s population problem is easily solvable. Could be done in a few years. All China has to do is murder a few hundred million of the most undesirable. Easy peasy. They’ve done it before.
Posted by: Elric the Bladiest Blade at April 09, 2025 11:58 AM (gwj1K)
231
As long as it’s not a sudden plunge, population decline doesn’t have to be a negative. Japans’s doing OK.
There will be some pain in adjusting to an economy without population growth. But it’s not the end of the world.
There will be some pain in adjusting to an economy without population growth. But it’s not the end of the world.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:58 AM (Y5yQx)
232
I think I made it clear I don't know WTF I'm talking about.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:56 AM (PMtkd)
--
Yes, and I apologies if I implied something else.
I think I made it clear I don't know WTF I'm talking about.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:56 AM (PMtkd)
--
Yes, and I apologies if I implied something else.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 11:58 AM (YnIVK)
233
That's me every day.
Posted by: rickb223 at April 09, 2025 11:57 AM (TBCjf)
------
#MeToo
I'm just here to learn shit and laugh.
Posted by: rickb223 at April 09, 2025 11:57 AM (TBCjf)
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#MeToo
I'm just here to learn shit and laugh.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:58 AM (PMtkd)
Posted by: Open borders have consequences at April 09, 2025 11:58 AM (jGJov)
235
1.62 is below replacement, but it's a long way from the Chinese rate.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:50 AM (xCA6C)
America and China are both overpopulated, so a low birthrate could be a good thing.
The problem with America is we’re trying to make up the difference by importing third worlders. This is an ongoing disaster.
The Chinese are wisely avoiding that, so at least China will look like China in 100 years. America already barely resembles America of 40 years ago. In a century, America will look like Brazil crossed with South Africa crossed with Mumbai.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:50 AM (xCA6C)
America and China are both overpopulated, so a low birthrate could be a good thing.
The problem with America is we’re trying to make up the difference by importing third worlders. This is an ongoing disaster.
The Chinese are wisely avoiding that, so at least China will look like China in 100 years. America already barely resembles America of 40 years ago. In a century, America will look like Brazil crossed with South Africa crossed with Mumbai.
Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at April 09, 2025 11:58 AM (l3YAf)
236
I think living in a world with half of the current population would be wonderful. But then, I hate crowds.
I've tried to make that point several times here, only to have the more hysterical sorts accuse me of wanting genocide.
I've tried to make that point several times here, only to have the more hysterical sorts accuse me of wanting genocide.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:58 AM (xCA6C)
237
230 China’s population problem is easily solvable. Could be done in a few years. All China has to do is murder a few hundred million of the most undesirable. Easy peasy. They’ve done it before.
Posted by: Elric the Bladiest Blade at April 09, 2025 11:58 AM (gwj1K)
=======
Gotta make room for more palatial estates for connected CCP cronies somehow.
Posted by: Elric the Bladiest Blade at April 09, 2025 11:58 AM (gwj1K)
=======
Gotta make room for more palatial estates for connected CCP cronies somehow.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:58 AM (GBKbO)
238
Can Europe feed another billion africans?
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 11:59 AM (p7mbN)
239
Back in the 1980s, there was a comic book called 'American Flagg.' In it, Europe had been overrun by Africa, Russia was uber-capitalist, and the USA was run by a consortium of corporations.
Also, that people would be living in shopping malls and gang violence would be a form of entertainment.
Pretty accurate.
Also, that people would be living in shopping malls and gang violence would be a form of entertainment.
Pretty accurate.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 09, 2025 11:59 AM (DIweC)
240
215 Africa is projected to add 1 billion people in the next 25 years.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald
😂😂😂 They can't feed the current population. Much less add a billion.
Posted by: rickb223 at April 09, 2025 11:53 AM (TBCjf)
-----------------
"Soiboi Green is People."
-- Western Europe
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald
😂😂😂 They can't feed the current population. Much less add a billion.
Posted by: rickb223 at April 09, 2025 11:53 AM (TBCjf)
-----------------
"Soiboi Green is People."
-- Western Europe
Posted by: ShainS -- On Democracies and Death Cults at April 09, 2025 11:59 AM (SPXZh)
241
Really? That's incredible but predictable.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:57 AM (PMtkd)
Yeah Zambia saw an opportunity and acted. Very smart move. And Zimbabwe is now begging some of the farmers it fucked over to come back. And the farmers are like nah bruh we good in Zambia.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 11:57 AM (PMtkd)
Yeah Zambia saw an opportunity and acted. Very smart move. And Zimbabwe is now begging some of the farmers it fucked over to come back. And the farmers are like nah bruh we good in Zambia.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:59 AM (Y5yQx)
242
I've tried to make that point several times here, only to have the more hysterical sorts accuse me of wanting genocide.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:58 AM (xCA6C)
Anyone trying to force other people to make people or not make people (or un-make people) based on some appraisal of what the Correct Number of Humans should be leaves me queasy.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:58 AM (xCA6C)
Anyone trying to force other people to make people or not make people (or un-make people) based on some appraisal of what the Correct Number of Humans should be leaves me queasy.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 09, 2025 12:00 PM (VoAdT)
243
If the Africans kill the locals, sure. For a short while.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 09, 2025 12:00 PM (SSLjk)
244
212 Concur.
Posted by: Lithiated gp For Healthful Glow at April 09, 2025 12:00 PM (/RzMC)
245
China is a literal fucking shithole that people actually risk death to get out of but some pale dork will watch a cccp drone light show and say they're the next superpower
80 percent of the country lacks indoor plumbing ffs
Posted by: Cmonman at April 09, 2025 11:53 AM (GZFf6)
Correct. Hopefully there will be a civil war there soon and I will be able to visit and vacation in their poverty and misery while visiting opium dens, procuring odd surplus weapons from various warlords and enjoying the local concubines for carnal pleasures now and again.
80 percent of the country lacks indoor plumbing ffs
Posted by: Cmonman at April 09, 2025 11:53 AM (GZFf6)
Correct. Hopefully there will be a civil war there soon and I will be able to visit and vacation in their poverty and misery while visiting opium dens, procuring odd surplus weapons from various warlords and enjoying the local concubines for carnal pleasures now and again.
Posted by: Indiana Jones at April 09, 2025 12:00 PM (ekEaX)
246
On an unrelated note, iPhone autocorrect is frustrating.
"Apologize" not "apologies."
Can we put a tariff on stupid software?
"Apologize" not "apologies."
Can we put a tariff on stupid software?
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 12:00 PM (YnIVK)
247
Yeah Zambia saw an opportunity and acted. Very smart move. And Zimbabwe is now begging some of the farmers it fucked over to come back. And the farmers are like nah bruh we good in Zambia.
Perhaps they could also consider countries that don't begin with "Z".
Perhaps they could also consider countries that don't begin with "Z".
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 12:00 PM (xCA6C)
248
There are tens of thousands of military-aged Chinese men that Biden and Co. let in unvetted 2021-2025. They did not all come to chop vegetables in the kitchen of your local Chinese restaurant. They need to be sent back home in empty containers from the nearest port. Knock 1% off the tariff for every thousand repatriated.
Posted by: You Been Heah Four Hour... at April 09, 2025 12:00 PM (G5+As)
249
As long as it’s not a sudden plunge, population decline doesn’t have to be a negative. Japans’s doing OK.
Exactly. Whenever I get into a discussion with a population panicker, I point out that by 2050, Nigeria's population will double while Japan's will fall by 20%. Yet, not one of them has said they would rather live in Lagos over Tokyo.
Exactly. Whenever I get into a discussion with a population panicker, I point out that by 2050, Nigeria's population will double while Japan's will fall by 20%. Yet, not one of them has said they would rather live in Lagos over Tokyo.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 09, 2025 12:01 PM (DIweC)
250
Zimbabwe used to start with an "R."
Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at April 09, 2025 12:01 PM (y2f7I)
251
Anyone trying to force other people to make people or not make people (or un-make people) based on some appraisal of what the Correct Number of Humans should be leaves me queasy.
I couldn't agree more, which is why I never suggested any such thing.
I couldn't agree more, which is why I never suggested any such thing.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 12:01 PM (xCA6C)
252
Africa will always have something to eat as long as they still have each other.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 12:01 PM (p7mbN)
253
Back in the 1980s, there was a comic book called 'American Flagg.' In it, Europe had been overrun by Africa, Russia was uber-capitalist, and the USA was run by a consortium of corporations.
Also, that people would be living in shopping malls and gang violence would be a form of entertainment.
Pretty accurate.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 09, 2025 11:59 AM (DIweC)
Sidewalks are a sort of shopping mall.
Also, that people would be living in shopping malls and gang violence would be a form of entertainment.
Pretty accurate.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 09, 2025 11:59 AM (DIweC)
Sidewalks are a sort of shopping mall.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 12:01 PM (dGCAG)
254
I prefer tariffs as toll keeping as a barrier to entry to American markets. Consider it the price of doing business.
Posted by: MAGA_Ken at April 09, 2025 12:02 PM (UMMMY)
255
Re: the previous thread, some NILF men are living off their girlfriend. (Or they alternate among a round robin of girlfriends.)
The woman or women own the house or pay the apartment rent. The woman pays the man's bills. And often this is on short acquaintance.
It is a very weird economic circumstance.
The woman or women own the house or pay the apartment rent. The woman pays the man's bills. And often this is on short acquaintance.
It is a very weird economic circumstance.
Posted by: Suburbanbanshee at April 09, 2025 12:02 PM (cHUaN)
256
I couldn't agree more, which is why I never suggested any such thing.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 12:01 PM (xCA6C)
heh, sorry, i was actually trying to agree with and amplify you, but it really didn't sound like that, did it?
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 12:01 PM (xCA6C)
heh, sorry, i was actually trying to agree with and amplify you, but it really didn't sound like that, did it?
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 09, 2025 12:02 PM (VoAdT)
257
Exactly. Whenever I get into a discussion with a population panicker, I point out that by 2050, Nigeria's population will double while Japan's will fall by 20%. Yet, not one of them has said they would rather live in Lagos over Tokyo.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 09, 2025 12:01 PM (DIweC)
We gotta keep our ponzi scheme welfare state going, so let’s import a bunch of Haitian laborers to keep our first-world standard of living!
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 09, 2025 12:01 PM (DIweC)
We gotta keep our ponzi scheme welfare state going, so let’s import a bunch of Haitian laborers to keep our first-world standard of living!
Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at April 09, 2025 12:02 PM (l3YAf)
258
I was ticked to find out beef (at least) isn't required to have country of origin on it. I've been wondering why super market steaks seem to have fallen off in quality. I'm now assuming they are not from the US. I'll have to find a butcher shop who can get the US stuff.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at April 09, 2025 12:03 PM (Dv3i1)
259
Anyone trying to force other people to make people or not make people (or un-make people) based on some appraisal of what the Correct Number of Humans should be leaves me queasy.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 09, 2025 12:00 PM (VoAdT)
---------
Bill Gates and his "foundation" need to be nuked.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 09, 2025 12:00 PM (VoAdT)
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Bill Gates and his "foundation" need to be nuked.
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 12:03 PM (PMtkd)
260
As long as it’s not a sudden plunge, population decline doesn’t have to be a negative. Japans’s doing OK.
There will be some pain in adjusting to an economy without population growth. But it’s not the end of the world.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald
___________
I wonder what the effect of even sudden plunges has been? Gotta be a lot written on pre and post black plague.
There will be some pain in adjusting to an economy without population growth. But it’s not the end of the world.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald
___________
I wonder what the effect of even sudden plunges has been? Gotta be a lot written on pre and post black plague.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at April 09, 2025 12:03 PM (Dm8we)
261
Gotta make room for more palatial estates for connected CCP cronies somehow.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:58 AM (GBKbO)
---------------
BREAKING: Biden Crime Family Purchases Several Palatial Estates in Chy-na. Developing ...
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, looking for laughs with Ivan Reitman at April 09, 2025 11:58 AM (GBKbO)
---------------
BREAKING: Biden Crime Family Purchases Several Palatial Estates in Chy-na. Developing ...
Posted by: ShainS -- On Democracies and Death Cults at April 09, 2025 12:04 PM (lnp+7)
262
If we kill off the Chinese, who will visit/clog our national parks?
Posted by: Currently Petting The Bison at April 09, 2025 12:04 PM (G5+As)
263
This is not a theoretical exercise in fixing economic errors, and this isn't an exercise in adjusting tax policy to generate more revenue. This in fact an existential fight against the statist globalists that have sought for decades to enslave us.
Trump picked tariffs as the jawbone du jur, and he clearly means to beat the living crap out of them with it.
There will be blood, and we will feel pain.
And I'm good with it. We either fight this fight or our children will live with a boot on their necks.
Trump picked tariffs as the jawbone du jur, and he clearly means to beat the living crap out of them with it.
There will be blood, and we will feel pain.
And I'm good with it. We either fight this fight or our children will live with a boot on their necks.
Posted by: CZ = FNG, Free Republic of Florida at April 09, 2025 12:04 PM (MkuC5)
264
Also, that people would be living in shopping malls and gang violence would be a form of entertainment.
Pretty accurate.
There's a newly refurbished mall near one of my daughter's condo. Macy's was the anchor, but didn't do enough business to stay open, so now they've knocked it down and are building more condos. I think this is the way of the future. America is over-stored, and once you get past the queasiness of demolishing a new store, you have a large footprint for a high rise, with developed roads, plentiful adjacent parking, and (often) Metro access.
Pretty accurate.
There's a newly refurbished mall near one of my daughter's condo. Macy's was the anchor, but didn't do enough business to stay open, so now they've knocked it down and are building more condos. I think this is the way of the future. America is over-stored, and once you get past the queasiness of demolishing a new store, you have a large footprint for a high rise, with developed roads, plentiful adjacent parking, and (often) Metro access.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 12:04 PM (xCA6C)
265
The bottom half of the bell curve being well below replacement is not good for the future of humanity.
Posted by: brak at April 09, 2025 12:05 PM (jGJov)
266
Fix it, or blow it up.
There will be no second chance. It is so bad that any change is likely going to benefit us, eventually. If you don't fix it now, we just dwindle away until we implode. Which results in a blow up anyway. They only way to avoid the blow up is to fix it.
It'll probably only get fixed a little bit. The it gets fixed the better off and longer we will survive. We've been in denial over and existing existential crises for decades.
There will be no second chance. It is so bad that any change is likely going to benefit us, eventually. If you don't fix it now, we just dwindle away until we implode. Which results in a blow up anyway. They only way to avoid the blow up is to fix it.
It'll probably only get fixed a little bit. The it gets fixed the better off and longer we will survive. We've been in denial over and existing existential crises for decades.
Posted by: Pearl jam at April 09, 2025 12:05 PM (jwdCl)
Posted by: Al Greens' Eye Bags at April 09, 2025 12:05 PM (5hfjS)
268
They could, or, at least, South Africa could...right up until they drove out all of the white farmers.
Posted by: blake
Where's Sally Struthers hang out refusing to give the starving kid part of her sammich? Sudan?
Posted by: blake
Where's Sally Struthers hang out refusing to give the starving kid part of her sammich? Sudan?
Posted by: rickb223 at April 09, 2025 12:05 PM (TBCjf)
269
Perhaps they could also consider countries that don't begin with "Z".
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 12:00 PM
They do seem to have a poor track record. Maybe if Zimbabwe went back to the R...
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 12:00 PM
They do seem to have a poor track record. Maybe if Zimbabwe went back to the R...
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 09, 2025 12:05 PM (bFu5X)
270
I couldn't agree more, which is why I never suggested any such thing.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 12:01 PM (xCA6C)
heh, sorry, i was actually trying to agree with and amplify you, but it really didn't sound like that, did it?
No, I'm sorry. I guess I'm still a little irritated at the responses I got.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 12:01 PM (xCA6C)
heh, sorry, i was actually trying to agree with and amplify you, but it really didn't sound like that, did it?
No, I'm sorry. I guess I'm still a little irritated at the responses I got.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 12:06 PM (xCA6C)
271
I also think the Trump administration hasn't gone out of its way to be very clear about how it views tariffs, which is probably part of the problem.
It may also be part of the strategy.
It's more difficult for your enemies to stop you when they can't figure out what you aims are.
It may also be part of the strategy.
It's more difficult for your enemies to stop you when they can't figure out what you aims are.
Posted by: FeatherBlade at April 09, 2025 12:06 PM (hB7mE)
272
long as candy corn and Circus Peanuts are produced domestically, I'm good.
Posted by: Healthy Eating On EBT
===
Red hots and spice gumdrops and we have complete agreement.
Posted by: Healthy Eating On EBT
===
Red hots and spice gumdrops and we have complete agreement.
Posted by: From about That Time at April 09, 2025 12:06 PM (n4GiU)
273
Posted by: Chuck Martel at April 09, 2025 12:03 PM (Dv3i1)
there are some Made in USA beef purveyors online, they show up in my YouTube ads every now and then
they look pretty good
there's always Omaha Steaks too
there are some Made in USA beef purveyors online, they show up in my YouTube ads every now and then
they look pretty good
there's always Omaha Steaks too
Posted by: kallisto at April 09, 2025 12:07 PM (dCxaZ)
274
236
‘ only to have the more hysterical sorts accuse me of wanting genocide.’
It wasn’t me. I’d be very happy to see the population decline of those that can’t feed themselves.
‘ only to have the more hysterical sorts accuse me of wanting genocide.’
It wasn’t me. I’d be very happy to see the population decline of those that can’t feed themselves.
Posted by: Dr. Claw at April 09, 2025 12:07 PM (jbnUc)
275
I was ticked to find out beef (at least) isn't required to have country of origin on it. I've been wondering why super market steaks seem to have fallen off in quality. I'm now assuming they are not from the US. I'll have to find a butcher shop who can get the US stuff.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at April 09, 2025 12:03 PM (Dv3i1)
------------------
goodranchers.com
I was ticked to find out beef (at least) isn't required to have country of origin on it. I've been wondering why super market steaks seem to have fallen off in quality. I'm now assuming they are not from the US. I'll have to find a butcher shop who can get the US stuff.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at April 09, 2025 12:03 PM (Dv3i1)
------------------
goodranchers.com
Posted by: ShainS -- On Democracies and Death Cults at April 09, 2025 12:07 PM (lnp+7)
276
As long as it’s not a sudden plunge, population decline doesn’t have to be a negative. Japans’s doing OK.
There will be some pain in adjusting to an economy without population growth. But it’s not the end of the world.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald
I think the thing that worries most people about a pop decline is how does it end? What factor changes so that people start having enough replacement kids at the new, lower pop level?
There will be some pain in adjusting to an economy without population growth. But it’s not the end of the world.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald
I think the thing that worries most people about a pop decline is how does it end? What factor changes so that people start having enough replacement kids at the new, lower pop level?
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 12:07 PM (xCA6C)
277
Mom: Eat you food. There's kids in Africa starving.
Kid: Why? Did you try to feed this to them first?
And that, your honor, is when the donnybrook started.
Kid: Why? Did you try to feed this to them first?
And that, your honor, is when the donnybrook started.
Posted by: rickb223 at April 09, 2025 12:08 PM (TBCjf)
278
I wonder which lobbyist paid off which congressman to be exempt from country of origin labels for meat?
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 12:08 PM (PMtkd)
279
267
~squints~
Posted by: Al Greens' Eye Bags at April 09, 2025 12:05 PM (5hfjS)
*flutters wildly*
~squints~
Posted by: Al Greens' Eye Bags at April 09, 2025 12:05 PM (5hfjS)
*flutters wildly*
Posted by: Jasmine Crockett's Arachnophilic Eyelashes at April 09, 2025 12:08 PM (PiwSw)
280
I think this is the way of the future. America is over-stored, and once you get past the queasiness of demolishing a new store, you have a large footprint for a high rise, with developed roads, plentiful adjacent parking, and (often) Metro access.
Abandoned malls would make ideal Gen X retirement communities.
Abandoned malls would make ideal Gen X retirement communities.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 09, 2025 12:08 PM (DIweC)
281
there are some Made in USA beef purveyors online, they show up in my YouTube ads every now and then
they look pretty good
there's always Omaha Steaks too
Posted by: kallisto
Schumacher Beef.
they look pretty good
there's always Omaha Steaks too
Posted by: kallisto
Schumacher Beef.
Posted by: rickb223 at April 09, 2025 12:09 PM (TBCjf)
Posted by: Maxine Waters' inverted U mouth at April 09, 2025 12:09 PM (xCA6C)
283
Where's Sally Struthers hang out refusing to give the starving kid part of her sammich? Sudan?
Posted by: rickb223 at April 09, 2025 12:05 PM (TBCjf)
Camden.
Posted by: rickb223 at April 09, 2025 12:05 PM (TBCjf)
Camden.
Posted by: New Jersey at April 09, 2025 12:09 PM (ekEaX)
284
206 Tariffs are a tax on production that has been outsourced to countries with cheap labor and low environmental standards.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 09, 2025 11:51 AM (DIweC)
Tariffs are *now* a tax on capital that has been expropriated to invest in countries with cheap labor and low environmental standards.
That's why the statist progtilians are screaming about the end of the world.
Because for them, in post-massive-grift USA, it is.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 09, 2025 11:51 AM (DIweC)
Tariffs are *now* a tax on capital that has been expropriated to invest in countries with cheap labor and low environmental standards.
That's why the statist progtilians are screaming about the end of the world.
Because for them, in post-massive-grift USA, it is.
Posted by: CZ = FNG, Free Republic of Florida at April 09, 2025 12:09 PM (MkuC5)
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 12:09 PM (PMtkd)
286
Abandoned malls would make ideal Gen X retirement communities.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 09, 2025 12:08 PM (DIweC)
--
As long as there's a Gap, a Suncoast Video, and an Orange Julius.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 09, 2025 12:08 PM (DIweC)
--
As long as there's a Gap, a Suncoast Video, and an Orange Julius.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at April 09, 2025 12:09 PM (i67OH)
287
The younger Bush did away with country of origin labeling of food.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 12:09 PM (p7mbN)
288
The average DUer seems to be taking a negative view toward President Trump's tariffs.
Thus, in the absence of any other information, I will take a positive view.
Thus, in the absence of any other information, I will take a positive view.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at April 09, 2025 12:09 PM (0sNs1)
289
Abandoned malls would make ideal Gen X retirement communities.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 09, 2025 12:08 PM (DIweC)
-----------------
Do abandoned malls have sight lines long enough for an indoor 1,000 yard rifle range?
....asking for a friend.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 09, 2025 12:08 PM (DIweC)
-----------------
Do abandoned malls have sight lines long enough for an indoor 1,000 yard rifle range?
....asking for a friend.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at April 09, 2025 12:10 PM (tT6L1)
290
Perhaps they could also consider countries that don't begin with "Z".
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 12:00 PM (xCA6C)
Like Wagshamba?
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 12:00 PM (xCA6C)
Like Wagshamba?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 09, 2025 12:10 PM (8zz6B)
291
I think this is the way of the future. America is over-stored, and once you get past the queasiness of demolishing a new store, you have a large footprint for a high rise, with developed roads, plentiful adjacent parking, and (often) Metro access.
Abandoned malls would make ideal Gen X retirement communities.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo
Easier to demolish and start over than trying to retrofit every place with appropriate plumbing.
Abandoned malls would make ideal Gen X retirement communities.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo
Easier to demolish and start over than trying to retrofit every place with appropriate plumbing.
Posted by: rickb223 at April 09, 2025 12:10 PM (TBCjf)
292
nood
Posted by: Lithiated gp For Healthful Glow at April 09, 2025 12:10 PM (/RzMC)
293
New one: open thread
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 12:10 PM (xCA6C)
294
"My confusion - and I suspect many others' confusion - [on tariffs]"
Per Bylund is also confused, though so you are in good company
Per Bylund is also confused, though so you are in good company
Posted by: Kindltot at April 09, 2025 12:10 PM (D7oie)
295
287 The younger Bush did away with country of origin labeling of food.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 12:09 PM (p7mbN)
------
Was that the same week he started phasing out incandescent bulbs which are much better for humans?
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 09, 2025 12:09 PM (p7mbN)
------
Was that the same week he started phasing out incandescent bulbs which are much better for humans?
Posted by: Seems Legit at April 09, 2025 12:11 PM (PMtkd)
296
The younger Bush did away with country of origin labeling of food.
really? add that to his list of accomplishments
Iraq
TSA
No Child Left Behind
Student loans non-dischargeable in bankruptcy
more I'm not remembering
what a guy
really? add that to his list of accomplishments
Iraq
TSA
No Child Left Behind
Student loans non-dischargeable in bankruptcy
more I'm not remembering
what a guy
Posted by: brak at April 09, 2025 12:11 PM (jGJov)
297
Being a Smart Military Blog, I'm sure y'all remember that MRE stands for Meals Rejected by Ethiopians.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at April 09, 2025 12:11 PM (0sNs1)
298
And I'm good with it. We either fight this fight or our children will live with a boot on their necks.
Sorry - but that doesn't square with the "who will pay for my benefits" generation. And that's the source of about 90% of the pissing and moaning about tariffs, population decline, and most everything else. Whatever it takes to keep the party going just a little longer is the name of the game.
Sorry - but that doesn't square with the "who will pay for my benefits" generation. And that's the source of about 90% of the pissing and moaning about tariffs, population decline, and most everything else. Whatever it takes to keep the party going just a little longer is the name of the game.
Posted by: Taking Notes at April 09, 2025 12:11 PM (Kxb1A)
299
No, I'm sorry. I guess I'm still a little irritated at the responses I got.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 12:06 PM (xCA6C)
The problem is, the people who ARE suggesting such a thing are actively working on it, as we speak.
It's sorta like if you wanted to clean up your neighborhood, and some maniac started going around Charles Bronsoning everyone with dark skin. People are going to be sensitive to any declarations of cleaning up the neighborhood, and unfortunately you're going to have to keep explaining that's not what YOU meant.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 12:06 PM (xCA6C)
The problem is, the people who ARE suggesting such a thing are actively working on it, as we speak.
It's sorta like if you wanted to clean up your neighborhood, and some maniac started going around Charles Bronsoning everyone with dark skin. People are going to be sensitive to any declarations of cleaning up the neighborhood, and unfortunately you're going to have to keep explaining that's not what YOU meant.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 09, 2025 12:11 PM (dGCAG)
300
*flutters wildly*
Posted by: Jasmine Crockett's Arachnophilic Eyelashes at April 09, 2025 12:08 PM
There's a conservative West Indian YouTuber out of NYC who does videos about the more destructive aspects of certain cultures. He's always noting that if the subject of the video has "the eyelashes", and even worse, "the eyelashes and the shower cap", the responding police are in for a long day.
Posted by: Jasmine Crockett's Arachnophilic Eyelashes at April 09, 2025 12:08 PM
There's a conservative West Indian YouTuber out of NYC who does videos about the more destructive aspects of certain cultures. He's always noting that if the subject of the video has "the eyelashes", and even worse, "the eyelashes and the shower cap", the responding police are in for a long day.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 09, 2025 12:12 PM (bFu5X)
301
I also think the Trump administration hasn't gone out of its way to be very clear about how it views tariffs, which is probably part of the problem.
It may also be part of the strategy.
It's more difficult for your enemies to stop you when they can't figure out what you aims are.
Posted by: FeatherBlade at April 09, 2025 12:06 PM (hB7mE)
I would like more publicity on those countries that have agreed to negotiate or have already agreed to zero tariffs and what that means for their relationship with the USA ie; PROFIT !!!
It may also be part of the strategy.
It's more difficult for your enemies to stop you when they can't figure out what you aims are.
Posted by: FeatherBlade at April 09, 2025 12:06 PM (hB7mE)
I would like more publicity on those countries that have agreed to negotiate or have already agreed to zero tariffs and what that means for their relationship with the USA ie; PROFIT !!!
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 12:12 PM (VofaG)
302
there's always Omaha Steaks too
Posted by: kallisto at April 09, 2025 12:07 PM (dCxaZ)
Ground beef...Schweid & Sons.
Posted by: kallisto at April 09, 2025 12:07 PM (dCxaZ)
Ground beef...Schweid & Sons.
Posted by: Where's The Beef? at April 09, 2025 12:13 PM (ekEaX)
303
I am in favor of what Trump is doing, generally. But yeah I wish he had done it in a more phased approach. Like announce we’re going to impose these tariffs in say 120 days. Then give countries the option to open negotiations during that 120 day period and come to an agreement to avoid them.
I can understand that.
On the other hand, doing things that way is part of what makes other countries think they can walk all over us and we won't do anything.
"Those stupid Americans are just making noise. We can safely ignore them,"
Rather than the "Oh shit, he's serious" that imposing the tariffs then negotiating them away causes.
I can understand that.
On the other hand, doing things that way is part of what makes other countries think they can walk all over us and we won't do anything.
"Those stupid Americans are just making noise. We can safely ignore them,"
Rather than the "Oh shit, he's serious" that imposing the tariffs then negotiating them away causes.
Posted by: FeatherBlade at April 09, 2025 12:13 PM (hB7mE)
304
I’d be very happy to see the population decline of those that can’t feed themselves.
Posted by: Dr. Claw at April 09, 2025 12:07 PM (jbnUc)
There are days when I'm of the opposite end of it. It's not that people can't feed themselves. It's that there's no point in them trying. Build a nice little village, a well, some farms, get a little local economy going, and then some shitheads with machetes and old soviet surplus roll through and burn it all down, kill you, and kidnap your sons to be soldiers and your daughters to be broodmares. Well, screw it, then. Either join the marauders, or become a serf to Globohomo.
Population levels aren't the problem. Technology isn't the problem. The Earth can sustain a whole lot more people than we got. The population may have gone exponential over the past century or so, but we're not even scratching the surface of resource extraction yet. The problem is that the people we do have here aren't allowed or aren't able or aren't willing to annihilate the murderous scumbags who have to go and wreck everything for everyone.
More people, fewer people, I don't give a shit either way.
Posted by: Dr. Claw at April 09, 2025 12:07 PM (jbnUc)
There are days when I'm of the opposite end of it. It's not that people can't feed themselves. It's that there's no point in them trying. Build a nice little village, a well, some farms, get a little local economy going, and then some shitheads with machetes and old soviet surplus roll through and burn it all down, kill you, and kidnap your sons to be soldiers and your daughters to be broodmares. Well, screw it, then. Either join the marauders, or become a serf to Globohomo.
Population levels aren't the problem. Technology isn't the problem. The Earth can sustain a whole lot more people than we got. The population may have gone exponential over the past century or so, but we're not even scratching the surface of resource extraction yet. The problem is that the people we do have here aren't allowed or aren't able or aren't willing to annihilate the murderous scumbags who have to go and wreck everything for everyone.
More people, fewer people, I don't give a shit either way.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 09, 2025 12:14 PM (VoAdT)
305
Being a Smart Military Blog, I'm sure y'all remember that MRE stands for Meals Rejected by Ethiopians.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at April 09, 2025 12:11 PM
*remembers dried pork patty*
*shudders*
Posted by: Duncanthrax at April 09, 2025 12:11 PM
*remembers dried pork patty*
*shudders*
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 09, 2025 12:14 PM (bFu5X)
306
222 Speaking of African famines…
After Zimbabwe kicked all the white farmers off their land, Zambia invited a lot of them in. Now Zambia exports food to Zimbabwe and has become the “breadbasket of Africa”. They’re now opening the door to South African whites as well whose farms are about to be stolen by the ANC.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:55 AM (Y5yQx)
This is what is known as 'smart immigration policies'.
After Zimbabwe kicked all the white farmers off their land, Zambia invited a lot of them in. Now Zambia exports food to Zimbabwe and has become the “breadbasket of Africa”. They’re now opening the door to South African whites as well whose farms are about to be stolen by the ANC.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at April 09, 2025 11:55 AM (Y5yQx)
This is what is known as 'smart immigration policies'.
Posted by: Darrell Harris at April 09, 2025 12:15 PM (5GMIO)
307
Posted by: brak at April 09, 2025 12:11 PM (jGJov)
The boogeyman strikes again. If you recall Bush put tariffs on steel imports and the same people supporting tariffs now screamed bloody murder. So much so that they were dropped.
Smoot -Hawley !!!!!
The boogeyman strikes again. If you recall Bush put tariffs on steel imports and the same people supporting tariffs now screamed bloody murder. So much so that they were dropped.
Smoot -Hawley !!!!!
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 12:15 PM (VofaG)
308
I think living in a world with half of the current population would be wonderful. But then, I hate crowds.
I've tried to make that point several times here, only to have the more hysterical sorts accuse me of wanting genocide.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:58 AM (xCA6C)
Eh, I don't know, man.
That sounds pretty genocidal or murdery or totalitarian just so's you can have your personal preference.
You assume you're going to be around to enjoy your Half-Pop World but then who is forced to sacrifice for your desires and how?
I suppose the best kinda-sorta-no-fault scenario is that China releases a real population destroying virus accidently.
In any event, do not want.
I've tried to make that point several times here, only to have the more hysterical sorts accuse me of wanting genocide.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 09, 2025 11:58 AM (xCA6C)
Eh, I don't know, man.
That sounds pretty genocidal or murdery or totalitarian just so's you can have your personal preference.
You assume you're going to be around to enjoy your Half-Pop World but then who is forced to sacrifice for your desires and how?
I suppose the best kinda-sorta-no-fault scenario is that China releases a real population destroying virus accidently.
In any event, do not want.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 09, 2025 12:18 PM (iJfKG)
309
303 I am in favor of what Trump is doing, generally. But yeah I wish he had done it in a more phased approach. Like announce we’re going to impose these tariffs in say 120 days. Then give countries the option to open negotiations during that 120 day period and come to an agreement to avoid them.
I can understand that.
On the other hand, doing things that way is part of what makes other countries think they can walk all over us and we won't do anything.
"Those stupid Americans are just making noise. We can safely ignore them,"
Rather than the "Oh shit, he's serious" that imposing the tariffs then negotiating them away causes.
Posted by: FeatherBlade at April 09, 2025 12:13 PM (hB7mE)
This. Trump tried that with trying to get NATO countries to increase their contributions to defense to simply the 2% of GDP that they originally promised, and it was like pulling teeth. Worse than that - they shrieked that Trump was DESTROYING THE NATO ALLIANCE!!! by that simple ask.
In a sane world, a phased approach would have shown the world that Trump meant business. In reality they would have employed all their lobbyists and quisling GOPes to throw sand in the gears. Enough of that.
I can understand that.
On the other hand, doing things that way is part of what makes other countries think they can walk all over us and we won't do anything.
"Those stupid Americans are just making noise. We can safely ignore them,"
Rather than the "Oh shit, he's serious" that imposing the tariffs then negotiating them away causes.
Posted by: FeatherBlade at April 09, 2025 12:13 PM (hB7mE)
This. Trump tried that with trying to get NATO countries to increase their contributions to defense to simply the 2% of GDP that they originally promised, and it was like pulling teeth. Worse than that - they shrieked that Trump was DESTROYING THE NATO ALLIANCE!!! by that simple ask.
In a sane world, a phased approach would have shown the world that Trump meant business. In reality they would have employed all their lobbyists and quisling GOPes to throw sand in the gears. Enough of that.
Posted by: Darrell Harris at April 09, 2025 12:18 PM (5GMIO)
310
Posted by: naturalfake at April 09, 2025 12:18 PM (iJfKG
Hell I've had fantasies about being the last man on earth where there are just a few women left somewhere in the world and it's my mission to find them. Sometimes there are zombies and sometimes not. Depending on the excitement level I want.
Don't judge me😀
Hell I've had fantasies about being the last man on earth where there are just a few women left somewhere in the world and it's my mission to find them. Sometimes there are zombies and sometimes not. Depending on the excitement level I want.
Don't judge me😀
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 09, 2025 12:27 PM (VofaG)
311
As a whole, the younger generations couldn't be more self-absorbed.
Posted by: Troofer
I'd have been happy to contribute 10-20 years ago, but nobody wanted to assist me in any kind of formal, stable fashion.
Posted by: Troofer
I'd have been happy to contribute 10-20 years ago, but nobody wanted to assist me in any kind of formal, stable fashion.
Posted by: FeatherBlade at April 09, 2025 12:30 PM (hB7mE)
312
The trade deficit and the budget deficit are more closely related than most people realize or acknowledge. Treasuries
Our red ink IS the planetary store of value.
Our red ink IS the planetary store of value.
Posted by: DaveA at April 09, 2025 12:33 PM (FhXTo)
313
I'm finding it hard to grasp that the now unobtanium Jergen's normal bar soap was a result of advancement and not market forces. Explains why the last bars on ebay were $20 each.
I want my Jergen's bar soap back. Damn it!!
Posted by: Reforger
I'm laughing because I have a few really nice mechanical pencils from Japan circa the 90s. Ebay has some online, ranging from $150-$900. Funny what becomes valuable.
I want my Jergen's bar soap back. Damn it!!
Posted by: Reforger
I'm laughing because I have a few really nice mechanical pencils from Japan circa the 90s. Ebay has some online, ranging from $150-$900. Funny what becomes valuable.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at April 09, 2025 12:36 PM (lTGtQ)
Posted by: Francis at April 09, 2025 01:04 PM (bbuBP)
315
One other point is that, with equal tariffs, the country that has a trade surplus will have a higher tariff imposed than the country with a trade deficit. A country that sends 2 billion in goods to the US will pay 200M in tariffs @10%. If they only import 1 billion in US goods, they will only get 100M in tariff revenue. So having equal tariffs (above 0%) will always benefit the government of a net importer.
Posted by: JT at April 09, 2025 01:38 PM (h+5TB)
316
Trumps "muddiness" is likely on purpose to keep the other countries confused. Similar to how Regan had our enemies worried that he was just crazy enough to launch nucs. Unfortunately the panic button pushing folks on Wall Street are also confused by the "muddiness" and are banging their buttons like Trump pushing his diet Coke button.
Posted by: MacRadDoc at April 09, 2025 02:39 PM (IiVPQ)
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