Trump proposes 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports, 10% on Chinese goods

[CWO6965]

What happened the last time trump did this! Farms and some businesses went bankrupt and some moved more production offshore ( like Harley-Davidson) ! So should we expect any difference this time?

 

[captaincranky]

Trump is after concessions from Canada, Mexico and China and thus threatens tariffs. He obviously wants Mexico to close its border and fight the cartels drug peddling. With Canada Trump probably wants them to start spending 2% of GDP on defense as was agreed to 70 years ago, but which they never spend. With China you are dealing with a gangster state. They only thing they understand is bare knuckled tactics.

Believe it or not, the US is actually "growing its own cartels", and exporting them to South America. MS13 is allegedly one of these, and hails from Los Angeles..

But if you think about it, for fentanyl to be an issue, it has to have customers to make it a viable business "opportunity". The drug is 100x more potent than morphine, and 50x stronger than heroin. Which means importing it, takes up 1/50th of the space as would heroine or similar.. You just need more baby laxative to cut it with this side of the border

Now the FDA won't allow prescribing opioids for more than 7 days. It even extends to Tramadol, which is a very mild opiate. In fact, it was introduced in 1993 as OTC..! All in all, I'd say the FDC is contributing to the problem.

And then we come to the sob stories of school athletes who manage to run out of prescription medicines, and get hooked on skag. Well, they're so "motivated", looking for that next scholarship, that they won't take any time off to heal properly after an injury. So, it has to be asked, "how is that Mexico's fault".

So, let's talk about what would happen if the supply of drugs were suddenly cut off altogether. Well, people would be either dying in the streets, or overwhelming hospitals and detox clinics, which could cost a bundle. In many to most cases, addicts would not have hospitalization insurance, and the burden would fall to the government. And then there's the considerable. recidivism rate to consider.

And BTW:
"The Vast Majority of People Sentenced for Fentanyl Trafficking are U.S. Citizens. Note: Non-citizens include both undocumented and those lawfully present. The amount of fentanyl seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection close to doubled in one year, rising from 14,100 to 26,700 pounds from FY2022 to FY2023"

That's only one of many identical news posts brought back using this search term; "how much fentanyl is being brought into the US by US citizens".

Last but not least, as far as using "bare knuckle tactics" on China, they have to be dealt with from the inside out. We simply can't build factories fast enough to compete with them in any way, shape, or form, given the current state of our infrastructure. Even if we could, American workers are so decadent and greedy, we still couldn't.

Foxconn had an issue a few years back with worker suicides. In fact, they had to install "suicide nets", outside their dormitories in an attempt to discourage it. "Death defying trampolines", as it were. What are the chances that American workers are willing to live in barracks, and work 12 hours or more a day for a buck an hour. Slim to none, is my best guess. In fact, TSMC couldn't deal with them when building their fab here.

 

[Starfals]

This just sounds super horrible. Thank god I ain't in the US. I dunno what I would do if I was livin there... especially if I need a new PC/laptop/monitor or whatever. This might be the last time people have low prices, the calm before the storm as they call it. Too bad Nvidia didnt start the next gen stuff this year.

Americans that need new GPUs will suffer big time.

 

[captaincranky]

Americans that need new GPUs will suffer big time, YET AGAIN.

Fixed.
It would seem you've forgotten about Covid and the Bitcoin mining operations.

But yeah, it will be almost as bad as having a VAT tax added to everything we buy.

 

[ScottSoapbox]

-AND the Social Security Tax. Trump just has to lower the Tax, let the next guy worry about slashing SS payouts.

Lotta healthy 75 year olds out there that DONT WANT TO WORK!!!

Let me figure out how to save for my retirement, I can do a better job at it than the Government.

Payroll tax is the Social Security & Medicare tax. Both the employee and company pay it.

I can see the argument for Medicare until that mess is fixed (fixing medical insurance requires going back to people paying directly for their own regular insurance rather than the weird multiple middle men in the middle that have different incentives breaking the natural market forces), but Social Security is a broken Ponzi scheme where the government taxes younger people with generally less money to pay generally wealthier old people (after taking a large portion as a "loan" to spend on pet government projects).

We should end SS payouts for people above the poverty line and let young people opt out of it.

 

[tragicallyhip]

Anyone thinking Trump tariffs are good were not born the last time the US pulled this stunt!. Review the disastrous consequences of 'across the board' border taxes wrought by the 'Smoot Hawley Tariff Act', 94 years later we are living in an inter-dependent globalized world, and a Smoot Hawley part deux will be twice as destructive. Hard times ahead.

 

[captaincranky]

Lotta healthy 75 year olds out there that DONT WANT TO WORK!!!

Clarify on thing for me, is this an observation or an accusation?

Because, in the case of the latter, it's patently obvious that you've never been 75 yet, healthy or otherwise.

 

[captaincranky]

Payroll tax is the Social Security & Medicare tax. Both the employee and company pay it.

Well, you conveniently forgot about federal, state, and local, income taxes. Medicare and Social security. taxes are only part of payroll taxes.

The arrogance of youth never fails to astound me. I mean I'm sure you'll never be old, sick, or out of work, but why not show some compassion for the rest of us who actually do get old, sick.or lose our jobs.

Famous last words, "it can't happen to me". But do keep in mind that unless you own the company, AI is nipping at your heels.

As to whether or not deporting all illegals will bring more jobs to US citizens, it certainly will. So, when a few more tens of thousands get laid off in the latest tech sector shrinkage, you don't have to worry, a job in the slaughter house awaits you with open arms.

So, with all these "corrupt politicians" stealing all "your" money from Social Security, I have to wonder why you voted for them in the first (and second) place. But don't worry if they do manage to cut SS, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act, those monies will be going to a worthy cause, Elon Musk enterprises. You aren't under the illusion that all that money he gave trimp was strictly a, "charitable donation", are you?

 

[GodisanAtheist]

Clarify on thing for me, is this an observation or an accusation?

Because, in the case of the latter, it's patently obvious that you've never been 75 yet, healthy or otherwise.

-Both an observation and an accusation.

I've been told my whole life, usually with a laugh and a slap on the back, "Thanks for paying for my Social Security, even if you won't have it!" Smiles and winks all around.

Would truly be the height of Irony if I don't have to pay it and they're the ones that stop getting it.

That's Trump's whole appeal yeah? Everyone is just gunning for everyone else. To paraphrase the immortal words of Crystal Mason "He's gotta hurt the right people".

 

[captaincranky]

-Both an observation and an accusation.

I've been told my whole life, usually with a laugh and a slap on the back, "Thanks for paying for my Social Security, even if you won't have it!" Smiles and winks all around.

Would truly be the height of Irony if I don't have to pay it and they're the ones that stop getting it.

That's Trump's whole appeal yeah? Everyone is just gunning for everyone else. To paraphrase the immortal words of Crystal Mason "He's gotta hurt the right people".

What's laughable to me is, how you can use "trimp" and "appeal" in the same sentence, when it doesn't relate to any of his court cases.

But, if they do end Social Security, I can only hope you'll be the baby that gets flushed out with the bath water. Even if you don't need it, but are still able to collect it, it might make for a trip, a car payment, a winter residence, pretty much you name it.

How are you holding up BTW? Do you think you'd be ready to ride shotgun on a garbage truck when you're 75?

 

[GodisanAtheist]

What's laughable to me is, how you can use "trimp" and "appeal" in the same sentence, when it doesn't relate to any of his court cases.

But, if they do end Social Security, I can only hope you'll be the baby that gets flushed out with the bath water. Even if you don't need it, but are still able to collect it, it might make for a trip, a car payment, a winter residence, pretty much you name it.

How are you holding up BTW? Do you think you'd be ready to ride shotgun on a garbage truck when you're 75?

-I don't understand the bolded, I never referenced any of Trump's court cases. "The appeal of Trump" translates into English as "The reason people like Trump".

As for myself, I don't expect to get Social Security. I'm 40, have a family, and working my *** off to save/build equity/invest etc so I can retire one day. If by some miracle SS is still there when I retire, I would view it as a nice to have, not a necessity.

 

[ScottSoapbox]

Well, you conveniently forgot about federal, state, and local, income taxes. Medicare and Social security. taxes are only part of payroll taxes.

The arrogance of youth never fails to astound me. I mean I'm sure you'll never be old, sick, or out of work, but why not show some compassion for the rest of us who actually do get old, sick.or lose our jobs.

Famous last words, "it can't happen to me". But do keep in mind that unless you own the company, AI is nipping at your heels.

As to whether or not deporting all illegals will bring more jobs to US citizens, it certainly will. So, when a few more tens of thousands get laid off in the latest tech sector shrinkage, you don't have to worry, a job in the slaughter house awaits you with open arms.

So, with all these "corrupt politicians" stealing all "your" money from Social Security, I have to wonder why you voted for them in the first (and second) place. But don't worry if they do manage to cut SS, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act, those monies will be going to a worthy cause, Elon Musk enterprises. You aren't under the illusion that all that money he gave trimp was strictly a, "charitable donation", are you?

I did not forget the income tax. You just failed to read the entire thread or at even the comment being responded to.

The arrogance of the elderly never surprises me because it happens a lot. Assuming youth know nothing. Assuming I'm a youth. Assuming they know how to use air quotes. Like seriously, is your point that politicians aren't corrupt?

 

[captaincranky]

I did not forget the income tax. You just failed to read the entire thread or at even the comment being responded to.

The arrogance of the elderly never surprises me because it happens a lot. Assuming youth know nothing. Assuming I'm a youth. Assuming they know how to use air quotes. Like seriously, is your point that politicians aren't corrupt?

Well, you did miss the pun about trimp's "appeal" You were using definition three (3), I was using definition two (2)

Credit to Collin's Dictionary:

Word forms: appeals, appealing, appealed
1. intransitive verb
If you appeal to someone to do something, you make a serious and urgent request to them.

He appealed to voters to go to the polls tomorrow.

He will appeal to the state for an extension of unemployment benefits.

Synonyms: plead, call, ask, apply More Synonyms of appeal

2. transitive verb
If you appeal a decision to someone in authority, you formally ask them to change it.

We intend to appeal the verdict.

3. intransitive verb
If something appeals to you, you find it attractive or interesting.

On the other hand, the idea appealed to hi.
_________________________________________________________

As for the "arrogance of youth", sometimes doesn't wear off at 30, but rather persists until much later in life. (The giveaway on your age was the part where, "all my life I've had".) When it sometimes transitions to bitterness and snobbery. and identifying with billionaires even though a person may not be one himself. But don't you worry, Elon Musk will guard your SS voraciously while investing it in his own companies.

All of us find different things "funny". I for one, liked reading about Anti-vax shock jocks, dropping dead from covid. I found that hilarious.

As for wishing and trying to visit revenge on those who joked with you about SS going away, that's just plain petty. What's the matter, can't take a joke? You should be thanking them for providing you the incentive to live without it.

And no, I'm grown up enough to surmise /suspect "all politicians are corrupt". It's just that some are vastly more corrupt than others. Some are even diagnosible as "sociopaths". As in the case of our president elect, and most of his cabinet picks.

I'll climb down off my "soapbox" now, Scott

 

[ScottSoapbox]

Well, you did miss the pun about trimp's "appeal" You were using definition three (3), I was using definition two (2)

Credit to Collin's Dictionary:

Word forms: appeals, appealing, appealed
1. intransitive verb
If you appeal to someone to do something, you make a serious and urgent request to them.

He appealed to voters to go to the polls tomorrow.

He will appeal to the state for an extension of unemployment benefits.

Synonyms: plead, call, ask, apply More Synonyms of appeal

2. transitive verb
If you appeal a decision to someone in authority, you formally ask them to change it.

We intend to appeal the verdict.

3. intransitive verb
If something appeals to you, you find it attractive or interesting.

On the other hand, the idea appealed to hi.
_________________________________________________________

As for the "arrogance of youth", sometimes doesn't wear off at 30, but rather persists until much later in life. (The giveaway on your age was the part where, "all my life I've had".) When it sometimes transitions to bitterness and snobbery. and identifying with billionaires even though a person may not be one himself. But don't you worry, Elon Musk will guard your SS voraciously while investing it in his own companies.

All of us find different things "funny". I for one, liked reading about Anti-vax shock jocks, dropping dead from covid. I found that hilarious.

As for wishing and trying to visit revenge on those who joked with you about SS going away, that's just plain petty. What's the matter, can't take a joke? You should be thanking them for providing you the incentive to live without it.

And no, I'm grown up enough to surmise /suspect "all politicians are corrupt". It's just that some are vastly more corrupt than others. Some are even diagnosible as "sociopaths". As in the case of our president elect, and most of his cabinet picks.

I'll climb down off my "soapbox" now, Scott

I did miss the pun because that was a response to someone else.
As was the "All my life" bit.
In fact, your entirely too-long response is scattershot all over the place with nothing to do with me.

You should take a break from comments because you can't seem to keep straight who you are responding to and what the topic even remotely was (see the very simple rules posted below the reply button).

 

[captaincranky]

I did miss the pun because that was a response to someone else.
As was the "All my life" bit.
In fact, your entirely too-long response is scattershot all over the place with nothing to do with me.

You should take a break from comments because you can't seem to keep straight who you are responding to and what the topic even remotely was (see the very simple rules posted below the reply button).

Well, my post really wasn't that long. It's just that the dictionary definition of "appeal" took up a lot of space. Couple of quick questions; is "scattershot" your euphemism for "hit too close to home"?

Follow up, did you just appoint yourself my therapist, or a forum moderator?

You know, I've gotten a lot of grief over my choice of alias over the years. People think I chose it because I was going to be nasty. Well, screen names do herald a certain amount of truthful disclosure of personality traits.

"Soapbox" gives the impression of someone ranting on a street corner, railing "the end is nigh", while pontificating about all sorts of other social topics. Well, were I to run into such an individual IRL, I would cross the street well in advance of any contact. But since this isn't real life, I think I'm gonna stay here and post right along with ya.

I would tend to suggest you rethink the whole "soapbox" thing. But, I'm not gonna. You need to be you, and that's all there is to it.

I know, I know, "it's a joke". but most standup comedians draw there humor from their life experiences.

Epilogue:I would be remiss if didn't read all the posts in a thread, to determine the context and direction of the topic. Now, if I put something up involving me quoting someone else, I would fully expect someone to be able to take whatever I said out of that context, and reply in a manner they felt fit. Praise or pundit, it's all the same. This is a public forum, and all of the material is at all participants disposal to use as they might.

More to the topic, I just built the last rig I'll need for at least four years, and, at pre-tariff prices, no less. It's amazing how many completely out of touch individuals think that China, Mexico, and Canada will be paying it.