Source: Foundation for Economic Education
by Lawrence W Reed
“‘If tariffs are so bad for an economy,’ asks a popular meme making the rounds these days, ‘then why do 170 countries have tariffs on American goods?’ Implicit in the question is a dubious assumption, namely, that the governments of those 170 countries would never do anything that didn’t make good sense for their people. Are you kidding me? Sometimes, government officials consult the best and most objective experts, carefully weigh the evidence in the scales of justice, and then thoughtfully and magnanimously do the right thing for everybody. They may even ask the Almighty for guidance along the way. I just can’t remember the last time they conducted their business in this fashion. Government officials usually slop some grease on the squeaky wheel and accept a little campaign grease in return.” (04/29/25)
https://fee.org/articles/if-other-governments-do-it-why-shouldnt-we/