Are tariffs a good thing? Study history.

On several occassions I have spoken with younger folks from the party and had many discussions about the income tax. Everyone loves to hate it, fair enough. BUT - I get blank stares when I ask what I thought was a simple question - How did the USA get along and pay our bills, fund a military, etc BEFORE the income tax was created - by the 16th Amendment around 1902.

Easy - Tariffs were the answer. I was recently interviewed by a conservative group for a possible endorsement - and this question came up. I stated I remember that our founding fathers were big supporters of tariffs, but even I did not know how much until I read this article from Pat Buchanan. From CNS news.com dated 7/23/18. "Patrick Buchanan: Did tariffs make America Great?" https://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/patrick-j-buchanan/did-tariffs-make-america-great

The short answer is YES! Please read the article. a few quick points to share: people who wrote or spoke favorably about tariffs:
George Washington
Alexander Hamilton
Henry Clay
John Calhoun
James Madison
Thomas Jefferson
John Adams
Daniel Webster
Abraham Lincoln
Justin Morrill (Vermont Congressman, author of the Morrill tariffs.)
William McKinley (pre-president and author of the McKinley tariffs) he said, "Free trade results in our giving our money ... our manufactures and our markets to other nations. ... It will bring widespread discontent. It will revolutionize our values." His future vice-President Teddy Roosevelt also agreed with him. he said, "Thank God I am not a free trader."

Not tired of winning yet? Calvin Coolidge (Fordney - McCumber tariff)

Joseph Wharton (steel magnate)

These policies worked and caused the USA to grow at a rate unseen in human history - That is what made America great the FIRST 100 years!! Study history or be doomed to repeat it. Note: I am in favor of Tariffs IF we could also eliminate the IRS. That is the best solution. The FIRST 100 years worked well, so why change it? If not, then we need to move toward zero tariffs for all. But that creates a policing problem and if any country cheats there should be severe penalties. Many jobs would be lost before the government reacts.