Obama: Petty Political Payoffs Good, Trade… Not So
September 12, 2009 · By Jonathan McLeod
Well, it appears that Barack Obama cares more about playing politics than helping the American people. In the middle of a recession, he has decided to reward unions at the expense of those who cannot afford expensive U.S.-made tires. Come September 26, a 35% duty will be imposed on Chinese-made tires. The duty will last for a year.
I guess we can be happy that he didn’t totally cave to union pressure; they had recommended a duty of 55%. Thank goodness for small miracles, huh?
As I mentioned a couple of months ago when the union recommendation came out, this was a test of Obama. I doubt anyone was under any sort of illusion when it came to Obama and trade. He didn’t have a particularly solid record, but there was a glimmer or two of hope that he might see the light. Granted, maybe this decision is nothing more than a sop to the unions who make up such a significant part of the Democratic base. Maybe he still believes in free trade… as long as it doesn’t ever threaten a union job. If so, this isn’t just a message to international trading partners, it’s a message to Americans: the president cares more about union workers than he does other citizens.
Make no mistake about it, this carries no benefit to the American public at large. What Mr. Obama has done is preclude people from purchasing inexpensive tires. American tire makers do not make tires at the same price point as the affected tires. Consequently, this will result in people not being able to afford tires. Individuals and families that cannot afford these higher priced tires will have to forgo replacing the old tires on their cars. Not only has Mr. Obama enacted duties that will harm the United States economically, it will actually risk people’s lives.
Bravo, Mr. President.
did we need another reason to think that the US is going down the shitter in a rather timely manner?
it is amazing how the dems keep going back to the same old rotten and disastrous planning that was the “new deal”. only this time the final nail driven will be named healthcare reform. of course a chinese retaliation in the form of treasury redemptions would certainly expedite the burning of rome now wouldnt it.