TWO Complicated Tax Codes, Thanks to Trump

Writing at The Washington Examiner, Anne Rathbone Bradley of the Fund for American Studies ably summarizes America's history with tariffs, as well as the numerous problems Trump's import taxes have been causing.

All this she marshals into the following interesting point:

There is a deeper problem with tariffs. They harm the majority of people while a select few benefit, undermining the core economic framework that's made the U.S. the most vibrant economy in human history. Tariffs erode consumer and investor confidence, increase red tape and volatility, close markets, and ultimately tarnish the rule of law.

Consider the entrepreneur trying to source materials and find customers in this environment. The tariff schedule runs to thousands of line items, changes without notice, and is riddled with exemptions -- available, of course, to those with the right lobbyists. That's not a trade policy. It's a rent-seeking machine.

As Americans prepare for Tax Day, we should realize that the current system of tariffs is making the U.S. economy more like the IRS's tax code -- confusing, arbitrary, costly, and unfair. In other words, if you enjoy the complex tax code, you'll love tariffs. Instead, let's scrap the tariffs and return to economic freedom and free trade. [bold added]

All this is on top of the sin of violating individual rights in multiple ways!

Even if, as Trump claims, import taxes could replace the income tax, what would the point be, if it merely replaces one evil with a very similar one?

I can only imagine that the new taxes allow their openly-corrupt champion to extort bribes that the income tax doesn't.

Upon having these facts laid out, all I can do is (1) congratulate the President on finding a way to make me appreciate something about the income tax, which I hate and have long advocated abolishing, and (2) recommend pointing out this piece to any thoughtful adult who is concerned about tariffs.

-- CAV