The Art of the Deal

[_Res Ipsa]

Hey, Mexico, we’re going to raise taxes on American consumers every month until you stop people from illegally crossing the border.

[_honorentheos]

Hey, Mexico, I've trashed our previous trade agreement because I am the bestest negotiator and renegotiated a similar if slightly uneven new one that I congratulate you on accepting...SURPRISE! I'm weaponizing tariffs now! HAHAHAHAHAHA!

[_honorentheos]

Hey, Wall Street, think you didn't like unpredictability before? Buckle up!

[_Shulem]

President Trump uses fear and intimidation to get what he wants. It's the oldest trick in the book but it's outdated and the evolving world is moving on into another age.

[_Dr. Shades]

[MODERATOR NOTE: If you start a thread that has nothing to do with Mormonism, please do so in either the Spirit Paradise or Spirit Prison forum only. That's what they're there for.

Thank you.]

[_Res Ipsa]

[MODERATOR NOTE: If you start a thread that has nothing to do with Mormonism, please do so in either the Spirit Paradise or Spirit Prison forum only. That's what they're there for.

Thank you.]

Sorry, Shades. Brain fart. I think I did the same thing a couple other times yesterday.

[_Doctor Steuss]

Hey Mexico, in order to make people stay in your country in their quest for better economic opportunities, we’re going to help cause economic problems for your country.

[_canpakes]

OK, let’s see ...

1. Illegals come across border.
2. We raise tariffs.
3. Maybe the flow of illegal border crossers slows somewhat.
4. Maybe tariffs are reduced somewhat.
4. With less incentive, Mexico resumes allowing unfettered or increased illegal crossings,
5. Dammit! Raise tariffs!
6. Rinse and repeat.

How does this not just basically amount to a permanent increase in the cost of goods to Americans even if the aim of reducing the number of border crossers decreases somewhat? And if the cost of tariffs is generally borne by the American consumer, what incentives exist for Mexico to increase their expenditures for immigration mitigation or detention when they can just let Americans shoulder most of the economic impact of this exercise?

[_MeDotOrg]

We will build a wall and Mexico will pay for it.

Okay, so that didn't work. So what about we build a wall and we'll pay for it ourselves?

Well...that doesn't seem to be working out either. So while we're building the wall for which we are paying, we will now pay more for goods from Mexico.

Anybody sick and tired of winning yet?

[_honorentheos]

Hey Mexico, in order to make people stay in your country in their quest for better economic opportunities, we’re going to help cause economic problems for your country.

Brilliant.