General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I Simply Do Not Understand Obama's Support Of The TPP. [View all]pampango
(24,692 posts)And Europe, known for its strong unions and middle class, would not pursue low tariffs either. Every Democratic president since Woodrow Wilson has pushed for lower tariffs.
Our average tariff has gone from 4.5% in 1950 to 1.5% now. If you think that raising tariffs by 3% will bring back the prosperity of the 1950's and 1960's, you are welcome to your opinion. I think our problems go much deeper than restoring a 4.5% tariff.
What worked in the US under FDR - strong unions, progressive taxes, a viable safety net, effective corporate regulation and low tariffs - still works today to produce a strong middle class. It would work in the US, but to know that for sure we would have to get rid of anti-union legislation, a regressive tax system, inadequate corporate regulation and rebuild a viable safety net.