By Steve Brawner, © 2019 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.
Let’s start with some transparency: In 2016, I voted enthusiastically for Ohio Gov. John Kasich in the Republican presidential primary and then voted for Evan McMullin in the general election because he was the best alternative to Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. I don’t want President Trump to be re-elected (but also don’t support impeachment) and am hoping a credible third party candidate emerges before next November.
I said “hoping,” not “holding my breath.”
But not being a Trump supporter shouldn’t blind anyone to ways his presidency has benefitted America, particularly this: He has challenged some assumptions about trade that needed to be challenged.
For decades, the consensus among political elites has been that trade is a good thing, and it has been. It has lifted millions worldwide from poverty, reduced the chance for conflict with rivals, and introduced free markets and the concept of freedom to autocratic countries such as China. As bad as China is, it was far worse decades ago, and in the Korean War Americans and Chinese were killing each other. Meanwhile, free trade has lowered prices for American consumers. The shirt I might buy today costs about what one did when I graduated high school in 1987. Continue reading Not for Trump, but here’s where he’s right