The recent discussions about tariffs ignore our very own hand in the decline of American manufacturing: the complicity of the American consumer.

King Trump’s advisors would have us believe “Washington insiders” and “radical left ‘elites’” sold us out; big business merely adjusted to the political winds. It’s a convenient ploy for a man playing to his base more than finding a solution.

Changes in manufacturing were inevitable, but the scale and speed required buy-in from everyday Americans. We the people are guilty of our own demise. The first time we saw a Chinese-made dishwasher or TV there were three times as many American products to choose from, but we bought the low-cost import. Domestic regulations were the cause, it was said. A few years later, half the products available were from China. Again, Americans chose the low-cost import. High corporate taxes and domestic regulations must have been the issue.

Eventually, the shelves were stocked with nothing but low-cost imports. We’d abandoned our manufacturers, our small businesses, our future. Until we can admit that, and address the feedback loop that sustains a trade deficit economy — stagnant wages, growing medical costs, attacks on labor and unions, to name a few — no amount of tariffs will brighten our future.

Poverty begets more poverty. Lies beget more lies. Our best choices are the future, not the past. We reneged on the chance to dominate in renewable energy, but China now dominates that too. Maybe we still have a chance there. Sounds better than manufacturing spatulas.

Chris Ring
York